Blog 5 reasons why VMware on Google Cloud is the superior choice

Virtualization is the process by which a compute resource uses software, as opposed to physical hardware, to run programs and deploy apps. This software creates virtual machines (VMs), which are isolated environments that act like independent computers. It’s fair to say that most of the top companies run private cloud virtualization environments on VMware. In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through why dedicated VMware private cloud on Google Cloud is the best choice for running your VMware workloads. 

But first, a little background so you know where I’m coming from 

As a Insight Solutions Engineer, I specialize in Infrastructure Modernization. My experience includes 15+ years of working on VMware environments, going all the way back to the v3.5 days. I’ve built out more ESXi clusters and vCenters for Private Clouds, both manually and through automation, than I can remember. 

I’ve automated management and deployments with Powershell code, Terraform, vCloud Director, and VCF on VxRail private clouds in managed data centers and in hyperscale cloud providers, and had architect-level responsibility for 100,000+ VMs on 10,000+ hypervisors. Been there, done that! And for a recent example of the sorts of cloud migration challenges and solutions that occupy my day, be sure to read our case study of how floral giant FTD migrated from their on-prem environment to Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE).

Okay, great. I have a lot of experience with VMware. So what? Why should you care about VMware on Google Cloud?  

At the end of the day, it’s about synergy between VMware and Google Cloud. It’s about features, capabilities, and the business outcomes you want to achieve. With that in mind, let’s dive into the technical realm and explore why VMware on Google Cloud is fantastic for running your VMware workloads. Buckle up, fellow VMware enthusiasts!

VMware on Google Cloud–5 reasons why it represents the ultimate synergy

1. Operational continuity: The best of both worlds

• The jist: GCVE allows you to run the VMware vCenter platform natively on Google Cloud’s bare metal infrastructure.

• Why should you care? You don’t have to retrain your staff because GCVE combines the familiarity of your existing VMware tools, processes, and skills with the cloud’s agility. You get direct access to vCenter, NSX, HCX, etc. with 99% full administrator access, while other major cloud providers don’t provide nearly the same level of access.

• The perks

  • Cloud consumption model: You pay only for what you use. Scale up or down as needed, and only get charged for the time that you used a host. 

  • Infrastructure management: Google handles the heavy lifting—infrastructure, networking, and management services—so you can focus on core activities that achieve business outcomes.

2. Infrastructure agility: flexibility at your fingertips

• The jist: GCVE offers on-demand self-service provisioning of VMware cloud environments.

• Why should you care? Need more capacity? No problem. Add or remove host resources as needed, even automatically. 

• The cool stuff

  • Automatic hardware replacement: Google silently replaces failed hardware. No drama, just seamless operations. This also means you don’t have to buy N+1 hardware because Google always has the +1 waiting in the background for you.

3. Monitoring and support: Google’s got your back

• The jist: Google provides infrastructure monitoring, troubleshooting, and support.

• Why should you care?  Managing the infrastructure of a VMware environment can be labor intensive. With GCVE, Google manages that infrastructure for you (deployments, upgrades, vCenter/NSX/ESXi health monitoring and remediation). Google also has tools for you to back up, monitor, and alert on your virtual machines.

• The extra mile

  • Hands-free VMware infra management: Delegate the nitty-gritty to Google while you sip your coffee (or tea, if you prefer).

4. Compatibility and familiarity: Like peanut butter and jelly

• The jist: GCVE includes vSphere/vCenter, vSAN, NSX-T, and HCX.

• Why should you care? Google provides the VMware licensing for the key components. Nothing is quite as nice as slipping into a fresh VMware environment where you have full access. Manage your workloads without disrupting existing policies related to networking, security, data protection, and auditing.

• The harmony

  • Your VMware skills remain relevant. No need to relearn everything.

5. Check out what’s in Google Cloud’s toolbox!

There are a lot more reasons to love Google Cloud VMware Engine. Here are just a few:  

• Dedicated 100Gbps East-West networking: Lightning-fast communication between virtual machines.
• Four 9s of availability: A rock-solid foundation.
• Global networking magic: No complex routing spells.
• Multi-VPC networking: Seamless connectivity across the cloud.
• Unified, cloud-integrated model: Streamlined integration with cloud native resources.
• Third-party ecosystem compatibility: Play well with others. Bring your third-party add-ons!
• Resource efficiency: Dense nodes with high storage:core and memory:core ratios.

Considering a cloud migration or refresh? Look to Google Cloud VMware Engine

If you’re facing a hardware refresh, data center migration, or license price increases, it’s time to seriously consider Google Cloud VMware Engine.

Could it be more expensive? If you have fully depreciated hardware, you’re on a VMware license without support, and all you have to do is keep the lights on hoping nothing breaks, then yes, it might be more expensive. However, it could be cheaper when you look at the ROI/TCO. While it may seem like a bigger investment upfront, the long-term ROI and TCO often make it a more cost-effective choice.

Quick comparisons–a VMware reference

When you’re considering multiple VMware solutions, be sure to determine the features and capabilities that are most important for your organization. We’ve put together the following quick reference that compares VMware for Google Cloud, AWS, Azure, and Oracle Cloud.

The bottom line

Google Cloud VMware Engine is like a well-crafted symphony—a harmonious blend of familiarity, agility, and cutting-edge features. So, whether you’re migrating existing workloads or starting fresh, consider this powerful duo that will make your life easier and your wallet happier!

Start planning your Google Cloud VMware Engine migration today

Partner with Insight, your trusted Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) experts, and transform your virtualized environment. Our team is ready to guide your organization through a seamless migration to VMware on Google Cloud, leveraging the power and scalability of Google’s infrastructure while maintaining the familiarity of your VMware tools. 

Book a meeting with Insight experts to unlock GCVE capabilities

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today and discover how Insight can empower your VMware journey.