Our customers use the VMware Cloud Formation as an alternative to other public cloud services such as Azure or Amazon Web Services. It provides them with an additional option for their data analytics and business intelligence needs.
Vice President Public & Health Solution Consulting at T-Systems International GmbH
Seamless infrastructure transformation with advanced migration support
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature is the ease of migrating from on-premises infrastructure when transitioning away from older systems."
- "Working on features that could include the capability to migrate workflows from non-VMware environments would be highly beneficial."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature is the ease of migrating from on-premises infrastructure when transitioning away from older systems.
What needs improvement?
It is currently undergoing continuous development and transformation in various aspects. These enhancements include not only migration technology but also infrastructure and automation technology. Working on features that could include the capability to migrate workflows from non-VMware environments would be highly beneficial.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with it for two years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
In terms of stability, there are still some challenges. These challenges arise during the migration process from on-premises setups to VMware Cloud Foundation. We've encountered certain issues and bugs in this transition, and we've had to involve the vendor to assist in troubleshooting these specific problems. It's important to clarify that these concerns pertain to the migration and onboarding of customers from on-premise locations to VMware Cloud Foundation, rather than the stability of the infrastructure itself. I would rate it seven out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
There are around five hundred administrators currently working on it, so it is quite scalable. It is suitable for businesses of various sizes, including small, medium, and enterprise-level operations. I would rate it eight out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
I found the technical support to be excellent. I would rate it nine out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is moderate. I would rate it six out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
This product is well-suited for refreshing and migrating workflows from legacy vendor environments to the new infrastructure. It excels in supporting migration processes. I would rate it eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
System Engineer at a retailer with 10,001+ employees
Beneficial life-cycle and password management, but bugs could be reduced
Pros and Cons
- "VMware Cloud Foundation's most valuable features are password and certificate management. The SDDC manager tool is the front tool we are using to manage the entire VCF stack. In the SDDC manager, we can able to rotate, and update the passwords of all users. Anything in the VMware portfolio, we can manage from a single dashboard and we have various data centers. We have connected everything into one Federation. From one single place, we are managing our entire virtual interactions."
- "In the early adoption of VMware Cloud Foundation, we have seen minor problems. For example, in our Federation, I see the single pane of glass where we need to manage everything, which is good. However, internally, we have a Kafka database that is distributed by the database used by the SDDC manager. During the distribution and synchronization, there is some issue and we need to stop the process."
What is our primary use case?
We have various on-premise environments. To upgrade user lifecycle management of those standalone environments with repeated patch upgrades, hardware lifecycle management, and software lifecycle management. For all of these issues, we use VMware Cloud Foundation because it does everything.
The interoperability checkings, and supportability matrix, it does internally and gives recommendations automatically on what type of hardware we're using. For example, it gives automatic recommendations of all the hardware lifecycle drivers, and firmware, including the software stack.
How has it helped my organization?
VMware Cloud Foundation reduces time complexity for the VMware administrator.
What is most valuable?
VMware Cloud Foundation's most valuable features are password and certificate management. The SDDC manager tool is the front tool we are using to manage the entire VCF stack. In the SDDC manager, we can able to rotate, and update the passwords of all users. Anything in the VMware portfolio, we can manage from a single dashboard and we have various data centers. We have connected everything into one Federation. From one single place, we are managing our entire virtual interactions.
What needs improvement?
In the early adoption of VMware Cloud Foundation, we have seen minor problems. For example, in our Federation, I see the single pane of glass where we need to manage everything, which is good. However, internally, we have a Kafka database that is distributed by the database used by the SDDC manager. During the distribution and synchronization, there is some issue and we need to stop the process.
There are some other upgrade issues because it includes a lot of solutions, such as ESXi, NSX-T, vSAN, and some other components. The problem is it does not automatically upgrade. If it fails somewhere, we are stuck there. Until we solve this problem, we cannot move on to the next step, we are seeing some bugs, but those issues are being addressed in the later versions. Every version has some issues, but it has been addressed in the next version. In the earlier versions, we've seen a lot of issues, but VMware has done a lot of good progress in resolving them. The latest resolved whatever issues we have seen thus far. This is why why we are upgrading to the latest version, which is 4.5.
