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A multinational technology manufacturer operating in imaging, electronics, and industrial systems made the strategic decision to exit the VMware ecosystem. This decision was driven by financial unpredictability, growing concerns about licensing control, and a desire to avoid long-term vendor lock-in. What they needed was a clear, low-risk path forward, one that would not compromise mission-critical operations.
IBM Cloud, in partnership with GlassHouse Systems, delivered a solution that addressed those needs directly. This was the first full-scale VMware customer operating in IBM Cloud to formally commit to a VMware exit strategy, making it a milestone engagement.
Several factors contributed to the win:
1. IBM introduced a targeted migration program, offering:
- A 90-day dual-run period for virtual machines migrated to IBM Cloud VSI
- Fully funded migration services delivered by GlassHouse Systems
- Strategic pricing adjustments to ease the cost of VMware decommissioning
2. The client was able to stay in the same physical IBM Cloud data centers, preserving all existing firewall rules, IP addressing, and VPN configurations. This eliminated the need for network re-architecture and significantly reduced both migration cost and risk.
3. GlassHouse Systems led the technical migration, including:
- Full inventory and conversion of virtual machines from vCloud Director into IBM Cloud VSI equivalents, matched by memory, storage, and performance
- Replacement of the client’s Veeam-based backup with a hardened, enterprise-grade solution from Cobalt Iron, delivering immutable backup and multi-region disaster recovery
- Use automation tooling to support data movement and orchestration
- A custom Statement of Work built around the client’s environment and migration timeline
This engagement succeeded because IBM Cloud offered more than a platform, it offered control. There were no data egress fees. There was no need to retrain teams from scratch. And most importantly, there was no disruption to the client’s applications, data, or user access.
Although this project used IBM Cloud VSI as the destination, the bigger message is that IBM Cloud enables open virtualization strategies that can flex based on client needs. The platform supports both VSI and Red Hat OVE, giving clients architectural options post-migration.
This was not a one-size-fits-all product pitch. It was a field-executed migration model that reduced risk, preserved operational integrity, and delivered financial clarity from day one.
By combining IBM Cloud’s infrastructure with the hands-on delivery model provided by GlassHouse Systems, this global manufacturer was able to move forward confidently, without starting over and without compromising stability.
This success now serves as a blueprint for future VMware exits inside IBM Cloud. The method is real, the tools are proven, and the path is repeatable.