Windows Server 2025

Beyond the Cloud: 2025 Virtualization Licensing Guide - Part II

Beyond the Cloud: 2025 Virtualization Licensing Guide - Part II

Virtualization licensing just got complicated. With VMware's Broadcom acquisition driving 3x cost increases and Microsoft introducing new subscription models, IT leaders need a clear roadmap. This blog provides the analysis and insights you need to make informed decisions that align with your budget and strategy.

Infrastructure, Licensing, Virtualization
Welcome to Part 2 of our “Beyond the Cloud: The Case for On-Premises Virtualization” series. In our introductory post, we explored why organizations are reconsidering their virtualization strategies post-VMware acquisition. In Part 1, we conducted a detailed five-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis comparing Windows Hyper-V, Azure VMware Solution (AVS), and Azure Local, revealing how different cost structures impact long-term budgets. A key factor driving those cost differences was how each platform’s licensing model works.
Beyond the Cloud: Rethinking Virtualization Post-VMware

Beyond the Cloud: Rethinking Virtualization Post-VMware

How Hyper-V with Windows Server Clustering Stays Relevant in an Azure-First World

Azure Local, Windows Server Failover Cluster
From My Perspective as a Microsoft Azure Hybrid MVP – Two Decades in Microsoft Hybrid & HCI I write this blog as a longtime Microsoft advocate with two decades of hands-on experience—from early Hyper-V in 2008 to today’s Azure Local. This series aims to highlight the potential of Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) as a viable alternative for organizations transitioning away from VMware, especially in light of Broadcom’s acquisition. While I value Azure’s Cloud and Hybrid offerings, I believe Microsoft’s current messaging overlooks WSFC’s capabilities in providing cost-effective, high-availability solutions.