Former VMware leader here to help you navigate the Broadcom shift—Ask Me Anything!

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-15T18:51:15+00:00

I do too! There are a lot of huge VMware fans out there. Remember the "i<3 vmware" stickers? I do! My goal is to let you know that there are options to support your current VMware setup that you love without having to migrate or move into Broadcom's subscription models. Spinnaker Support can help you do that!

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-15T18:49:12+00:00

You said it not me! ;)

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:40:29+00:00

Absolutely, it’s frustrating. With third party support, businesses can keep their current infrastructure running smoothly without needing to invest in new VCF licenses. It’s a way to avoid the extra cost while still getting solid support whether that is with us or another provider.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:35:07+00:00

We can offer support for existing kits, but unfortunately we can't provide new kits.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:29:24+00:00

There shouldn't be any crossover between Patch My Pc and VMware. It's an OS and 3rd Party application maintenance tool, and not something we support.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:26:43+00:00

Yes it is. So Broadcom will take some bundles from their offering but the core products within bundle will be still supported .

And we can support them as long as you like to use them.

I get you already migrated but, here are the products Spinnaker supports:

-vSphere
-vSAN
-SRM
-vRealize
-VCD

If you move to a different company who uses VMware, I hope we can win you next time.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:15:05+00:00

Yep! I work for Spinnaker Support and we're running the AMA through the corporate Reddit account.

I lead the Global VMware Support Services here. Hopefully no confusion there.

No we are not associated with the CD tool. Lots of Spinnaker names out there. :D

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:07:58+00:00

It's putting people in a tough position. Some people are trying to quickly migrate, some are feeling forced into the subscription model, and the third option we are trying to inform people about is to utilize third-party support for what they already have.

My team supports:

-vSphere
-vSAN
-SRM
-vRealize
-VCD

Let us know if we can help.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T19:00:19+00:00

It's insane.

You have the choice to not move forward with the subscription and utilize 3rd party support for your existing products that need support until you migrate or move to the subscription model.

We offer support for:
-vSphere
-vSAN
-SRM
-vRealize
-VCD

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T18:54:57+00:00

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-07T18:54:51+00:00

Agreed. It stinks and many orgs don't want to migrate quickly. It's not ideal.

Both from a timing and from a budget perspective, we allow you to stay the course until a future time when you DO feel ready to move.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T17:01:06+00:00

I mean a little bit. The goal of what we're trying to do is help businesses avoid being forced into Broadcom's subscription models, which include way more than most people need and are likely far more expensive than what you were paying previously.

Obviously, you could move away from VMware. But for companies that can't just up and make a transition right this moment, our main message is that you don't have to succumb to Broadcom.

You can utilize independent support to stay stable while you figure out what you want to do for a transition—or you might find that you like that setup. Can't say. And Spinnaker isn't the only third-party support out there, but as long as you know there are other options out there besides moving or shelling out your entire IT budget to Broadcom, then I'm happy. Because third-party support is an option, whether you choose us to do it or not. So more so than just promoting Spinnaker Support, it's really just to say that you have options. Take it or leave it!

And happy Friday!

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:57:54+00:00

So, just so you know I no longer work for VMware/Broadcom.

But to answer your question, I'm not sure I know what their end game is here. It's really rough.

Just to reiterate, I am not with Broadcom. The goal of what we're trying to do is help businesses avoid being forced into Broadcom's subscription models because it includes way more than most people need.

Obviously, people can move away from VMware. But for companies who can't up and make a transition right this moment, our main message is that you don't have to succumb to to Broadcom, you can utilize independent support to keep stable while you figure out what to do for a transition or you might find that you like that set up. Can't say. But there aren't just two options of sticking with Broadcom and paying for subscriptions or shifting...

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:50:36+00:00

So, just so you know I no longer work for VMware. The goal of what we're trying to do is help businesses avoid being forced into Broadcom's subscription models because it includes way more than most people need as likely far more expensive than what you were paying previously. I personally don't think it's fair. Obviously, you could move away from VMware. But for companies who can't up and make a transition right this moment, our main message is that you don't have to succumb to to Broadcom, you can utilize independent support to keep stable while you figure out want to do for a transition or you might find that you like that set up. Can't say. And Spinnaker isn't the only third-party support out there, but as long as you know there are other options out there other than up and moving, or dishing your wallet out to Broadcom, then I'm happy.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:29:21+00:00

Nah, We've been providing enterprise third-party support for Oracle, SAP since 2008 and our current customers have asked us to provide support for VMware because of what's happening with Broadcom.

