How to successfully migrate VMware workloads to the AWS Cloud

Migration from VMware to AWS: Options, risks, and best practices

Many IT decision-makers are currently facing a central question: How do I move my existing VMware environment to the cloud — and do it in a way that delivers long-term benefits? VMware has proven to be a stable foundation over the years. However, rising operational costs, limited scalability, and the need for more flexibility are driving companies to explore new paths. AWS offers a powerful platform — but how exactly do you make the transition? The answer: There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it’s worth considering two perspectives carefully.

Option 1: VMware on AWS – The fast, familiar path

With VMware Cloud on AWS, companies can migrate their existing VMware environment to the AWS Cloud almost unchanged. Your familiar management tools and processes remain intact at first.

Why choose this path?

• Fast start: Migration can be implemented more quickly since no major changes to applications or architecture are required.
• Lower risk: Teams continue working with familiar tools without needing extensive retraining or adjustments right away.
• More flexibility: You gain time to later launch targeted modernization initiatives.

How does it work?

VMware Cloud on AWS combines VMware’s SDDC software (vSphere, vSAN, NSX) with AWS’s secure, globally available infrastructure. The result: a fully managed, ready-to-use solution that simplifies your move to the cloud — without "all-or-nothing" decisions.

But: This solution is often just a first step — not the final goal. In the long term, real cloud optimization and modernization are necessary to fully leverage AWS’s benefits.

Option 2: Replace VMware – Modernize instead of just migrating

The second perspective: Don’t simply move your VMware workloads — modernize them sustainably at the same time. Instead of carrying over the old architecture, build a new, cloud-native IT landscape on AWS.

Why choose this path? 

• Optimized operating costs: Using managed services, containerization, and serverless architectures significantly reduces ongoing costs.
• Greater agility: You benefit from shorter release cycles, faster scalability, and improved time-to-market.
• Less complexity: Decoupling monoliths, reducing technical debt, and improving maintainability.
• Enable innovation: New features and business models can be implemented more quickly.

How to proceed?

This is where our checklist for migrating VMware to AWS comes into play. It helps you strategically assess your existing environment, plan migration paths, and future-proof your applications.

The checklist shows: • Which applications are suitable for modernization. • How to minimize risks while unlocking innovation potential. • How to correctly set up architecture, governance, and operations from the start.

Risks? Yes — but manageable with the right strategy

Whether you opt for a quick start with VMware on AWS or the modernization path: An unreflected "lift & shift" migration can become more expensive than expected in the long run.

Typical risks:

• High cloud costs due to non-optimized workloads.
• Technical debt blocking innovation.
• Performance and security issues from poor architecture decisions.

Therefore, it is essential to:

• Conduct a thorough analysis of the application landscape in advance.
• Align architecture decisions with business goals.
• Develop a roadmap that interlinks migration and modernization steps.

Conclusion: Migration as an opportunity for real progress

Migrating VMware workloads to AWS is far more than a purely technical project. It is a strategic decision — and an opportunity to fundamentally realign your IT.With VMware Cloud on AWS, you gain speed and security to move workloads to the cloud quickly. This can be a valuable transitional solution to relieve pressure on existing infrastructures while gaining time to develop a clean transformation strategy.On the other hand, those who adopt cloud-native approaches from the outset set the course for the future: lower costs, higher flexibility, and the ability to use IT as a true business enabler.Regardless of the chosen route: A migration is only successful if it delivers long-term value. This requires clear goals, a realistic assessment of your application landscape, and the courage to leave legacy burdens behind.