virtualizationvelocity
  • Home
  • About
  • VMware Explore
    • VMware Explore 2025
    • VMware Explore 2024
    • VMware Explore 2023
    • VMware Explore 2022
  • VMworld
    • VMworld 2021
    • VMworld 2020
    • VMworld 2019
    • VMworld 2018
    • VMworld 2017
    • VMworld 2016
    • VMWorld 2015
    • VMWorld 2014
  • vExpert
  • Back-to-Basics
    • The Class Room
  • VMUG Advantage
  • Book Reviews

Comparing VMware Cloud Providers: Azure VMware Solution vs. Google Cloud VMware Engine

1/15/2025

1 Comment

 
Picture
As enterprises continue to embrace hybrid and multi-cloud strategies, VMware's partnerships with leading cloud providers have opened the door for seamless workload migrations and modernized IT infrastructures. Two prominent VMware-based cloud solutions available today are Azure VMware Solution (AVS) and Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE). Both platforms offer robust VMware environments hosted natively in their respective clouds, but key differences in capabilities, pricing, and integration make each suitable for different scenarios. Let's explore and compare these two powerful VMware cloud services.

Overview of Azure VMware Solution (AVS)

Azure VMware Solution (AVS) is a fully managed VMware environment directly integrated into the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. It enables organizations to extend or migrate their existing VMware workloads to Azure with minimal re-architecture.
Key Features:
  • Fully managed VMware Cloud Foundation stack (vSphere, vSAN, NSX-T)
  • Direct integration with Azure services like Azure Blob Storage and Azure Active Directory
  • Seamless hybrid cloud connectivity via Azure ExpressRoute
Use Cases:
  • Disaster recovery with Azure Site Recovery
  • Cloud migration for VMware-centric data centers
  • Running legacy applications alongside modern Azure-native workloads

Overview of Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE)

Google Cloud VMware Engine (GCVE) provides a native VMware experience within Google Cloud. It offers a private cloud infrastructure fully managed by Google, enabling businesses to migrate VMware workloads without refactoring.
Key Features:
  • Fully managed VMware stack with vSphere, vSAN, and NSX-T
  • High-speed, low-latency network connectivity to Google Cloud services
  • Automated scaling and lifecycle management
Use Cases:
  • Data center extension and modernization
  • Running AI and analytics workloads with Google Cloud services
  • Hybrid cloud deployments requiring low-latency access to GCP services

Key Comparisons: Azure VMware Solution vs. Google Cloud VMware Engine

Picture

Choosing the Right VMware Cloud for Your Business

When to Choose Azure VMware Solution:
  • Existing investment in Azure services and Active Directory
  • Need for disaster recovery with Azure Site Recovery
  • Strong Microsoft-centric IT environments
When to Choose Google Cloud VMware Engine:
  • Heavy data analytics, AI, or ML requirements
  • Preference for Google's pricing model and network performance
  • Existing use of Google Workspace and GCP-native tools
​Both Azure VMware Solution and Google Cloud VMware Engine offer compelling capabilities for VMware workloads in the cloud. The best choice depends on your existing cloud investments, integration needs, and specific workload requirements. Azure provides deeper integration with Microsoft services, while Google Cloud shines with its analytics and AI capabilities.

References:

  • Google Cloud VMware Engine
  • ​Azure VMware Solution

1 Comment

Unlocking the Power of Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2): Sizing and Deployment on Azure and AWS

10/18/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Navigating the dynamic landscape of cloud computing requires solutions that offer flexibility, simplicity, and cost-efficiency. Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) emerges as a beacon of innovation in the hybrid multi-cloud realm, providing a comprehensive platform that caters to diverse cloud deployment needs. This extensive guide dives deep into the world of NC2, exploring its intricate details, highlighting its advantages, and illuminating its deployment intricacies on Azure and AWS. Whether you are planning a migration to the cloud or optimizing your current cloud infrastructure, NC2 is a force to reckon with.

Demystifying Nutanix NC2

​Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) stands as a testament to the evolution of cloud technology, bringing together the prowess of Nutanix's hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) stack – comprising Nutanix AOS, AHV, and Prism – into the public cloud arena. It accomplishes this feat by running on bare metal instances, facilitating seamless application migration from on-premises environments to renowned public cloud providers like Azure and AWS.

The Multifaceted Benefits of NC2

  1. Simplicity: At the heart of NC2's value proposition lies a single management console that seamlessly orchestrates workloads across on-premises and public clouds. This unified approach simplifies operations, reducing operational costs while streamlining management.
  2. Flexibility: NC2 is a jack of all trades, capable of supporting various workloads, including virtual machines, containers, and bare metal instances. This remarkable flexibility empowers organizations to select the ideal deployment model for their specific use cases.
  3. Cost Efficiency: NC2 operates on a pay-as-you-go model, ensuring that customers pay only for the resources they utilize. This dynamic pricing structure not only reduces costs but also enhances resource optimization.

