Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has shaken user confidence, prompting many companies to seek alternatives like OpenStack. In this video, Jimmy McArthur, Director of Business Development at Open Infrastructure Foundation, discusses the impact of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and the subsequent license changes, and why OpenStack provides a viable alternative. On highlighting what OpenStack offers, he says, customers “want something that is supported by multiple vendors. They want to be able to move their workloads around, and they don’t want to get stuck again.”

The impact of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and changes to licenses

• McArthur discusses the impact of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, highlighting how it has affected VMware customers, particularly through increased license fees and changes to licensing structures.
• Broadcom’s actions have shaken user confidence, specifically targeting enterprise users while disadvantaging small and medium-sized managed service providers (MSPs). He mentions a shift to a suite-based model.
• McArthur clarifies that VMware’s shift away from perpetual licenses is a separate issue from the open-source license changes seen in other projects. VMware’s licensing changes have significantly impacted customer contracts and terms.
• McArthur raises concerns about VMware’s commitment to open source, noting that being a single-vendor project may lead to issues with vendor control and potential withdrawal of support.

Why open source is seen as a viable option for companies looking for VMware alternatives

• Since VMware’s changes, many companies have expedited their search for alternatives like OpenStack due to dissatisfaction with VMware’s new terms. McArthur explains why open source solutions are seen as a viable option.
• Mcarthur talks about the maturity of OpenStack as an alternative to VMware, saying that it is a well-established project with a strong ecosystem. He notes its 14 years of development and the growing investment from companies.
• OpenStack provides feature parity with VMware and has several tools and services to facilitate migration, including both proprietary and open-source solutions.
• McArthur talks about the active efforts to attract VMware customers to alternatives, reporting that a significant portion of surveyed members have been approached to migrate from VMware.

How OpenInfra is supporting migration efforts and advice for companies

• McArthur discusses the resources available for migration support from Open Infrastructure Foundation. He tells us that they are preparing a white paper and focusing on education and training to assist with VMware migrations.
• McArthur talks about whether open source, particularly under neutral organizations, is a safer option compared to proprietary solutions. He argues that open source offers greater control and security.
• McArthur notes that open source mitigates geopolitical conflicts by allowing companies to control their technology and data, supporting local economies, and avoiding reliance on politically affected vendors.
• McArthur shares his advice for companies considering migrating from VMware. He suggests they evaluate current and future contract terms, retrain employees for open-source solutions, and use available resources in the OpenStack ecosystem.
• Open Infrastructure Foundation’s roadmap includes a VMware Migration Working Group to address pain points and gaps, with efforts to enhance solutions and software.

Guest: Jimmy McArthur (LinkedIn)
Company: Open Infrastructure Foundation (Twitter)
Show: Let’s Talk

This summary was written by Emily Nicholls.