6 ways a VMware consultant can help your business

VMware has been the market leader in virtualisation software for a while now. But do you get the feeling that you could do with some outside help when configuring and managing its software suite? 

We're casting no aspersions here. IT is an increasingly specialised sector – and one that's changing all the time. It can be hard to train staff at a speed that matches the cloud industry. On a bad day, it can feel like you've missed one lesson and are now sitting the exam in a whole other language. 

Luckily, help is at hand in the form of VMware consultants. Full disclosure: that's our job. Ascend Cloud Solutions is made up of ex-VMware employees with a deep knowledge of the software suite and what it can do. 

So why should you work with us? Take a look at these six reasons and see what you think. 

1. Align your business goals with your cloud migration plan 

It won't surprise you to discover that we're mad about the cloud and what it can do for your workloads, productivity and bottom line. But we're also not starry-eyed. We know that cloud migration projects can fail. 

In this context, failure could be overspending. It could be a lack of staff engagement. It could be a poor ROI. But whatever the nature of the failure, what underlines all of these disappointments is usually one thing: a lack of alignment with the company's business goals.

New technologies should always serve your profit margin – so if they negatively impact it, you're in trouble. 

Working with a cloud consultant can help you to establish two interrelated things. The first is what you need the cloud to do for you. The second is how to implement it. 

Is lift-and-shift the right method for you? Do you need to migrate in waves? Are there deadlines to work around? 

An internal team can answer these questions – but often a fresh pair of eyes can help. The result? A higher chance of success and a technological answer to your business problems. 

2. Managed VMware cloud migration 

Are you moving to a VMware-based cloud? Then you want someone on your side who knows the VMware SDDC (software-defined data centre) inside out and back to front. Someone who can choose vSphere as their Mastermind specialist subject and come up smiling.

This is the case whether you're migrating to a private, public or hybrid SDDC and whether you're going from an on-premise data centre or between clouds. 

Your priority is success – and an experienced VMware consultant can help ensure it. 

3. NSX-V to NSX-T migration 

Do you use NSX-V for network virtualisation? You've probably noticed that technical support from VMware has been shuttered. Experiencing a glitch? You're on your own. 

It's not the end of the world – but it is a headache for IT which, frankly, has better things to do. 

That's why VMware recommends switching to NSX-T ASAP. Thankfully, this isn't just a slog – it's an upgrade. 

NSX-T is more secure, more agile and built for our age of hybrid working, multi-cloud environments and containerisation. It boasts improved network automation and support for cloud-native apps. NSX-T is very now, shall we say. 

Again, this is something that you can do on your own. But you might find yourself in the hot seat wanting to phone a friend – preferably one with exhaustive knowledge of NSX-T architecture. 

Are you in that hot seat, starting to sweat beneath the studio lights? Then a VMware consultant could be the lifeline you need. 

4. VMware cloud consultancy 

Are you doing the groundwork for an out-of-the-box project involving VMware? Are you tearing your hair out because of a technical challenge? Have you hit a wall trying to use HCX, NSX or vSphere? 

The temptation is always to invest in recruitment or lay on a spread of training. That's fine, as far as it goes – but if you're just trying to complete one project, you could end up cracking a nut with a sledgehammer.

In all of these situations, you might find yourself longing for someone to bounce ideas off. A tried, tested and – above all – trusted VMware consultant could be that person. 

5. Reduce risk 

Ah, risk – the eternal presence that slows down and even paralyses decision-making. 

Cloud migration is a risk. Despite its manifold benefits, it could always go wrong and leave you sobbing into your invoice.

 This is especially the case when you're trying to integrate new tech into old ways of working. Without the right plan, you could end up bashing a square peg into a round hole. 

Having expert help from outside is a surefire way of reducing risk – not least because a VMware consultant will bring deep, granular knowledge to the table. They'll be able to lend a helping hand at both the planning and implementation stages. 

6. Keep disruption to the bare minimum 

Disruption isn't just a pain in the neck. It can also delay delivery, dent productivity and lead to strained relationships with clients. 

There's no two ways about it: if your IT team is suddenly faced with a VMware-related problem, they're going to be stretched. But having a VMware expert at hand means that your internal team can focus on everything else that needs doing. 

Moreover, a consultant can help you plan the migration or deployment so that it works around your deadlines and commitments. This is essential for keeping operations running smoothly as you make the big switch. 

Conclusion 

Whether you've got big ideas for a VMware project or are right in the midst of one, a consultant can help you align your project with your business goals – and, in the process, make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Are you looking for support with the VMware SDDC, managed migration or NSX-T? Ascend Cloud Solutions is made up ofcloud computing experts with a deep understanding of the VMware software suite. Get in touchtoday with your requirements for a no-obligation consultation.