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

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

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

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