Exploring NC2's Use Cases

The versatility of NC2 makes it an invaluable asset for organizations. Here are some practical use cases:
  • Lift-and-Shift Migrations: NC2 simplifies the migration of workloads from on-premises to public clouds without necessitating alterations to existing applications.
  • Cloud-Native Applications: For cloud-native applications, such as microservices and containers, NC2 provides an optimal environment within a hybrid multi-cloud ecosystem.
  • Disaster Recovery: NC2 facilitates the creation of disaster recovery sites in public clouds, fortifying workloads against on-premises disruptions.

Comparative Analysis: NC2 vs. VMware Offering

While Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2), VMware on AWS, and VMware Cloud on Azure all offer hybrid cloud solutions for running VMware workloads, each presents distinct characteristics:

Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2):
  • Type: Hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) platform.
  • Underlying Infrastructure: NC2 leverages bare metal instances to run the Nutanix AOS, AHV, and Prism software stack. This approach provides direct access to the underlying hardware.
  • Management Console: Nutanix Prism offers a unified management console for both on-premises and public cloud workloads, streamlining operations.
  • Supported Workloads: NC2 is highly versatile, accommodating various workloads, including virtual machines, containers, and bare metal instances.​
  • Key Advantages: NC2 stands out with its robust flexibility and deep integration with Nutanix's HCI stack. It's an ideal choice for organizations seeking a unified platform to manage workloads across multiple environments.

VMware on AWS:
  • Type: Managed service.
  • Underlying Infrastructure: VMware on AWS operates on AWS infrastructure, providing pre-configured and managed environments for VMware workloads.
  • Management Console: VMware vCenter is the primary management console for VMware on AWS deployments.
  • Supported Workloads: While VMware on AWS supports virtual machines, it is primarily designed for running VMware workloads.
  • Key Advantages: VMware on AWS excels in providing a seamless extension of VMware workloads to the cloud, making it an attractive choice for organizations heavily invested in VMware technologies.

 VMware Cloud on Azure:
  • Type: Managed service.
  • Underlying Infrastructure: VMware Cloud on Azure runs on Azure infrastructure, offering a managed environment for VMware workloads within the Azure ecosystem.
  • Management Console: Similar to VMware on AWS, VMware Cloud on Azure relies on VMware vCenter for management.
  • Supported Workloads: VMware Cloud on Azure primarily focuses on virtual machine workloads.
  • ​Key Advantages: VMware Cloud on Azure is an excellent choice for organizations already entrenched in Azure, looking to leverage Azure's services while maintaining their VMware investments.

Read More
0 Comments

Mastering Security in Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Environments: A Focus on Microsoft Azure

9/11/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
My customers are progressively embracing hybrid and multi-cloud environments to harness the advantages of a range of cloud platforms, including Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. While these configurations deliver unparalleled flexibility and scalability, they also bring about intricate cybersecurity hurdles. Within this blog, I will delve into the most effective strategies for fortifying hybrid and multi-cloud setups, with a particular emphasis on Microsoft Azure, to protect sensitive data and uphold a resilient cybersecurity stance.

Best Practices for Securing Hybrid/Multi-Cloud Environments with Microsoft Azure:

1. Implement Strong Identity and Access Management (IAM): To ensure authorized access and prevent data breaches, utilize Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) for centralized identity management. Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and role-based access control (RBAC) to maintain fine-grained permissions. Regularly review and update user access privileges to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
​
2. Encrypt Data in Transit and at Rest: Protecting data is paramount. Utilize SSL/TLS for data transmission between services and implement Azure Key Vault for secure key management. Employ Azure Disk Encryption to safeguard data at rest within virtual machines and Azure Storage, providing an additional layer of protection.

Azure Key Vault

Picture
​Azure Key Vault is a cloud service that provides a secure store for secrets. You can securely store keys, passwords, certificates, and other secrets. Azure key vaults may be created and managed through the Azure portal.

Azure Key Vault offers the following features:
  • Strong encryption: Your secrets are encrypted at rest and in transit using industry-standard algorithms.
  • Role-based access control (RBAC): You can control who has access to your secrets and what they can do with them.
  • Auditing: You can track who accessed your secrets and when.
  • Compliance: Azure Key Vault is compliant with a variety of industry standards, including FIPS 140-2 and HIPAA.
    ​
Azure Key Vault can be used to store a variety of secrets, including:
  • Application secrets: These are secrets that are used by your applications, such as database connection strings and API keys.
  • Cryptographic keys: These are keys that are used to encrypt data, such as your Azure Storage account keys.
  • Certificates: These are used to authenticate your applications and services.
    ​
Azure Key Vault is a valuable tool for securing your secrets. It is easy to use and offers a variety of features to protect your data.
​3. Network Security and Segmentation: Establish a secure network environment using Network Security Groups (NSGs) and Azure Firewall to control traffic flow between virtual networks and subnets. Leverage Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or ExpressRoute for encrypted and private connections between on-premises and Azure resources, mitigating the risk of data interception.
​
4. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Detection: Stay vigilant by enabling Azure Security Center to monitor and detect threats across your Azure resources. Leverage Azure Monitor, Azure Log Analytics, and Azure Network Watcher for real-time monitoring and rapid incident response, ensuring timely action against potential security breaches.