Initially, we are in a physical space and moved to a virtual one. From there, we are moving towards cloud and container-based environments. We don't have any future VCF to manage the containers. We have to come back to the vCenter to manage everything. If the features, could be inbuilt and available on the SDDC manager which is a VMware Cloud Foundation solution, it would be great.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware Cloud Foundation(VCF) for approximately one year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The performance and stability of VMware Cloud Foundation are good. There have been some minor issues but overall the solution is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware Cloud Foundation is easy to scale out.
We have approximately 50 people using the solution in my organization.
How are customer service and support?
We have a good relationship with the vendor and if we have any issue we are looked after, and our issue gets resolved.
I would rate the support of VMware Cloud Foundation a four out of five.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have previously used Citrix XenServer. We started using VMware version 6.0 and move to 6.5, and 6.7, and are now using 7.0. We later implemented VMware Cloud Foundation.
We switched to VMware because we know they are a good vendor in the market for virtualization. We have many public vendors, but in a private cloud, VMware is good, they penetrated well in the market. Our business use cases match nicely with VMware virtualization.
How was the initial setup?
For the implementation of VMware Cloud Foundation, you need to have data center knowledge. Additionally, having network knowledge is very important. You need to have multiple skills to deploy VMware Cloud Foundation. It is not very easy to do.
There are a lot of design decisions that need to be made. We need to fill up the Excel sheet. For example, if I am the only one aware of the data center components, but not the networking components, then I cannot deploy VMware Cloud Foundation. Multiple teams need to be involved. A single person cannot deploy this solution from end to end. There need to be multiple storage, networking, and vSphere administrators. The initial setup is a bit complex, if you missed anything in the initial phase, you cannot modify it. You need to tear it apart and you need to redeploy it from scratch. This is one of the substantial pain points.
Our full implementation took us approximately five weeks.
What about the implementation team?
We used the help of the solutions architects. However, our in-house team is very good at networking, storage, and vSphere, but the design of VMware Cloud Foundation is a bit complex. We need to have experts from the vendor side.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of VMware Cloud Foundation is a bit high. However, it comes with a lot of useful features and can handle a lot of operational complexity. Overall the price can be seen as being fair for what it offers.
What other advice do I have?
If you want to reduce the operational overhead and manage your entire virtual infrastructure from a single pane of glass, then I would recommend VMware Cloud Foundation. It is the best solution to manage our data center virtualization.
I rate VMware Cloud Foundation a seven out of ten.
I have seen a lot of issues with VMware Cloud Foundation that needs to be resolved. However, we are not using the newest version.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Sr. Manager-Data Center and Virtualization at Omgea Exim Ltd
Has good auto-scaling and automation features and has the ability to meter how many resources a department is using
Pros and Cons
- "The ability to auto-scale is the most valuable feature."
- "The deployment is clumsy and complex. There are too many things that need to be done in order to deploy."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case is for auto-scaling and automation of VM created automation with some governance and policies.
What is most valuable?
The ability to auto-scale is the most valuable feature. Auto-scale with automation and business cases is valuable. I also like that VMs can create any cluster via click.
What needs improvement?
The deployment is clumsy and complex. There are too many things that need to be done in order to deploy.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware Cloud Foundation for more than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable and useful. After the deployment, for the user, this solution is very easy. But from an integrator's perspective, the reporting is very complex. It's not simple or easy.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is very good. Autoscaling, scalability, metering, and metering in any department is good. A department can meter how much they're using, which is very helpful. A business can calculate how many resources are being consumed by each department and how much it's costing.
We have three companies that use this solution. One of our companies has more than 1,000 users. They have deployed more than 1,000 VMs over there. Another user has 400 VMs and our third company has around 4,000 users.
