Does your IT department use NSX-V for network virtualisation? If the answer is "yes", then you need to know that VMware is pulling the plug on its support for NSX-V in January 2023.

That means no more technical oversight from the manufacturer. Any glitches, patches or disruptions will be your sole responsibility.

This is to encourage users to migrate to NSX-T. If you're sighing at the thought of another upgrade, we understand – but the good news is that NSX-T is more flexible, scalable, secure and streamlined than its predecessor.

Still, you might be wondering, "can't I just stick to NSX-V?"

Why you should upgrade

Sticking to NSX-V is an option, but it's a bit like buying a vintage car. When a bulb blows, you can't just order a replacement from Amazon Prime. It's now your job to source spare parts, often at inflated prices.

NSX-V won't die on you entirely. But its defences will start to crumble and before you know it hoards of cyber-barbarians could be climbing in through the windows.

This matters because warding off cyberattacks takes time. Your IT technicians have better things to do than rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship – and you've got better things to spend your budget on.

So don't let your security posture weaken – upgrade to NSX-T and receive full guidance from the manufacturer along with a host of sparkling new features.

NSX-T in a nutshell

If you're still not persuaded, let's run down NSX-T's USPs.

First, NSX-T has the power to manage multiple clouds.

Secondly, it's faster and more secure than NSX-V. It manages the traffic flow between data centre and cloud, or cloud and cloud, with a traffic cop's eye for suspicious behaviour and a maintenance team's dedication to smooth driving.

That means fast, seamless and secure traffic flow with zero tolerance for cyberattacks.

And thirdly, NSX-T makes life easier for IT by streamlining network and security administration. It's never been easier to create, manage and bin policies on the fly.

In short, that single change of letter will make a world of difference to your virtualisation software.

Multi-cloud networking

Multi-cloud networking has fast become the norm – spreading risk and maximising uptime as a way of mitigating the effects of cyberattacks.

But like all change, no matter how good, it brings with it a set of new problems to be solved.

Virtualised networking is a niche field of cloud computing. If you don't have the NSX smarts you might struggle to manage, scale and secure the various clouds that you're working with.

NSX-T makes this a whole lot easier by decoupling the manager from the vCenter. Whether your applications are virtual machines, containerised or bare metal, you can enforce consistent security and networking policies across multiple clouds from a single pane of glass.

Security

NSX-V boasted micro-segmented security. NSX-T kicks it up a notch. Now, you can apply a full-stack firewall to all workloads. This is implemented with a single click and without any changes being made to your vSphere or physical servers.

This is a key reason to upgrade. As well as enjoying these features, you'll be the recipient of regular security patches from the manufacturer – so your security will stay airtight. 

Cloud-native apps

Cloud-native apps are multiplying constantly, so NSX-T applies the same security posture to them as to any other edge. These micro-servicees are micro-segmented to achieve this comprehensive protection.

Scalability

It's not only micro-services that are proliferating. You don't need us to tell you that the amount of workloads a typical enterprise uses is constantly increasing.

NSX-T can scale up as you do. As new apps are deployed, NSX-T applies consistent security and networking policies to them all – no matter how complex your network gets.

Automation support

NSX-T builds on the successes of its predecessor by offering even greater automation support.

All of your workloads – whether on physical hardware or the cloud – can be monitored, maintained, upgraded and fixed from a single control panel. This "single pane of glass" gives you full visibility of the network and allows you to swiftly and painlessly make changes where needed.

It's time to make the move

Don't make your business vulnerable to new security risks and in the process waste resources on troubleshooting. Upgrade to VMware NSX-T and enjoy a host of new features that offer...

• More granularity
• More scaleability
• Increased security
• A streamlined networking experience

How can we help?

You don't need to be a VMware expert to know that migrating from V to T isn't a walk in the park. Virtualised networking is an area that requires expertise and long experience. And at Ascend Cloud Solutions, we offer both.

Making the upgrade in-house is an option – but you might find that knowledge gaps throw a spanner in the works.

Partnering with us will guarantee you a fast and seamless migration with minimal disruption to the running of your business.

We're cloud natives who have been working with VMware since it first arrived on the scene. We know this software inside out – so you know you're in safe hands.

Let us help you make the move and future-proof your business. If you need help with NSX V2T migration, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a free consultation.