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Your Definitive Source for Actionable Insights on Cloud, Virtualization & Modern Enterprise IT

The Era of AI Laptops: Revolutionizing Productivity and User Experience

1/30/2025

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has reshaped how we interact with technology, and laptops are at the forefront of this transformation. AI laptops are no longer just computing tools but intelligent companions that adapt to user needs, optimize performance, and enhance productivity. From extended battery life to real-time language translation, AI is redefining the laptop experience. Here’s an in-depth look at how AI laptops are revolutionizing the way we work, create, and connect.

What Are AI Laptops?

At the heart of AI laptops lies the Neural Processing Unit (NPU)—a specialized processor designed to accelerate AI and machine learning tasks. Unlike traditional laptops, AI laptops integrate NPUs alongside powerful CPUs and GPUs, enabling them to efficiently handle complex workloads such as generative AI applications, neural network processing, and multimedia data analysis. These devices are not only faster but also more energy-efficient, making them ideal for professionals, gamers, and creatives.

Key Features That Set AI Laptops Apart

  • AI-Powered Battery Management: AI algorithms optimize power usage by learning user habits and adjusting settings dynamically. For instance, Lenovo’s ThinkPad series enhances battery life by efficiently managing power during demanding tasks, while Dell’s Adaptive Battery Optimizer minimizes battery degradation. This means extended usage between charges and a longer overall battery lifespan.
  • Intelligent Performance Optimization: AI dynamically adjusts CPU and GPU performance based on workload demands. Intel’s Dynamic Tuning Technology ensures top performance for intensive tasks like gaming or video editing while conserving energy during lighter activities. Similarly, NVIDIA’s AI-enhanced GPUs provide real-time graphics optimization for smoother experiences.
  • Enhanced Security: AI-driven biometric systems like Windows Hello and Apple’s T2 Security Chip offer faster and more accurate authentication. These systems adapt to users over time, enhancing security and convenience. Adaptive Dimming and Windows Hello’s infrared camera further protect sensitive data by locking screens when users step away.
  • Personalized User Experience: AI tailors the laptop interface to individual preferences. Features like Dell’s CinemaColor and Lenovo’s Smart Assist adjust brightness, contrast, and system settings based on activity, creating a seamless and personalized user experience.

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

1/15/2025

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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

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Empowering AI-Driven Organizations with Nutanix GPT-in-a-Box

11/3/2024

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As more of my customers embrace the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, the demand for robust, secure, and scalable AI infrastructure has surged. Nutanix has taken a pivotal role in addressing these needs with its GPT-in-a-Box 2.0 solution, an enterprise-ready, full-stack AI platform tailored for organizations that require secure, on-premises AI deployments. This offering streamlines AI adoption by providing a comprehensive ecosystem, optimized infrastructure, and extensive partner support, allowing businesses to deploy and manage AI applications at scale.

Simplified AI Deployment with GPT-in-a-Box

Nutanix’s GPT-in-a-Box simplifies the deployment, operation, and scaling of AI workloads. With its 2.0 iteration, the solution includes an integrated inference endpoint and end-to-end features, such as GPU and CPU certification, high-performance storage, Kubernetes management, and in-depth telemetry. This design allows organizations to leverage generative AI (GenAI) models like LLMs on-premises, providing control over data security and operational flexibility.
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GPT-in-a-Box is particularly beneficial for industries with stringent data regulations, such as government and finance, where public cloud alternatives may not meet compliance requirements. By extending Nutanix’s hybrid infrastructure strengths to AI, organizations can now manage AI applications with the same control and resilience they expect from their existing IT environments.

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Broadcom Brings Back VMware vSphere Standard and Enterprise Plus

11/1/2024

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In the rapidly evolving world of virtualization, Broadcom’s decision to reintroduce VMware vSphere Standard and Enterprise Plus licenses is making waves across the IT industry. As part of Broadcom’s strategy to address customer feedback, these updates aim to simplify VMware’s licensing options while enhancing value. Starting in November 2024, these changes bring expanded storage capacities, flexible licensing terms, and a renewed focus on meeting diverse customer needs. Here’s what it means for businesses navigating the virtualization landscape.

