When considering a full-stack replacement for VMware vSphere, vSAN, and other components, users should evaluate the full-stack infrastructure capabilities of alternative solutions, and pay particular attention to the integration of virtualization and storage, and the compatibility between hardware and software:

• Full-stack infrastructure capabilities: VMware’s original Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) solution provides a comprehensive and integrated IT infrastructure that enables users to easily manage and deploy virtualized resources through a variety of VMware’s product components including, but not limited to, vSphere, vSAN, NSX, TKG, and vRealize Suite. To achieve the full-stack replacement, users should evaluate if the alternative solution provides comparable functionalities and performance for all the components listed above. Learn more about evaluation tips: Exploring VMware Alternatives? Tips for Enterprises with Varying Levels of VMware Dependency.
• Integration of virtualization and storage: VMware solutions allow unified management of VMs and distributed storage through vCenter, with the option to add Aria Operations for long-term visual monitoring and predictive analyses. When selecting a replacement solution, users should prioritize the unified management capabilities of the hyperconverged cluster. Notably, the management interface of VMware alternative shouldn’t just be “a carbon copy” of vCenter. Users should test the product through hands-on usage to ensure that resource management within the cluster is truly integrated, visualized, and automated.
• Compatibility between hardware and software: VMware’s solution is pure software-defined and compatible with a wide range of hardware. Users can choose appropriate hardware specifications and components from the compatibility list to fit their needs. Alternatives with less extensive hardware compatibility may require customers to adjust their procurement processes or channels, and existing hardware may not be reusable in the new system. As a result, hardware compatibility isn’t just a technical concern — it directly affects the TCO of the entire system. Taking AECP as an example, it supports a broad range of hardware, with a hardware compatibility checker tool on its official website for users to easily identify compatible hardware products.

For more FAQ regarding VMware alternatives, please refer to  https://www.arcfra.com/vmware-alternative/.