How are customer service and technical support?
VMware technical support is fantastic. They are very good at prioritizing. If it is a critical problem, they respond to us very quickly.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Previously, I used HPE SimpliVity and Cisco HyperFlex.
How was the initial setup?
The setup is complex. It takes around 21 days to complete the deployment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
All licensing costs are perpetual. You have to pay for support on a yearly basis.
For our country, we are an under-developed country so the price should be lower. VMware charges too much in our country. If our customer has the option to buy a server for $4,000 or $5,000, but VMware asks for two-person licensing $7,000 to $8,000, that is more than the hardware price. So sometimes, the customer cannot pay for it because it's too expensive.
What other advice do I have?
They should think about the different price perspective for our country, Bangladesh, since we are a developing country. Our customers have to pay more than any other PC and laptop they are buying which is why customers don't end up buying it. VMware has to consider under-developed countries where a PC is $400 but for VDI their licensing is more than $1,000. Their licensing is more than $1,000 per user and the customer has to buy the hardware separately. Customers don't pick this solution because it's too expensive.
I would rate this solution as a nine out of ten.
In the next release, I would like to see better integration with NSX.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
Project Manager at Dell EMC
Easy to set up and great for large organizations with good reliability
Pros and Cons
- "Technical support is helpful."
- "The pricing could be a bit less expensive."
What is our primary use case?
What it does for people is it enables other companies to be able to move their workloads to the cloud, just like Amazon. People can move their workloads to the cloud, however, at this time you are using it, you are actually running the cloud via VMware.
What is most valuable?
The solution is very stable.
The scalability is good.
Technical support is helpful.
The initial setup is easy and doesn't take much manpower.
What needs improvement?
The pricing could be a bit less expensive. If it was cheaper, more people would take a look at it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've used the solution forever. It's been a very long time.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. The performance has been great.
If it is well deployed, it works well. If it is well managed by the operations team, it stays stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very, very scalable. VMware is designed to scale.
From what I've seen, the large telcos use it a lot depending on their strategy. They use it so that they can host other companies on their network. Some of the banks use it also. These are quite sizeable organizations.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is fine. You have to have your serial number with you. If you purchase from them, there is a special code given to you, which you have to keep. If you keep the code and you have a problem and you call in, you are attended to on time. However, if you don't have the code, it could be a nightmare.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We did not previously use a different solution.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward, however, the engineer setting it up needs to know the basics and needs to understand what to do at the right time. That said, I've not heard anyone complain.
I'm not sure how long it takes to deploy. I know that, for the engineers working on it, they're able to set it up on time. It shouldn't take too long.
You do not need more than one seasoned deployment guy, an engineer, for the installation. If you have a seasoned deployment engineer, he will be able to get it done for you.
What about the implementation team?
We set it up for so many people, for so many customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We would like the licensing to be cheaper.
Right now, users pay yearly subscriptions.
What other advice do I have?
As it is a cloud solution, we are always on the latest version.
I would rate the solution a nine out of ten.
I'd recommend it to other users. Big telecoms are using it, which should give an indication of its efficacy.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
General Manager at Beximco Computers Ltd.
Beneficial central management, stable, and simple implementation
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable aspect of VMware Cloud Foundation is you can manage everything from area."
- "VMware Cloud Foundation can improve the process of upgrading. For example, if you want to upgrade or migrate any component it is very complex."
What is our primary use case?
VMware Cloud Foundation can be deployed on a private cloud or hybrid configuration.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable aspect of VMware Cloud Foundation is you can manage everything from area.
What needs improvement?
VMware Cloud Foundation can improve the process of upgrading. For example, if you want to upgrade or migrate any component it is very complex.
In the next version of VMware Cloud Foundation, I would like to see a Metro Cluster feature with Kubernetes.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware Cloud Foundation for approximately three to four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of VMware Cloud Foundation is good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware Cloud Foundation is scalable enough for our needs.
