Future-proof virtualization technology

Virtualization enables enterprises to strengthen IT infrastructure through efficient resource utilization, cost savings, and operational flexibility. However, as technology evolves, so do the challenges of virtualization. Rising costs, complexity, and the need for more advanced tools are reshaping the landscape, forcing enterprises to rethink their virtualization strategies.

Backed by proven performance and innovation, NetApp is the go-to solution for enterprises looking to optimize VMware environments.

How do you help ensure your virtualization approach remains agile, efficient, and secure in a constantly changing environment? In this blog, I’ll explore the evolving virtualization landscape, actionable strategies to overcome future challenges, and how NetApp^® solutions can optimize VMware and hybrid environments. 

Once a niche technology, virtualization has become the backbone of modern IT environments, enabling hardware consolidation, simplified operations, and scalable infrastructure. However, the growth in its adoption also introduces new hurdles.

Key trends in virtualization

• Hybrid and multicloud integration: Enterprises increasingly lean into hybrid strategies to combine on-premises control with public-cloud scalability. Virtualization enables seamless workload transitions across these diverse environments. 
• Containerized architectures: While virtual machines (VMs) remain essential, many organizations have started adopting container technologies for greater agility and scalability. 
• Advancements in automation and AI: Intelligent automation tools streamline virtualization management, from resource allocation to predictive maintenance. 

Common challenges enterprises face

• Cost unpredictability: VMware’s shift to subscription-based pricing models has caused cost surges for many organizations. 
• Growing complexity: Managing virtualized data centers across hybrid or multicloud environments creates layers of operational intricacy. 
• Heightened security risks: Distributed virtualization environments mean increased vulnerabilities, requiring advanced data protection and ransomware detection. 

Staying ahead in virtualization requires forward-looking approaches that prioritize efficiency, flexibility, and resilience. Here’s how enterprises can prepare for the future. 

1. Control costs with smarter resource management

Unpredictable expenses remain a significant pain point. Managing licensing costs and resource allocation is critical to optimizing budgets.  

How NetApp can help:  

• Use NetApp ONTAP^® powered storage to reduce direct CPU costs by shifting data management off expensive VMware resources. Explore how ONTAP facilitates storage virtualization. 
• Learn how Thor Motor Coach used NetApp to cut virtualization costs while enhancing operational agility. 

2. Simplify virtualization with advanced monitoring tools

Managing workloads across hybrid environments can overwhelm IT teams. Simplifying these processes ensures focus remains on strategic priorities.  

Actionable steps:  

• Leverage NetApp ONTAP for consistent data operations across on-premises and cloud environments. 
• Use NetApp Data Infrastructure Insights for full-stack observability, offering visibility into VM performance and storage utilization. 

3. Build flexibility with hybrid strategies

To stay competitive, enterprises need adaptable hybrid solutions to seamlessly transition workloads between data centers and cloud platforms. Top approaches:  

• Explore joint solutions from NetApp and VMware, designed to right-size VMware investments on premises or in the cloud. 
• Use a unified platform like ONTAP to maintain flexibility across multiple operating environments and avoid vendor lock-in. Get started with ONTAP for VMware. 
• Incrementally transition to the cloud with cost-efficient NetApp ASA storage.  

Did you know? NetApp technology supports VMware workloads on all major public clouds and integrates hybrid operations natively. View VMware-certified and supported solutions for AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. 

4. Modernize infrastructure with block storage and containers  

VMs are vital. Adding modern storage architectures and containerized environments can improve performance and future-proof your virtual infrastructure. NetApp excels in enabling seamless transitions from legacy VM environments to containerized architectures without operational disruption. According to Gartner^®, NetApp is recognized in the Critical Capabilities for Primary Storage Platforms.^[1] 

Best practices for modernization:  

• Deploy high-performing NVMe-based, block-optimized NetApp ASA storage to accelerate demanding workloads. 
• Mix containers and VMs for added agility using platforms like Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization. 
• Use AI-driven Data Infrastructure Insights for predictive maintenance and workload optimization.  

NetApp equips enterprises with intelligent infrastructure designed to tackle the most pressing virtualization challenges. 

What makes NetApp unique?  

• Certified external storage for VMware: NetApp is the only storage vendor certified for both VMware’s on-premises and cloud subscription models. 
• Performance and cost efficiency: With a 3:1 guaranteed data efficiency for virtualized workloads on NAS and a 4:1 efficiency guarantee for SAN protocol workloads, users can provision storage without overspending. 
• Automated operations with ONTAP: ONTAP provides streamlined management of data storage and security, whether on-premises or in the cloud. 
• Real-time ransomware detection and recovery: Reduce your risk with NetApp’s real-time ransomware protection, offering enterprise-grade data security from malicious attacks. 

Virtualization is no longer an option; it’s an imperative. By adopting strategies to control costs, simplify operations, and modernize infrastructure, enterprises can unlock the full potential of virtualization while staying agile in a competitive landscape.  

Secure your competitive advantage now. Explore NetApp for VMware and NetApp for Red Hat OpenShift. 

NOTE:
1. Gartner, Critical Capabilities for Primary Storage Platforms, Jeff Vogel, Chandra Mukhyala, September 19, 2024.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.