What's New

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1. Reintroduction of vSphere Standard and Enterprise Plus
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After a year of consolidation following Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, the company has reinstated two licensing options that were removed during its initial portfolio overhaul:
  • vSphere Standard: Offers essential compute virtualization features for small and medium-sized businesses.
  • vSphere Enterprise Plus: Provides advanced capabilities like distributed switches, enhanced security, and automation, tailored for large enterprises seeking scalability and efficiency.
This move ensures that businesses can select a licensing tier that aligns with their operational needs without being forced into higher-cost bundles like VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF).

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Exploring VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2: Enhancing Hybrid Cloud Management

6/25/2024

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As my customers continue to embrace hybrid cloud environments, the need for efficient and flexible cloud management solutions becomes more critical. VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 5.2 introduces several enhancements designed to address these needs, focusing on improving lifecycle management, scalability, security, and flexibility. Let's dive into the key features and updates in VCF 5.2 and see how they can benefit your cloud strategy.

​Seamlessly Transition to Cloud Foundation

​One of the standout features of VCF 5.2 is the ability to import existing vSphere infrastructure into Cloud Foundation. This capability extends the SDDC Manager's inventory and lifecycle management to your current infrastructure, making the transition smoother and less disruptive. There are two primary use cases:
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  • Deploy SDDC Manager and Convert an Existing Cluster into a Management Domain:
    • Simplify the migration process by converting existing clusters into management domains.
  • Import Existing vSphere Infrastructure into an Existing or Converted Cloud Foundation Instance as VI Workload Domains:
    • Leverage your current infrastructure by integrating it into your Cloud Foundation environment, thus optimizing resource utilization.

​Flexible Edge Architectures for Diverse Needs

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​VCF 5.2 offers a range of edge architecture options to cater to various deployment scenarios:
  • Remotely Managed Standalone Edge:
    • Ideal for scenarios where remote management is crucial, providing flexibility and control from a central location.
  • Air-Gapped Edge:
    • Ensures enhanced security by isolating the edge environment from external networks.
  • Centrally Managed Far Edge Deployment:
    • Facilitates efficient management of edge sites from a central data center, improving operational efficiency.
  • Centrally Managed Remote Edge:
    • Combines the benefits of centralized management with remote deployment capabilities, ensuring optimal performance and control.

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Why VMware Cloud Foundation is Best Run-on Dell VxRail

4/18/2024

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In the current landscape shaped by Broadcom's influence on VMware's trajectory, organizations considering staying with VMware might find it prudent to explore transitioning to a hybrid cloud setup. Opting for the right infrastructure becomes paramount to ensure optimal performance and scalability. Among the offerings in the revamped portfolio, VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) emerges as a favored option, thanks to its robust software-defined data center (SDDC) capabilities.

Amid Broadcom's streamlined portfolio, featuring VMware vSphere Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation, loyal VMware customers have a compelling incentive to opt for a dedicated solution. Combining VCF with Dell VxRail presents an attractive proposition. Not only is VxRail custom-built for VCF, but it also offers the flexibility to integrate third-party storage alongside VMware vSAN. This is important for customers who have investments that are already made in existing external storage systems or have a use case in which external storage systems are required. This combination sets itself apart with its seamless integration, streamlined management, and enhanced performance. Consequently, deploying VMware Cloud Foundation on Dell VxRail emerges as the prime selection.

Tailored Integration and Optimization


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Navigating Uncertainty in VMware: Your Path to Clarity Starts Here

4/10/2024

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As a seasoned professional deeply entrenched in the world of virtualization, I've witnessed firsthand the recent shifts that have sent shockwaves through the industry. From the unprecedented Broadcom licensing changes to the evolving dynamics of cloud migration, the landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, leaving many businesses scrambling to adapt.
But amidst this uncertainty, one thing remains clear: a knee-jerk reaction to switch hypervisors isn't the silver bullet solution. Instead, what's needed is a comprehensive hybrid cloud strategy that not only addresses immediate challenges but also sets the stage for long-term success.

Let's dissect this further.

The recent Broadcom licensing changes have left many customers reeling from unexpected cost increases. While the allure of public cloud services may seem enticing, the reality is that self-managed infrastructure often proves to be more cost-effective, especially for those with existing resources and expertise. This is where a well-crafted hybrid cloud strategy becomes invaluable.

