Transitioning from VMware to an alternative infrastructure solution can unlock cost savings, performance improvements, and flexibility, but it also introduces risks if data protection isn't prioritized. Data is the lifeblood of any organization, and during infrastructure changes, it's more vulnerable than ever. Organizations risk data loss, operational disruption, and costly compliance violations without a strong data protection strategy.

Here's why data protection must be a cornerstone of your VMware exit strategy-and how to ensure you're fully prepared.

The Risks of Switching Without a Data Protection Plan

Migrating away from VMware involves more than shifting workloads-it's a comprehensive change to how infrastructure operates. Without a solid data protection strategy, organizations face several risks:

• Data Loss During Migration: Moving virtual machines (VMs) and workloads to a new platform increases the chance of losing or corrupting critical data.

• Incompatibility with Existing Backup Systems: If the new platform doesn't integrate with current backup hardware or software, you could face gaps in protection.

• Operational Downtime: Downtime during or after migration can occur if there isn't a tested backup and recovery plan.

• Compliance Gaps: If backups aren't accessible or recoverable during the transition, regulatory data retention and protection requirements can be violated.

• Ransomware Vulnerabilities: Without proper layers of defense, data is at risk from malicious attacks. The infrastructure should provide its own protection alongside traditional backup solutions.
  

Mitigating these risks requires the VMware alternative and the backup solution to work together, providing multiple layers of defense and recovery options.

Key Features to Look for in a VMware Alternative

Not all VMware alternatives are created equal when it comes to data protection. As you evaluate your options, prioritize platforms that provide robust features to safeguard your workloads and minimize risks:

• Snapshot Support: The platform should offer fast, efficient snapshots for frequent backups and rapid recovery of virtual machines and data.

• Change Block Tracking (CBT): This technology tracks and backs up only changed data since the last snapshot, reducing backup times and storage requirements.

• Backup Storage Compatibility: Ensure the alternative integrates with your existing backup appliances and supports cloud-based object storage to maximize current investments.

• Drive Failure Resilience: To avoid disruptions, look for infrastructure that can maintain continuous data access, even during multiple simultaneous drive failures.

• Infrastructure-Level Data Protection: The VMware alternative should provide built-in resilience against data loss, including redundancy, replication, and high availability, ensuring it can carry its own weight for protection.

• Ransomware Defense: The platform should include features like immutable snapshots and multi-layered data protection, creating a strong first line of defense against cyberattacks. Backup solutions should act as the final safety net, enabling full recovery if ransomware breaches other defenses.
  

Selecting a VMware alternative that can protect itself minimizes reliance on backup solutions and ensures consistent availability during migration and beyond.

Aligning Data Protection with Your Migration Strategy

A well-executed migration strategy must include data protection at every stage. Here are key steps to consider:

1. Test Current Backups: Before migration, ensure all critical data is backed up and recoverable on the existing VMware platform.
2. Plan Incremental Migrations: Move workloads in phases rather than all at once, creating frequent checkpoints with updated backups.
3. Validate on the New Platform: After migration, test recovery capabilities on the VMware alternative to confirm data is protected and accessible.
4. Establish Backup Redundancy: Store backup copies in multiple locations-on-premises, in the cloud, or off-site-to mitigate potential risks during and after the transition.
   

This approach ensures that data remains protected throughout the migration and positions your organization for long-term operational continuity.

Building Layers of Protection with VergeIO and Storware

A strong partnership between infrastructure and backup solutions is key when transitioning to a VMware alternative. Platforms like VergeIO provide built-in resilience at the infrastructure level, offering high availability, real-time recovery from drive failures, and robust snapshot capabilities. This foundation ensures that the infrastructure itself protects critical data and reduces dependence on external solutions for day-to-day resiliency.

Complementing this, Storware Backup and Recovery adds an additional layer of protection, integrating directly with VergeIO to leverage snapshots and change block tracking. Storware provides efficient backups, supports long-term data archives, and catalogs backup data for easy access. Together, VergeIO and Storware deliver a multi-layered defense against data loss, ensuring business continuity and resilience during your VMware exit and beyond.

Conclusion

Switching to a VMware alternative is a pivotal opportunity to modernize your IT environment, but it must be done with a focus on data protection. The right strategy involves selecting an infrastructure platform that includes built-in resilience, integrates with existing backup solutions, and provides ransomware defense as the first line of protection. Paired with a robust backup solution, this combination ensures you can confidently make the switch while improving the protection of your organization's most critical asset-its data.