Organizations running VMware workloads are under increasing pressure to modernize without disrupting daily operations. Azure VMware Solution (AVS) provides a fully managed, Azure-hosted private cloud that simplifies this transition. Built on VMware’s familiar software-defined data center stack (vSphere, vSAN, and NSX), AVS supports lift-and-shift migrations, scales as business needs evolve, and enables direct access to Azure’s security, AI, and analytics services.
What Is Azure VMware Solution?
VMware is a leading virtualization platform that enables organizations to run multiple applications and operating systems on the same physical hardware through technologies like vSphere, vSAN, and NSX. It makes the familiar VMware environment available on dedicated physical servers hosted in Microsoft Azure. With AVS, organizations can seamlessly migrate and manage their workloads while maintaining operational consistency. Available for both commercial and government deployments, AVS starts with a minimum three-host cluster, providing a flexible foundation for hybrid cloud strategies.
Infrastructure and Architecture
Azure VMware Solution is built on dedicated physical servers in Azure, designed to deliver enterprise-grade performance and integration. Key elements include:
- Hyperconverged infrastructure combining compute, memory, and storage on dedicated hosts.
- Flexible host SKUs to match different performance and capacity requirements.
- Private connectivity through ExpressRoute Global Reach for secure, low-latency links to Azure Virtual Networks and services
Operational Consistency
For IT teams, operational consistency is a key advantage. AVS allows continued use of VMware tools like vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and HCX, while also integrating into the Azure portal. With Azure Resource Manager, Monitor, and Security Center, administrators gain unified management and visibility across VMware and Azure environments.
Core Benefits
Accelerated Innovation with AI and Analytics
Running VMware on Azure means more than just extending infrastructure. AVS unlocks native Azure services—from AI and machine learning to advanced analytics, DevOps pipelines, backup, and monitoring—helping organizations accelerate innovation with their existing workloads.
Enhanced Scalability and Flexibility
AVS clusters scale on demand to meet new workload requirements. Azure’s global data center footprint ensures workloads run close to users, reducing latency and supporting growth in new regions without the need for new on-premises infrastructure.
Security and Compliance
Built on Azure’s trusted cloud foundation, AVS inherits enterprise-grade security and compliance controls. These include encryption at rest, integrated threat protection, and certifications covering GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and more. For government customers, specialized AVS instances deliver heightened compliance and regulatory alignment.
Simplified Migration Path
AVS supports true lift-and-shift migrations without replatforming. With VMware HCX, organizations can extend L2 networks, use vMotion for live migrations, and maintain existing IP and MAC addresses. This reduces migration risk and preserves current VMware investments.
Cost Efficiency and Predictability
Organizations can optimize budgets with Azure Hybrid Benefit for Windows and SQL Server licenses, free extended security updates, and reserved instance pricing. The operational cost model of AVS helps stabilize expenses while providing predictable growth capacity.
Use Cases and Scenarios
Azure VMware Solution enables a wide range of business scenarios, including:
• Data center consolidation or extension with minimal downtime.
• Disaster recovery and business continuity, using AVS as a secondary site.
• Government-compliant hybrid expansion, meeting strict regulatory requirements.
These use cases highlight AVS’s role in supporting modernization strategies without sacrificing stability or compliance.
Limitations and Considerations
Azure VMware Solution is designed for enterprise-grade performance, but there are a few factors to keep in mind. Each deployment begins with a minimum three-host cluster and supported host SKUs must be used. To get the best value, clusters should be right sized to workload needs, as smaller environments may not fully benefit from the platform. Thoughtful planning around network integration and workload placement helps ensure a smooth and cost-efficient experience.
Moving Forward with Azure VMware Solution
Azure VMware Solution provides a streamlined path to hybrid cloud adoption, allowing organizations to preserve their VMware investments while taking advantage of Azure innovation. Its strengths in scalability, compliance, security, and simplified migration help IT leaders modernize without unnecessary disruption. AVS serves as a flexible bridge between today’s VMware workloads and tomorrow’s cloud-driven opportunities.
Ready to evaluate your hybrid cloud strategy and explore how AVS can support your business? The experts at Connection are here to help! Contact your Connection Account Team today and start planning your VMware-to-Azure journey.