Rather than simply swapping out hypervisors in pursuit of short-term savings, I advocate for a more holistic approach. Let's delve into a refined approach that considers your unique needs and goals.
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  • Tailored Multi-Cloud Strategy: Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, consider crafting a tailored multi-cloud strategy. This approach involves carefully evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different cloud providers and selecting the best services from each to create a customized solution. By leveraging the strengths of multiple providers, you can optimize costs, performance, and flexibility to suit your specific requirements.

  • Embrace Cloud-Native Tools: Harness the power of cloud-native tools and services offered by leading providers like Azure, and AWS. These platforms offer a plethora of specialized services, such as Kubernetes for container orchestration, serverless computing options like Azure Functions, managed databases like Azure SQL Database for managed database solutions, and Azure Monitor for comprehensive monitoring and analytics. By embracing these tools, you can build a more resilient and scalable architecture while reducing reliance on third-party solutions.

  • Invest in Automation and Orchestration: Automation and orchestration are key to streamlining cloud operations and maximizing efficiency. Instead of relying solely on third-party solutions, invest in robust automation and orchestration tools like Terraform, Ansible, and Kubernetes. These platforms provide powerful capabilities for automating deployment, scaling, and management of cloud resources, allowing you to achieve greater agility and cost savings.

  • Consider Hybrid Cloud Platforms: Explore hybrid cloud platforms tailored to the unique challenges of managing both on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure like Nutanix. These platforms offer features such as seamless integration with legacy systems, unified monitoring and governance, and simplified data migration. By choosing a platform specifically designed for hybrid environments, you can address the complexities of managing disparate infrastructure types effectively.
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  • Leverage Cloud Management Platforms (CMPs): In addition to the above approaches, consider the benefits of Cloud Management Platforms (CMPs). CMPs offer centralized management and multi-cloud support, providing a comprehensive solution for managing cloud resources across various providers. By leveraging a CMP, you can streamline operations, improve visibility, and optimize costs across your entire cloud infrastructure.

"The Cloud Management Platform (CMP) approach is a versatile solution."

It's crucial to collaborate with a reliable solutions provider who comprehends the complexities of the cloud terrain and can assist you in developing a customized cloud strategy tailored to your business goals. Whether you're contemplating a multi-cloud strategy, integrating cloud-native tools, investigating hybrid cloud management platforms, or utilizing CMPs, their team of professionals should adeptly lead you through the process.
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I Was on the Nerd Journey Podcast – Here’s Why It Mattered

2/13/2024

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I recently had the honor of appearing on the Nerd Journey Podcast, a show that explores the personal and professional journeys of IT professionals navigating career growth, burnout, leadership, and everything in between.
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Over the course of a three-part series, I sat down with hosts John White and Nick Korte to share my story—from my time in the Marine Corps to becoming an Enterprise Architect and long-time VMware community leader.

These conversations were deeply personal and incredibly meaningful. We discussed:
  • Part 1: My transition from military to tech and learning to lead through hardship
    🎧 Listen: Step Up and Lead: Surviving the Crucible and Getting into Tech
  • Part 2: Building community, writing to teach, and stepping out of your comfort zone
    🎧 Listen: Learn and Build Community: For Love of the Technology
  • Part 3: Burnout, mental health, and learning to recharge
    🎧 Listen: Recharge and Heal: Navigating the Pandemic’s Impact on Mental Health

This wasn’t just about technology—it was about people, perseverance, and purpose.
If you're on your own journey in tech (or leading others through theirs), I hope you find something valuable in these conversations.

Thanks again to John and Nick for creating a space where real stories can be told.

Further Learning

  • The Crisis of Loneliness
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Revolutionizing Data Management: The Technical Nexus of Nutanix, Cisco, and Cohesity

