Move VMware to AWS with Amazon EVS without replatforming

Moving VMware workloads to the cloud has always been a tough, costly project.

But now, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is offering a new solution with the launch of Amazon Elastic VMware Service (EVS). This service is designed to let companies run their VMware environments directly on AWS, removing the need for complex and costly re-platforming.

Below, we talk about how fast it is to get started, the surprising way it saves you money, and how it helps you get more out of the AWS cloud.

The main challenge of traditional VMware migration

Before Elastic VMware Service, if you wanted to move VMware to the cloud, you were looking at two really big problems: re-platforming or refactoring apps to run in a new environment.

Both take time and money. It also often means retraining staff on new tools and processes, which disrupts how teams work and adds another layer of complexity to an already tough project.

Introducing Amazon Elastic VMware Service

To solve these problems, Amazon Web Services has launched Amazon Elastic VMware Service (EVS). It’s a fully managed service that lets you run your VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) environment natively on AWS.

It’s designed to bridge on-premises VMware infrastructure and the AWS cloud so you can run your existing VMware environment directly on AWS without having to change the infrastructure or abandon your existing investments in VMware tech.

How EVS works

You deploy full VCF environments inside your own Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). Your VMware workloads run in a secure, isolated part of the AWS cloud and can connect to other AWS services as needed.

A key advantage of it is that your teams can keep using the VMware tools and processes they know.

You choose how to run it, as the service offers flexibility in how it’s managed. You can manage the environment yourself for full control or work with certified members of the AWS Partner Network for managed services and operational support.

Key benefits of the service

Amazon EVS offers a number of practical advantages that help businesses move to the cloud, save money, and improve operations.

The most immediate benefit is speed. With EVS, you reduce migration timelines from weeks or months down to just a few hours. This leads to significant cost savings, as EVS helps you protect your current investment by bringing your existing VMware licenses with you (supports VCF license portability).

You also pay only for what you use with AWS pay-as-you-go pricing. And you can save even more with programs like the AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP). The service also costs 46% less than older cloud options, which makes it a more affordable option for many teams.

Easy AWS service integration

Once on EVS, your VMware applications can connect to other AWS services and trusted third-party tools. That includes Amazon FSx for NetApp ONTAP for storage and Veeam Backup and Replication for data protection.

Inside AWS, VMware workloads can tap into analytics, databases, serverless compute, AI, and other native services. You can add new features and modernize step by step without leaving your VMware environment.

Proven results & availability

Organizations are already putting EVS to work, and it is available in multiple AWS regions worldwide.

Early adopters like Aeromexico and the government of Cali, Colombia (Alcaldía de Cali), have used the service to complete fast migrations without disrupting their daily operations. Others, like Huron Consulting Group and Effectual, are seeing similar results.

Amazon Elastic VMware Service is now generally available for customers in multiple global regions. These include US East (N. Virginia), US East (Ohio), US West (Oregon), Europe (Dublin), Europe (Frankfurt), and Asia Pacific (Tokyo), with AWS planning to expand availability to additional regions in the future.

AWS plans to expand to more regions over time.

Ready to begin? Let’s talk.

Even with a service like EVS, a cloud migration can be complex. We are here to help. As an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, we work with you to plan your new cloud setup, manage the migration, and provide support long after the move is complete. Get in touch today for a free consultation.