We have approximately 500 to 1000 users in our company using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
The support from VMware Cloud Foundation could improve.
I rate the support from VMware Cloud Foundation a three out of five.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Neutral
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of VMware Cloud Foundation is simple.
What about the implementation team?
We have two people who do the maintenance and support of VMware Cloud Foundation.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The price of VMware Cloud Foundation is expensive.
I rate the price of VMware Cloud Foundation a two out of five.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I compared VMware Cloud Foundation to Sentinel before choosing VMware Cloud Foundation. I found that Sentinel has only single automation, while VMware Cloud Foundation has a lot more.
What other advice do I have?
I rate VMware Cloud Foundation an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
IT Infrastructure Manager at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Allows me to deploy many platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Azure, but documentation could be improved
Pros and Cons
- "I'm able to deploy many platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Azure on VMware."
- "The documentation could be easier to read"
What is our primary use case?
The solution is cloud-based.
There are two people using this solution in my organization.
What is most valuable?
I'm able to deploy many platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle, and Azure on VMware.
What needs improvement?
The documentation could be easier to read.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with this solution for less than a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I have worked with other solutions, but we switched because it's easier to use VMware in our environment.
How was the initial setup?
Setup was straightforward. So far, we don't have a contract for maintenance.
I would rate it eight out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment was done in-house.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate this solution seven out of ten. I would like to see improved documentation.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Private Consultant at Freelance
Automates a lot of manual processes, and provides a centralized interface for expanding environments
Pros and Cons
- "The fact that it automates a lot of manual processes in a net new environment build is most valuable."
- "Life cycle management is an area for improvement."
What is our primary use case?
I've many use cases. Infrastructure as code would be my number one.
How has it helped my organization?
You literally have a centralized user interface that allows you to expand environments and create new workload domains with proven configurations, which cuts down massively on deployment.
What is most valuable?
The fact that it automates a lot of manual processes in a net new environment build is most valuable.
What needs improvement?
Life cycle management is an area for improvement.
We should be able to build in and auto-deploy Avi, Advanced Load Balancer.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using it for the past six years. I've used multiple versions of 4.0.x.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate it an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
CEO at Virtual Consultants Sverige AB
An advanced hybrid cloud platform that is easy to maintain
Pros and Cons
- "I like that VMware Cloud Foundation reduces both the installation and setup time from a matter of weeks to hours."
- "The price could be better. VMware Cloud Foundation is overpriced, but I think we get what we pay for. It would be better if it were cheaper because it would be easier to go to customers and get them to buy it. We'd get more projects, and that would be great."
What is our primary use case?
We use VMware Cloud Foundation to host our in-house data.
How has it helped my organization?
We are able to cut down the installation and setup time from weeks to hours or a couple of days.
What is most valuable?
I like that VMware Cloud Foundation reduces both the installation and setup time from a matter of weeks to hours. VMware Cloud Foundation is easy to maintain.
What needs improvement?
The price could be better. VMware Cloud Foundation is overpriced, but I think we get what we pay for. It would be better if it were cheaper because
it would be easier to go to customers and get them to buy it. We'd get more projects, and that would be great.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using VMware Cloud Foundation for three or four years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Stability is pretty good. All VMware products are stable, and VMware Cloud Foundation is still good.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware Cloud Foundation is definitely scalable. We have a few thousand users currently using this solution.
How are customer service and support?
VMware Cloud Foundation is very professional, and I like them.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used vSphere before we switched to VMware Cloud Foundation. We switched to get more features like NSX and a bunch of extras. We have V3 on the bottom floor, and it's just to get more features, more scalability, and so on. I also find it easier to handle.
How was the initial setup?
I think the initial setup was relatively straightforward. We just had to install it in the cloud. Three of us maintain this solution, and it's pretty easy.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented this solution by myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
VMware Cloud Foundation is overpriced, but I think we get what we pay for.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend VMware Cloud Foundation to potential users.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give VMware Cloud Foundation an eight.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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