Server virtualization software keeps IT running, but most teams pick it without much planning. They go with what they know. The problem? Data keeps growing, budgets stay tight, and new demands like AI make old choices expensive.
VMware worked fine once. Now, Broadcom’s 2023 buyout means subscriptions and bundles you don’t need, and bills 2-5x higher for many companies. Servers run half-empty. Backups fail when you need them. Downtime costs thousands per hour.
This guide walks you through 15 clear steps to help you choose the right one. List your needs. Test with real apps. Compare real costs over 3 years. Simple checklists, no tech jargon.
If you are wondering which enterprise virtualization software to choose, Sangfor aSV stands out as one of the practical VMware alternatives. One price covers everything. Businesses save 70% while running more VMs on less hardware.
| Key Takeaways of the Article:
· Get the right software with a step-by-step approach. Stop wasting money. Build IT that grows with your business. · Among all mainstream VMware alternatives, Sangfor has been especially cited by Gartner for its ability to mirror VMware’s attack, helping with a smoother transition and reducing operational friction. · Let’s focus on the steps to choose the right software for your business now, and whether Sangfor ticks all the boxes on the checklist. |
What are the best VMware alternatives for enterprises in 2026?
Gartner and G2 highlight options for an easy switch and 70% savings. Sangfor aSV stands out. It uses your old VMware commands and runs more VMs on fewer servers.
You can refer to the official aSV video for a general overview:
Sangfor aSV Hypervisor | A Leading VMware vSphere Alternative
What Does Server Virtualization Software Do?
Server virtualization software turns a single physical server into multiple virtual machines. Each VM runs apps as if it were a separate computer. This saves money on hardware and makes growth easy.
Teams can run more work without buying new servers as the business grows. Good software starts VMs fast, moves them without stopping work, and backs up data. Clear screens show performance, enabling IT to fix problems quickly.
Key Features to Look For
Look for these must-haves first:
- Works with Windows and Linux
- Moves VMs without downtime
- One screen manages everything
- Built-in security and backups
- Grows from 10 to 1,000 VMs easily
Skip fancy extras if the budget is tight. Focus on daily needs.
Step 1: List Your Current Needs
Write down what you run now. Count VMs and apps.
| Note: Big users, such as databases or user desktops. Talk to the teams and ask them what slows them down. Slow backups, downtime, or something else! |
Make a simple list:
- App name | Needs CPU/Memory | Busy times
This shows what software must handle.
Step 2: Set Your Budget Realistically
| Calculate costs for 3 years. Licensing matters most. Some charge per CPU core, and prices jump fast. Add hardware, power bills, and support fees. |
Ask:
- Buy once or pay monthly?
- Extra fees for backups?
- Free help to switch?
Sangfor aSV has simple pricing. Saves up to 70% vs VMware.
Step 3: Pick the Right Hypervisor Type:
Two main types exist. Here is a comprehensive debate of type 1 vs type 2 hypervisor:
Type 1 (Best for business)
- Runs directly on server hardware.
- Fast and secure.
- Examples: Sangfor aSV, VMware ESXi. More VMs per server.
Type 2 (For testing only)
- Runs on Windows/Mac.
- Slow for real work.
- Use for labs.
Choose Type 1 for companies.
Step 4: Test Performance with Your Apps
| Run tests with your real work. Does it handle busy times? Check VM count per server. Test database speed. |
Sangfor aSV runs many VMs on normal servers.
Step 5: Check Security and Backups
Hackers target VMs. Therefore, you need firewalls between machines. Remember that fast backups matter here. You need security by minutes, not hours. Average outages can cost $9K per minute.
Look for built-in protection. Sangfor includes security without extra cost.
Step 6: Make Sure It Grows with You
- Can it handle 5x more work?
- Works with cloud-like AWS?
- Runs containers for developers?
Sangfor aSV manages offices and cloud from one screen.
Step 7: Test Management Screens
Good software shows everything on one dashboard. CPU, memory, alerts, and easy VM setup. Note that Sangfor Central Manager works across locations simply.
Step 8: Consider VMware Changes
Broadcom bought VMware in 2023. Today, you pay for it through monthly subscriptions instead of buying it once. Prices went up 2-5x for many companies. That’s why teams look for cheaper options.
What can I do now? I can pick software that’s easy to switch. But the best option is Sangfor. Sangfor aSV runs your old VMware commands, no need to rewrite scripts.
Sangfor aSV: Simple Choice for TeamsSangfor aSV gives strong performance without complications. One price covers everything. Retailers cut server switching. Emerging companies and start-ups can save money while meeting regulations by choosing Sangfor. |
Step 9: Run Small Tests
Pick top 3 options. Test with real apps for 2 weeks.
Check:
- Speed with your work
- Backup time
- Team setup time
Step 10: Compare Support Quality
Does your vendor respond quickly, offer complimentary 24/7 help, or provide free training? If it does none, it is time for you to switch.
Step 11: Calculate All Costs
- Year 1: License + hardware
- Years 2-3: Power + support
Sangfor shows 70% savings over 3 years.
How much can businesses save by switching from VMware?Many achieve 70% savings over 3 years by avoiding subscription hikes and bundles. Sangfor aSV delivers this through simple, all-in-one pricing that includes security and free migration tools. |
Step 12: Check Easy Exit Later
Can you move data if needed? Open formats prevent lock-in.
Step 13: Get Team Approval
- Show simple charts.
- Demo live.
- Answer questions like “What about our old tools?”
Step 14: Start Small, Grow Fast
- Move 10% of the work first.
- Watch for 1 month.
- Then scale up.
Sangfor moves VMs easily without changes.
Step 15: Train Staff Well
Hands-on classes work best. Track uptime and savings after.
Don’t Make These Mistakes
- Pick by brand name only
- Forget 3-year costs
- Skip your app tests
- Ignore team training time
Why Sangfor aSV Works for Most
Sangfor server virtualization software delivers enterprise power without VMware’s licensing traps. One simple price covers hypervisor, security, and backups. No add-ons needed. Teams run 80+ VMs per server, cut hardware 50%, and manage cloud + branches from one screen. Retailers save a significant percentage of TCO while easily meeting ZATCA compliance. Meanwhile, the best server virtualization tools, including the free migration tools, make switching smooth.
Ready to cut costs and simplify? Request a Sangfor aSV proof-of-concept today. Test your workloads free with expert help. See 70% savings in 2 weeks.
