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What are the best options for replacing a VMware cluster?

April 29, 2025 7 answers
Asked by TechyBear99
I'm currently managing a VMware cluster that consists of 3 Dell PowerEdge servers and a 100TB Nimble storage array, all of which are about 5 years old. We want to leave our current Managed Service Provider (MSP) since they no longer provide server support and only keep existing clients until their hardware fails. We're considering whether to find another MSP or to take on the hardware management ourselves. My ideal scenario would be to transition most of our servers to the cloud while still keeping a few on-premises. What's cutting-edge in server infrastructure technology nowadays? Is hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) the way to go, or is there still an advantage in keeping compute, storage, and networking separate?
cloud solutions Hardware HCI MSP on-premises servers server infrastructure VMware

Answers

HPEfan99
The HPE Alletra is an impressive option. When paired with Gen 11 servers and your choice of hypervisor, it sets you up with a strong infrastructure solution.
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DellDude456
If budget allows, consider using VMware's vSAN or looking into a dHCi approach. This means connecting iSCSI cables directly to your storage area network (SAN) and managing storage via VMware’s policies. A live optics report could be helpful here—share it with your Dell rep for insights.
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ServerGuru33
Your MSP might not really be on board with the latest cloud solutions. It could be wise to switch to a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Provider (CSP) or a Gold partner instead. If you’re relying on an MSP, in-house expertise might be limited, so finding a better MSP could be the way to go.
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ProxmoxEnthusiast
Proxmox is gaining some traction lately; it could be worth looking into as an alternative virtualization platform if you're considering a shift.
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CloudWiz84
While cloud is really popular, sticking with on-prem could actually save you money in the long run. Once you factor in the capital expenses and storage costs over time, it can be more economical than going full cloud.
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SysAdminSage
For flexibility, investing in a solid SAN is essential; a good Value-Added Reseller (VAR) can help you find a competitively priced enterprise solution. If you want to stick with Dell, consider upgrading your PowerEdges or even switching to Supermicro servers for better performance. You can continue using VMware or explore Proxmox as an alternative.
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CloudCurious88
Not necessarily a common route, but you might explore Canonical's managed OpenStack if you're looking for managed on-prem servers with cloud-like services. It could meet your needs for both on-prem management and virtualization.
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