2/12/2024

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In this blog, I aim to delve into the significance of collaboration. With increasing demand from customers for streamlined data center solutions to aid in their modernization efforts, whether transitioning from the cloud, seeking alternatives to VMware, or incorporating a comprehensive range of technologies spanning network, compute, storage, backup, and security, the convergence of these cutting-edge technologies is redefining the terrain. This convergence provides businesses with unparalleled capabilities to navigate the intricacies of digital transformation. Leading this revolution is the collaborative alliances between Nutanix, Cisco, and Cohesity. They offer a comprehensive approach to data infrastructure that seamlessly merges innovation with technical expertise.
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In 2023, Cisco revealed its global strategic alliance with Nutanix, fostering collaboration and a shared vision: to furnish businesses with seamless, agile, and scalable solutions adept at addressing the swiftly evolving demands of the digital era. This development marked a significant industry transformation, including the discontinuation of Hyperflex in favor of Nutanix.
​Central to this three-pronged solution is Nutanix's hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), which serves as a strong modern IT architecture. Nutanix's HCI platform unifies compute, storage, and networking into a single, software-defined solution, eliminating the need for traditional siloed infrastructure and simplifying management complexities. By leveraging Nutanix's distributed architecture and built-in resiliency features, organizations can achieve unparalleled scalability, agility, and performance across their entire infrastructure footprint including public cloud.
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The partnership extends to data protection and management through integration with Cohesity, a leading provider of modern data management solutions. Cohesity's hyper-converged secondary storage platform consolidates data management functions such as backup, recovery, replication, and archival onto a single, web-scale platform, simplifying operations and reducing infrastructure sprawl. By seamlessly integrating with Nutanix's HCI and Cisco's networking infrastructure, Cohesity enables organizations to achieve near-instantaneous backup and recovery times, ensuring business continuity and data resiliency in the face of disruptions.
​Complementing Nutanix's HCI prowess is Cisco's formidable networking and security expertise. Through seamless integration with Cisco's XDR (Extended Detection and Response) capabilities, organizations can fortify their defenses against a myriad of cyber threats, ranging from ransomware attacks to advanced persistent threats (APTs). Cisco's XDR platform leverages advanced analytics, machine learning, and automation to detect, investigate, and remediate security incidents in real time, ensuring comprehensive protection across the entire Nutanix environment.
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​The further integration between Cisco XDR and Cohesity brings together the strengths of both platforms, creating a unified approach to cybersecurity and data management. Here's how this integration benefits organizations:
  1. Comprehensive Threat Detection: Cisco XDR continuously monitors network traffic, endpoints, cloud environments, and other data sources for suspicious activities and indicators of compromise. By integrating with Cohesity, XDR can also analyze backup and archival data for signs of potential threats, providing organizations with a more comprehensive view of their security posture.
  2. Faster Incident Response: In the event of a security incident, time is of the essence. The integration between Cisco XDR and Cohesity enables organizations to quickly access and analyze backup data to identify the scope and impact of an attack. This allows security teams to respond promptly and mitigate the damage before it spreads further.
  3. Improved Data Protection: Cohesity's data management capabilities complement Cisco XDR's security features by providing robust backup, recovery, and data retention capabilities. By integrating with Cohesity, XDR ensures that critical data is protected against loss or corruption, even in the event of a successful cyberattack.
  4. Streamlined Operations: The integration between Cisco XDR and Cohesity simplifies security and data management workflows, allowing organizations to consolidate their tools and streamline operations. This enables security teams to work more efficiently and effectively, reducing the risk of human error and improving overall security posture.
The integration between Cisco XDR and Cohesity offers organizations a powerful solution for cybersecurity and data management. By combining threat detection, incident response, and data protection capabilities, this integration helps organizations better defend against cyber threats and safeguard their critical data assets.
​From a technical standpoint, the integration between Nutanix, Cisco, and Cohesity is underpinned by a shared commitment to interoperability, performance optimization, and ease of deployment. Leveraging open APIs and standardized protocols, the three partners have collaborated extensively to ensure seamless integration and compatibility across their respective platforms. This collaborative approach extends to joint engineering efforts, with dedicated teams working to optimize performance, scalability, and reliability across the entire solution stack.
​Moreover, the partnership offers a unified management experience through Nutanix Prism, providing administrators with a single-pane-of-glass interface to monitor, manage, and orchestrate their entire infrastructure environment. Nutanix Prism seamlessly integrates with Cisco Intersight, enabling organizations to leverage Cisco's cloud-based management platform for streamlined operations and enhanced visibility across distributed environments.
​The convergence of Nutanix, Cisco, and Cohesity represents a paradigm shift in the realm of data management, offering organizations a comprehensive, future-proof solution to navigate the complexities of modern IT infrastructure. By combining Nutanix's HCI innovation with Cisco's networking and security prowess, and Cohesity's data protection expertise, businesses can unlock new levels of agility, efficiency, and resilience in their journey towards digital transformation. As organizations continue to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, the Nutanix-Cisco-Cohesity partnership stands ready to empower them with the tools and technologies they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

