As part of its transition to new subscription-based models, VMware has announced the End of Availability (EOA) for several key products. If your business relies on any of these VMware products, now is the time to plan your next steps. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the EOA process and provide actionable steps to ensure a smooth transition to the right alternative solutions.
VMware’s decision to retire certain products is part of its shift toward subscription-based licensing and bundled platforms. The change has also been accelerated by Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, which pushed for a simpler product lineup and a stronger focus on integrated solutions. For businesses, this means making proactive decisions about migration now, rather than waiting until support officially ends.
Understanding VMware's End Of Availability (EOA)
End of Availability means VMware will no longer sell certain products or renew contracts for them. Existing customers can continue using these products until the end of their subscription term, but support and updates may be limited or discontinued. Key VMware products, including vSphere Enterprise Plus and various SD-WAN offerings, are affected by this shift.
Timeline Of VMware EOA Changes
VMware’s End of Availability is not a single date but a phased process. Typically, VMware first announces the EOA, then stops selling new licenses, discontinues contract renewals, and eventually phases out support. For many products, this means customers may be able to use their existing licenses until the subscription ends, but no new purchases or renewals will be possible. Keeping track of these milestones is essential to avoid running on unsupported software.
Step 1: Identify VMware Licenses Impacted By EOA
The first step in preparing for the EOA of VMware products is to identify which of your VMware licenses and services are being phased out. Make sure to audit your current VMware environment to understand which products you rely on and when their availability will end.
Common VMware Products Facing EOA Include
- VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus
- Several SD-WAN solutions
- Legacy SASE offerings
Check your existing contracts and note expiration dates so you can avoid service disruptions.
Step 2: Assess Downtime, Cost & Compliance Risks
Once you’ve identified the affected products, it’s time to assess the impact on your business. The EOA for VMware products could impact your IT infrastructure, budget, and daily operations. Consider the following factors:
Downtime Risks
Unsupported software may lead to system instability or leave you exposed to security vulnerabilities.
Cost Implications
Moving to VMware Cloud Foundation or other bundled platforms often comes with higher licensing fees than standalone products. Careful budgeting is essential.
Compliance Concerns
For industries like healthcare, finance, or any business bound by GDPR, using unsupported systems may create compliance gaps.
Risks Of Not Acting
Ignoring EOA timelines may seem tempting if your systems are still running smoothly, but it comes with serious risks. Unsupported VMware products can leave your infrastructure vulnerable to security breaches, make it difficult to stay compliant with industry regulations, and potentially increase costs when emergency fixes or rushed migrations become unavoidable. Planning ahead protects both your operations and your bottom line.
Having a clear understanding of these factors will help you make informed decisions about the next steps.
Step 3: Explore VMware Alternatives & New Platforms
VMware has bundled many of its EOA products into new solutions like VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) and VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF). These integrated solutions are designed to replace standalone products, offering more features and greater flexibility.
VMware Alternatives - Your Main Options
- VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF): A full-stack platform designed for both cloud-native and traditional workloads.
- VMware vSphere Foundation (VVF): Optimized for traditional data centers with enhanced features like Tanzu Kubernetes Grid and Aria Operations.
When reviewing alternatives, VMware Cloud Foundation provides full-stack integration but often comes at a higher cost. VMware vSphere Foundation is well-suited for traditional data centers, though it may not scale as easily as VCF.
Microsoft Azure Stack is a strong option for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, while Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is popular for its flexible hyperconverged approach and hybrid capabilities. The right choice will depend on your workload needs, budget, and in-house expertise.
Benefits Of Proactive Migration
While EOA creates challenges, it also brings opportunities. Proactively migrating to newer VMware platforms or alternative solutions can deliver stronger scalability, improved security, and better integration with modern cloud-native applications.
Businesses that take action early often find they can streamline their infrastructure, reduce complexity, and prepare more effectively for future growth.
Step 4: Plan Your Transition
After selecting a replacement solution, it’s time to plan your migration. The key here is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your business operations.
Transition Best Practices
- Set a Timeline: Coordinate the migration process around your business’s least busy times to minimize impact.
- Test Before Full Implementation: Run tests on the new system before switching entirely to ensure it integrates with your existing environment.
- Train Your IT Team: Make sure your team is fully trained on the new solution, whether it’s a new VMware product or an alternative platform.
For most mid-sized environments, a smooth migration typically takes three to six months, while larger enterprises may require phased rollouts lasting nine months or more. Common pitfalls to watch out for include underestimating the training required for IT teams, skipping compatibility testing for legacy applications, and scheduling migration during peak business cycles when downtime is most costly.
Role Of Training & Change Management
Beyond technical planning, it’s important to account for people and processes. Many IT teams will need additional training to work effectively with VMware’s new platforms or competitor solutions. Setting aside time and budget for training and internal change management can help your team adapt faster, avoid mistakes, and get the most value from your investment.
Step 5: Get Expert Help From A Vendor-Agnostic Partner
Navigating the EOA for VMware products can be complex, but working with a vendor-agnostic partner like CommQuotes can make the process easier. We help businesses assess their needs, explore all available solutions, and ensure a smooth transition to new platforms. Whether you’re sticking with VMware or exploring alternatives, our team will provide expert advice to help you make the best decision for your business.
Who Should Be Involved In The Decision
Navigating VMware’s EOA isn’t only an IT decision. CIOs and CTOs will need to weigh long-term strategy, while IT managers oversee technical execution. Procurement teams should evaluate licensing costs, and compliance officers must ensure the new platform meets regulatory requirements. Bringing the right stakeholders to the table ensures your migration plan balances cost, security, and performance from the start.
VMware End Of Availability (EOA) FAQs
When Is VMware EOA Taking Effect?
EOA dates vary by product. VMware typically announces the end of sales first, then discontinues renewals, with support ending after existing contracts expire. Always check your contract for specific timelines.
Can I Continue Using An EOA Product After Support Ends?
Yes, but doing so leaves you without updates or patches. This can increase risks around security, compliance, and performance.
What Are My Options If VMware’s New Bundles Don’t Fit My Needs?
Alternatives like Microsoft Azure Stack and Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure offer robust features and may be better suited depending on your environment.
Will Migrating Increase My IT Budget?
In most cases, bundled solutions like VMware Cloud Foundation carry higher costs than legacy standalone products. However, they often reduce complexity and improve efficiency, offsetting some of the expense over time.
Who Should Lead The Migration Project?
A successful transition typically involves IT leadership, system administrators, compliance officers, and procurement teams working together.
Moving Forward: Preparing Your IT For The Future
The EOA of VMware products presents an opportunity to reevaluate your IT infrastructure and potentially streamline your systems. By following this step-by-step guide, your business can navigate the transition smoothly and continue operating efficiently with the right solutions in place.
If you need personalized advice on VMware’s EOA products or want to explore alternative solutions, reach out to CommQuotes today. We’re here to help you find the best fit for your business – at the best price.
