A VMware Alternative Built for the Broadcom Exit
Migrate your vSphere workloads to GravityStack with zero refactoring. Keep your IP addresses, workflows, and peace of mind — without VMware's subscription bundles.
Migration Agent
vSphere Compatible
Direct ESXi/vCenter hookup
L2 Extension
Keep existing IP ranges
Zero Downtime
Live vMotion support
Estimated savings: 45% vs On-Prem
Connect vCenterOne-Click Import
Simply convert your OVF/OVA templates or connect directly to vCenter to request bulk migration.
Reduce TCO
Eliminate expensive licensing renewals and hardware refresh cycles. Pay only for what you consume.
Modern Security
Automatically upgrade from legacy legacy security postures to modern, encrypted, isolated VPCs.
Why Teams Are Choosing a VMware Alternative
Since Broadcom's acquisition, VMware moved to subscription-only, per-core licensing bundles — forcing many customers to pay for products they don't use. Here's how GravityStack compares.
| Category | VMware / Broadcom | GravityStack |
|---|---|---|
| Licensing model | Subscription-only, bundled SKUs | Simple, usage-based pricing |
| Perpetual licenses | Discontinued | N/A — pay for what you run |
| Migration path | — | Direct vCenter connect + OVF/OVA import |
| Network cutover | — | L2 extension keeps existing IPs |
| Downtime to migrate | — | Zero-downtime live migration supported |
| Egress fees | Varies by provider | $0 |
VMware Alternative — FAQ
What is the best alternative to VMware?
GravityStack is a VMware alternative built for teams leaving vSphere/ESXi after Broadcom's licensing changes. It runs on open-source virtualization, imports OVF/OVA templates or connects directly to vCenter for bulk migration, and bills on usage instead of per-core subscription bundles.
Why are companies looking for a VMware alternative?
Since Broadcom acquired VMware, perpetual licenses and per-VM support contracts were discontinued in favor of subscription-only, per-core bundles that many customers did not need in full. That has pushed IT teams to evaluate alternatives that offer simpler, usage-based pricing and no forced bundling.
Can I migrate off VMware without downtime?
Yes. GravityStack supports live vMotion-style migration from vCenter, so workloads can move without a maintenance window. For workloads that can tolerate a short cutover, OVF/OVA import is typically faster.
Do I have to refactor my VMs to leave VMware?
No. Existing vSphere VMs migrate as-is — no re-platforming, containerization, or application changes required. Networking (including IP ranges via L2 extension) and storage layouts carry over.
Is GravityStack compatible with ESXi and vCenter?
Yes. The migration agent connects directly to vCenter for bulk migration and also accepts standalone ESXi exports as OVF/OVA templates.
How long does a VMware migration take?
A single-host or small cluster migration via vCenter connect typically takes hours, not weeks. Larger estates are usually phased by workload tier — non-production first, then production during a scheduled cutover window.
Reducing cloud spend beyond your VMware estate? See how cloud repatriation can cut hyperscaler costs too, or check GravityStack pricing.
Ready to Leave VMware Behind?
Connect your vCenter and migrate your first workload today — or let our engineers plan the whole move with you.