References:

  • Nutanix/Cisco
  • Cisco/Nutanix Forge Alliance
  • Nutanix/Cohesity
  • Cisco XDR/Cohesity
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Time to Upgrade: Nutanix Legacy Software End-of-Sale Announcement

2/6/2024

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In the dynamic realm of technology, software products continuously undergo upgrades, transitions, and eventual retirements. This pattern is evident with Nutanix, a prominent provider of cloud software and hyper-converged infrastructure solutions. Their recent announcement concerning the end-of-sale for legacy software products signals a significant transition for Nutanix users, emphasizing the importance of understanding the implications and planning for the shift to the new Nutanix Cloud Platform. Let's delve into the details of this announcement.

​Understanding the Announcement:

As of February 1st, 2024, Nutanix has officially declared the end-of-sale for its legacy software products, including AOS, Flow, Prism, Calm, Files, Objects, Mine, and Era. This announcement marks the beginning of a transition period for Nutanix customers. The end-of-sale date is set for July 31st, 2024, which means that after this date, these legacy products will no longer be available for purchase.

Impact on Customers:

For existing Nutanix customers with active software subscriptions, there's a grace period until January 31st, 2025, to renew their subscriptions for the legacy products. However, after this date, renewals will only be possible with equivalent products from the new Nutanix Cloud Platform portfolio. This transition offers an opportunity for users to explore the enhanced features and benefits of the new platform while ensuring uninterrupted service for their current workloads.

Options for Customers:

Nutanix is providing customers with flexibility during this transition period. Customers can choose to renew their legacy software subscriptions before the end-of-renewal date or opt for equivalent products from the new portfolio. Additionally, Nutanix offers the option to convert legacy software subscriptions to new portfolio subscriptions before the expiration of the legacy subscription term. This allows users to seamlessly transition to the new platform without disruption.

Renewals and Conversions:

What are the options for renewing a legacy software portfolio subscription?
  1. Convert Legacy Software Portfolio Subscription to NCP and Renew NCP: Nutanix offers customers the option to convert their existing legacy software portfolio subscriptions to the new Nutanix Cloud Platform (NCP) subscriptions. By opting for this conversion, customers can seamlessly transition to the latest offerings while ensuring continued support and access to advanced features. Once converted, customers can renew their NCP subscriptions to maintain uninterrupted service.
  2. Renew Legacy Software Portfolio Subscription Directly with NCP (Coming Soon): Nutanix is working on providing customers with the option to directly renew their legacy software portfolio subscriptions with the new Nutanix Cloud Platform. This forthcoming feature will streamline the renewal process and enable users to transition to the NCP seamlessly. Stay tuned for updates on when this option becomes available.
  3. Renew with Legacy Software Portfolio Subscription Before January 31, 2025: Until January 31, 2025, customers have the opportunity to renew their existing legacy software portfolio subscriptions directly. However, this option is applicable only for subscriptions expiring before January 31, 2025. It's important for customers to assess their subscription expiration dates and take timely action to ensure continuity of service.

Equivalent Products

The table below lists the closest equivalent products. Make sure to take the training on NCP if you have more questions. 
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Planning for the Future:

For Nutanix customers, planning for the future involves understanding the implications of the end-of-sale announcement and taking appropriate action. It's essential to assess current software needs, evaluate the features and benefits of the new Nutanix Cloud Platform, and engage with the Nutanix account team or qualified partner for further guidance and support. By proactively planning for the transition, customers can ensure continuity of operations and leverage the latest innovations offered by Nutanix.
The end-of-sale announcement for Nutanix legacy software products signifies a strategic shift towards the new Nutanix Cloud Platform. While this transition may present challenges, it also offers opportunities for users to modernize their infrastructure and optimize their cloud operations. By understanding the milestones, exploring available options, and engaging with Nutanix resources from strong partners, customers can navigate this transition effectively and unlock the full potential of the Nutanix ecosystem.

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