Advice Needed on Choosing a Virtualization Strategy: VMware, Hyper-V, Proxmox, or Cloud?

I recommend Nutanix if management simplicity is a priority. They have a neat "Move" appliance that streamlines migrations, and their clusters are easy to manage. While the initial costs may be higher, the support and scalability benefits are significant. Just keep in mind that budgeting might be a bit more complex compared to the other solutions!

For those focusing on simplicity and cost, Proxmox is worth considering. It's cost-effective and offers great flexibility without locking you into a vendor ecosystem. Plus, it allows you to grow as needed. Start small with non-production servers to get familiar with its features and management before fully committing.

Before making a decision, consider what type of virtual machines you're primarily running. If it's mostly Windows-based, going with Hyper-V might be the smoother option. It's generally easier for Windows loads and integrates well with other Microsoft products, plus the learning curve isn't too steep compared to VMware or Proxmox. Proxmox does have its merits, especially as it's becoming more robust, but it might not be ideal for enterprise level just yet.

Honestly, if you're unsure, don't rush into the cloud. Make sure to gradually transition, evaluate how costs stack up versus on-prem setups, especially in terms of resource efficiency. And don't forget to check your storage compatibility; it's often overlooked but critical to a successful migration.

If your workload allows for some flexibility, consider going hybrid with Hyper-V and Azure. This setup lets you maximize your on-prem resources while opening up scalable options in the cloud. It aligns well with Microsoft services and can be a strategic move if you're leaning towards Microsoft anyway.