Azure Security Center

Picture

Read More
0 Comments

An In-Depth Look at Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Microsoft Azure

7/19/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​As the cloud computing landscape persistently advances, businesses are required to maintain flexibility to keep pace. A growing number of my clients are finding it necessary to administer and operate within multi-cloud environments. Within this context, Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) on Microsoft Azure present an effective solution for hybrid cloud infrastructures, facilitating businesses to streamline operations and maximize resources. In this blog, I will delve into the fundamental features and advantages of Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Microsoft Azure and examine how it can transform your corporate IT strategy. Furthermore, I will compare this with the Azure VMware Solution (AVS) and discuss how to get started on your journey with Nutanix Cloud Clusters.

What is Nutanix Cloud Clusters (NC2) on Microsoft Azure?

​Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Microsoft Azure, or NC2, is a solution co-developed that facilitates seamless integration and management of private, public, and distributed cloud environments. It offers a unified infrastructure that allows businesses to move workloads between on-premises Nutanix clusters and Azure as per their convenience and requirements, providing true hybridity and mobility.

Key Features of Nutanix Cloud Clusters on Microsoft Azure

  • Seamless Mobility: NC2 enables effortless lift-and-shift capabilities. You can migrate running applications from on-premises infrastructure to Azure without any application retooling or re-platforming. It allows for near-instantaneous mobility of workloads.
  • Unified Management: With NC2, managing on-premises and Azure environments is simplified through a single console, Prism. You can manage applications across private and public clouds through the Prism interface, removing the complexities of multiple platform management.
  • Cost Efficiency: The NC2 solution allows for hourly and pay-as-you-go billing, providing cost optimization for your cloud expenditure. Furthermore, you can halt clusters during off-peak hours to conserve resources and cost.
  • Enterprise-grade Security: NC2 on Azure delivers security by design. The solution aligns with Azure’s standard security model, allowing for integrated and automated security solutions that protect your infrastructure from potential threats.

Read More
0 Comments

Harnessing VMware vSAN Stretched Clusters for Business Continuity in Azure

7/10/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
As businesses increasingly lean on technology, the need for continuous availability of critical applications and data has become vital. The interruption of IT operations can cause substantial financial and reputational losses to an organization. Therefore, implementing a robust business continuity plan that ensures uninterrupted operation of critical applications and data, even during a disaster, is imperative.
​
One of the key technologies that support this requirement is VMware vSAN Stretched Clusters, which provide high availability and protection for mission-critical applications and data. Recently, AVS (Azure VMware Solution) support for vSAN stretched clusters has been made generally available in several Azure regions, including West Europe, UK South, Germany West Central, and Australia East.

The Power of Stretched Clusters

A stretched cluster is configured by deploying an AVS private cloud across two availability zones (AZs) within the same region, with a vSAN witness placed in a third AZ. This witness constantly monitors all hosts within the cluster, serving as a quorum in the event of a split-brain scenario.

With an even deployment of hosts within the private cloud across regions, the whole system operates as a single entity. Leveraging storage policy-based synchronous replication, data is replicated across AZs delivering a Recovery Point Objective (RPO) of zero. Thus, even if one AZ faces disruption due to an unforeseen event, the other AZ can continue operation, ensuring uninterrupted access to critical workloads.

Availability and Protection with vSAN

Each AZ is divided into a preferred and secondary vSAN fault domain. Under normal conditions, Virtual Machines (VMs) will use storage policies configured for dual site mirroring as well as local failures, residing in the preferred fault domain.

In case of a domain failure, vSAN powers off these VMs, and vSphere HA then powers on these VMs in the secondary fault domain. This flexibility allows administrators to apply a variety of different storage policies based on their specific requirements.

Read More
0 Comments

    Recognition

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

      Subscribe!

    Subscribe to Newsletter

    Categories

    All
    AI
    Amazon
    Ansible
    Azure
    Broadcom
    Certifications
    Citrix
    Cloud Foundation
    Containers
    Converged
    Dell
    Enterprise Architecture
    General
    Google
    Horizon
    Hyper Converged
    Laptop
    NetApp Spot
    NSX
    Nutanix
    SD-WAN
    VeloCloud
    VMCoAWS
    VMUG
    VMware
    VMware Aria Cost
    VSAN
    VSphere
    Workspace One

    Archives

    January 2025
    November 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    October 2023
    September 2023
    July 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2020
    October 2019
    April 2019
    May 2018
    April 2018
    December 2017
    October 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    December 2013
    September 2013

    RSS Feed

    Follow @bdseymour
  • Home
  • About
  • VMware Explore
    • VMware Explore 2025
    • VMware Explore 2024
    • VMware Explore 2023
    • VMware Explore 2022
  • VMworld
    • VMworld 2021
    • VMworld 2020
    • VMworld 2019
    • VMworld 2018
    • VMworld 2017
    • VMworld 2016
    • VMWorld 2015
    • VMWorld 2014
  • vExpert
  • Back-to-Basics
    • The Class Room
  • VMUG Advantage
  • Book Reviews