Virtualisation & HCI Platforms
Build modern virtualisation infrastructure without the licensing bill that has followed the Broadcom acquisition. Enterprise-grade hypervisors, high-performance storage, and full VM backup, all designed to deliver capability without the lock-in.
The Problem
Virtualisation transformed IT infrastructure, but the licensing models that followed have become a burden. Per-socket fees penalise hardware upgrades, per-VM charges discourage efficient resource utilisation, and annual maintenance costs compound year after year.
Recent industry consolidation has made this worse. Organisations that built their infrastructure on proprietary platforms now face difficult choices: accept significant cost increases, undertake risky migrations, or continue paying premiums for features they may not fully use.
Meanwhile, infrastructure complexity grows. Separate management tools for compute, storage, networking, and backup create operational overhead and skill requirements that strain IT teams—especially in smaller organisations or those with distributed infrastructure.
Common Triggers
VMware licensing costs have become unsustainable, especially after Broadcom acquisition changes
Per-socket licensing models penalise hardware upgrades and don't align with actual usage
Managing separate compute, storage, and networking creates operational complexity
Virtualisation platform lock-in limits flexibility and weakens your negotiating position
Need to support modern workloads (containers, Kubernetes) alongside traditional VMs
Why This Matters to the Business
Virtualisation infrastructure decisions have long-term financial and operational implications.
Eliminate Licensing Overhead
Per-socket and per-VM licensing can consume 30-50% of infrastructure budgets. Open-source virtualisation eliminates these costs entirely, redirecting funds to actual infrastructure.
Simplify Operations
Hyperconverged infrastructure combines compute, storage, and virtualisation in integrated appliances. Fewer moving parts means faster deployment, simpler management, and reduced failure points.
Maintain Enterprise Capabilities
Modern open-source platforms deliver high availability, live migration, and clustering that rivals proprietary solutions. You don't sacrifice features when you eliminate licensing costs.
Vendors That Solve This Problem
Cloud Ready Solutions distributes vendors that address different components of modern virtualisation infrastructure. Here's where each fits.
How the Pieces Fit Together
A modern virtualisation stack using Cloud Ready Solutions vendors.
Virtualisation Platform
The hypervisor layer that runs your virtual machines and containers with enterprise features.
Storage Infrastructure
High-performance shared storage or hyperconverged options for VM workloads.
Backup & Recovery
Image-level VM backup with instant recovery and automated restore verification.
Hyperconverged Option
For organisations preferring integrated infrastructure, StoneFly HCI appliances combine compute, storage, and virtualisation in a single platform. This simplifies deployment and management while providing enterprise-grade performance—ideal for branch offices, edge locations, or organisations without dedicated storage expertise.
How Cloud Ready Solutions Enables This Solution
We're a distributor, not a professional services firm. Here's how we help partners deliver virtualisation solutions to their customers.
Distribution
Access to virtualisation platforms, enterprise storage, and backup solutions through a single distributor. Simplified procurement for complete infrastructure stacks.
Regional Support
Australian-based pre-sales engineers help design virtualisation solutions, size storage correctly, and plan migrations. Local technical support for implementation challenges.
Partner Enablement
Training on Proxmox deployment, QSAN storage configuration, and backup integration. Technical resources for VMware migration projects and competitive positioning.
Local Pricing
AUD/NZD billing with local payment terms. Consolidated invoicing across virtualisation, storage, and backup vendors simplifies financial management.
Who This Solution Is For
Managed Service Providers
Build profitable virtualisation services with open-source platforms that eliminate per-socket licensing. Deliver enterprise capabilities to clients without enterprise costs.
Recommended Vendors
Enterprise IT
Modernise virtualisation infrastructure while reducing licensing overhead. Migrate from VMware to cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing features or reliability.
Recommended Vendors
Education & Government
Deploy enterprise-grade virtualisation within constrained budgets. Open-source platforms provide transparency and avoid vendor lock-in while meeting compliance requirements.
Recommended Vendors
Considering a VMware Migration?
Many organisations are evaluating alternatives following VMware's acquisition by Broadcom and subsequent licensing changes. Proxmox provides a proven migration path with tools to convert VMware VMs and familiar enterprise features including HA clustering, live migration, and web-based management.
Cloud Ready Solutions can connect you with partners experienced in VMware-to-Proxmox migrations, helping you plan and execute a transition that minimises risk while maximising cost savings.