VMware Migration to Apache CloudStack
Migrate your existing vSphere environment to a robust IaaS cloud environment based on Apache CloudStack and KVM. Explore CloudStack as an open-source VMware alternative.
Strategic Move Away from VMware to Apache CloudStack: The Migration Plan
Planning your VMware migration to Apache CloudStack is a process that involves several steps to ensure a smooth transition:
Migration Design
When planning a migration from a VMware-based infrastructure to Apache CloudStack and
KVM hypervisor, the first step is to outline a design architecture. This design will illustrate the placement and interaction of key components in the network, ensuring that everything happens as expected during migration.
Migration Plan
- Planning Your Migration Journey
- Profile the VMware Instances to Migrate
- Migration Timeline
Installing and Configuring Apache CloudStack
- Deploying Apache CloudStack
- Configuring KVM Hosts
- Preparing the CloudStack Environment
- Domain and Accounts
- Optional: Disk and Network Offerings
- Networks
Need help in starting with Apache CloudStack? Download the Apache CloudStack PoC Guide
Migrating Instances
Starting with CloudStack 4.19, an automation migration tool was introduced to speed up migration of Instances from VMware to CloudStack running KVM Hypervisor. In essence, this tool leverages the virt-v2v utility, which should be present on KVM hosts, to facilitate the migration process. When a user selects a VMware Instance for migration, the tool initiates a sequence of operations that begin with a connection to vCenter.
Benefits of Migrating away from VMware to Apache CloudStack
Apache CloudStack stands out as a VMware alternative for its comprehensive features that meet flexibility and long-term reliability needs. In light of the long-term uncertainties in the virtualisation market, following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, Apache CloudStack has emerged as a serious open-source VMware alternative and a competitor for organisations of all sizes seeking viable alternatives.
Multi-hypervisor support
CloudStack is compatible with various hypervisors. Migration from VMware ESXi hosts on vCenter to a KVM hypervisor environment in Apache CloudStack is recommended

Multi-tenant architecture
It ensures that multiple users or organisations can securely share the same physical infrastructure while maintaining privacy and security.
High availability
CloudStack is designed to minimise downtime, ensuring that services are always accessible.
Simplified orchestration
It streamlines the management of compute, network, and storage components, making it easier for organizations to manage their cloud resources.
Fully open-source solution
Apache CloudStack is an open-source solution, powered by an active community. Typically, there are 2 major releases per year and the project roadmap follows the needs and requirements of its users.
Free and ensuring your business profitability
CloudStack is a free to use solution, and it ensures your profitability in the long-term.
Leverage ShapeBlue Services for Complex Scenarios, Large-scale Deployments and Custom VMware Migrations to CloudStack
ShapeBlue is the largest independent integrator of CloudStack technologies globally and are specialist in designing and implementing IaaS cloud infrastructures for both private and public cloud implementations. Our services include consulting about your VMware to CloudStack migration, migration design, CloudStack design and deployment, migration design documentation and full support during your migration journey.

Successful VMware Migration to Open-source Virtualization Management
Ensuring Vendor Independance
Many organizations are now seeking VMware alternatives that offer open-source virtualization, multi-hypervisor support, or cloud-agnostic solutions. Choosing a vendor-independent virtualization platform ensures long-term control over IT infrastructure, reduces risks, and enhances adaptability.

Decreasing Total Costs of Ownership
Many VMware replacements provide a lower TCO by offering more affordable licensing, predictable pricing models, and reduced infrastructure overhead. Open-source virtualization solutions like Apache CloudStack and KVM help companies cut costs without sacrificing performance.

Eliminating Long-term Ucertainity
Broadcom's aggressive restructuring of VMware’s business model has made IT leaders nervous about long-term stability. Many companies are proactively evaluating alternative hypervisors and cloud platforms.

Ease of Implementation and Use
A VMware alternative should offer intuitive management interfaces, streamlined deployment, and automation-friendly features. Platforms with simpler hypervisor management, built-in orchestration, and user-friendly dashboards ensure faster adoption and reduced IT burden.
Compatibility and Integrations
A successful transition away from VMware requires seamless compatibility with existing hardware, services and third-party applications. CloudStack as a VMware alternative supports hybrid cloud environments, major hypervisors and essential enterprise integrations, ensuring smooth migration without major disruptions.

VMware Migration to Apache CloudStack: A Comprehensive Guide
This guide is designed for VMware users looking to migrate their existing vSphere environment to a flexible and cost-effective IaaS cloud powered by Apache CloudStack and the KVM hypervisor. Transitioning from VMware ESXi hosts on vCenter to a KVM-based CloudStack environment helps reduce licensing costs and avoid vendor lock-in while enabling a scalable cloud infrastructure.
By following this guide, users will gain a deep understanding of managing cloud workloads with Apache CloudStack. Whether using the intuitive UI or API, users will be able to operate and optimize their new cloud environment with ease.
Upon completing this guide, users will emerge with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage a versatile cloud infrastructure with CloudStack. Users will also be able to seamlessly handle an environment fully managed by CloudStack’s unified UI or API.
Test Drive Apache CloudStack: Public Demo Cloud
Dive into the world of efficient, scalable, and highly customizable cloud management with a completely open-source solution.
Fill out the form, confirm your email, and unlock 14-day access to the Apache CloudStack Public Demo Cloud today!

Fill in the form, confirm your subscription and
launch your 14-day CloudStack Test Drive!
Welcome to the Apache CloudStack Public Demo Cloud! Dive into the world of efficient, scalable, and highly customizable cloud management with a completely open-source solution. Whether you are building a public cloud or you are an enterprise looking to streamline your cloud operations, Apache CloudStack offers the tools and flexibility you need.
Fill out the form, confirm your email, and unlock 14-day access to the Apache CloudStack Public Demo Cloud today!