So, what’s so good about VMware anyway?

We spoke to our VMware experts to understand why it continues to be the virtualisation platform of choice for so many businesses, and how Redcentric makes it work even harder for our customers.

 

1. Isn’t VMware just about running virtual machines?

That’s where it started, but it’s so much more today. VMware lets you turn one physical server into many virtual machines, optimising hardware usage, saving energy, and reducing your carbon footprint. That virtualisation core, vSphere, is now part of a much bigger picture, enabling everything from storage to network to DR and security to be software-defined and cloud-delivered.

2. Why do businesses stay loyal to VMware?

Three words: performance, predictability, and flexibility. VMware works. It’s tested, proven, and trusted. When customers move into Redcentric’s VMware Cloud Foundation platform, built on HPE GreenLake and hyperconverged infrastructure, they know the components are designed to run together. This means more frequent updates, ensuring the most recent performance and security updates are in place to enhance your customer experience and protect your business.

3. What does that look like in practice?

Take one customer: they started with MPLS links across multiple sites, then moved to hosted private cloud with Redcentric to improve their disaster recovery. This year, they transitioned to Redcentric’s multi-tenant VMware Cloud Foundation platform.

Now, they benefit from:

• Bursting capacity for when demand peaks.
• Realtime tracking of thousands of drivers across London.
• Flexible resource management, supported by VMware SRM and Redcentric optimisation services.
• Improved DR, with self-service testing via vSAN.
• Cost efficiency, thanks to right-sized environments and monthly metering.

4. Is it all just about cost savings?

Not at all, it’s about matching capacity to business need. Charges flex up and down based on actual usage, compute and storage, which maps closely to how customers earn revenue. One customer saved money by consolidating their estate early on, but now they’re also benefiting from month-by-month optimisation using the ARIA suite, which shows how to right-size VMs and avoid overspending.

5. What if I want to scale?

Redcentric builds in headroom. Unlike on-premises setups where bursting is limited by hardware, our platform allows for rapid scale, with new kit provisioned and added within days. Customers can grow quickly and confidently, knowing it’s been tested by VMware, HPE and Redcentric’s own lab.

6. Can I manage my own services?

Yes, but many customers ask us to manage the Virtual Machine layer and help with optimisation. That way they unlock better performance and can reassign internal resources to other priorities. Our VMware expertise gives customers a head start, we know how to get the most from the platform.

7. What about security?

VMware’s NSX networking virtualises the network layer, enabling complex configurations and extending SD-WAN into the cloud. Meanwhile, vDefend (being piloted by Redcentric) is adding robust east-west protection across the data layer, essential for stopping lateral attacks once inside a perimeter. We’ll use the ARIA suite to plan and deliver that protection into customer environments.

8. Is VMware still relevant in a cloud-first world?

Absolutely, especially when you want a cloud experience with strong control, compliance, and performance. VMware Cloud Foundation provides a consistent platform whether you’re running in Redcentric’s private cloud, a public cloud like AWS or Azure, or even on your own hardware. And with tools like Tanzu (for containers), you can build towards the future without throwing everything out.

9. What’s next?

More optimisation, better visibility, and tighter security. The VMware platform continues to evolve, and so does Redcentric’s support around it. Whether you’re staying put, scaling up, or modernising your architecture, we’ll help you make VMware work smarter for your business.

 

Ready to rethink your VMware estate?

Talk to Redcentric today, and take the next step with confidence.