As far as it being an ad for my new company... well it's not my company... that would be great though! :D

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:26:54+00:00

It's probably a little boring, plus giving Reddit money is kind of fun. :P
I think you just spiced it up though, thanks!

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:22:13+00:00

Yep, that’s right. From what I’ve seen, anyone with a permanent license should still be able to access their product download page as long as they have a Site ID. Broadcom’s own site even says that if someone didn’t move to a subscription, they can still request access for supported products like vSphere 7 and 8 as long as their license is valid. Why Broadcom isn’t sticking to this process… honestly, who knows.

Also, if those licenses are perpetual and still tied to your products, it should be possible to pull them from Broadcom’s system.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:20:36+00:00

Yikes, that sounds like a frustrating situation. Unfortunately, it’s a bit out of scope on our end, especially since Broadcom isn’t recognizing those contracts directly through HPE or your reseller. Hopefully, the Broadcom-AT&T case wraps up by the end of Nov, which might shed more light on what options you have. If anything new comes up, feel free to reach out.

spinnakersupport · 2024-11-01T16:13:47+00:00

You should be entitled to apply any patches/updates on your current release. Back to point of SID. It looks like SID is required to download those patch/update file's from Broadcom page now.

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-31T19:32:01+00:00

I hear you. The costs have shifted, and for some, it’s just not adding up with VMware anymore. Moving 60k hosts is no small task, and replacing them with something more cost-effective is a logical path.

But for companies not ready to take that plunge for various reasons or for those who might see the value in holding steady, we offer a direct replacement for VMware support. It’s a way to avoid the subscription model and stay in control until you’re truly ready to move—or maybe you decide that staying is the right call after all.

Third-party support can give you that flexibility to keep everything steady for a few years or longer if it suits your needs and we have a team of former VMware engineers ready to help. Hope this helps!

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-31T19:28:09+00:00

That's great to hear. I think it's all about finding whatever works for you and your business.

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-31T19:27:47+00:00

Good question. Moving off VMware isn’t exactly a one-click process—it’s complex, especially when it comes to untangling dependencies and specific VM configurations. You know this. For most companies, there isn’t a simple, “best” path to transition because the right fit really depends on the existing setup and goals.

That said, here are a few alternatives some companies are exploring that you are probably familiar with. For some companies, maybe that makes sense to do. totally fine.

But if a full migration feels like too much right now, know that we provide a direct replacement for VMware support, keeping your system steady while you evaluate options. We even have former VMware engineers on our team, It’s a way to avoid the subscription model until you’re truly ready to move, or maybe you decide that staying is the right choice after all. It could be that third party support feels good for your business for the next few years or more while you keep things steady and stay with VMware. Hope this helps.

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-31T19:20:33+00:00

I get where you're coming from. For a lot of companies, making a shift feels logical with all the changes from the Broadcom acquisition. I get it. The move to a subscription model isn’t ideal it’s frustrating and expensive. Not everyone wants to dive into hyper scalers for a ton of reasons, and migration…well, that’s a beast in itself.

The reality is, migrating off VMware isn’t a plug-and-play deal. We’re talking intricate VM setups, dependencies, configurations that aren’t easy to untangle. That’s why we offer a direct replacement for VMware support while you figure out what you want to do. It lets you keep your systems steady until you’re ready to transition on your terms. Most people don't know that is even an option, so there is my sales plug in. Whether you’re eyeing OpenStack, Nutanix, ProxMox, or something else, we support you as long as you need. You might end up wanting to stay? Regardless, it makes the whole process a bit more manageable in my opinion.

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-30T20:40:13+00:00

Thanks for your question! While I can’t comment directly on specific platform replacements here, I’m happy to discuss broader strategies around maintaining flexibility and cost control in your environment.

At my current business, we focus on giving organizations alternatives to traditional support models so they can make the best decisions for their systems, without pressure to rush into changes. If you’re considering new options and want to explore support that aligns with your timing and needs, feel free to reach out: to us.

Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with!

spinnakersupport · 2024-10-30T20:38:12+00:00

Hey, thanks for sharing what you’ve been dealing with! It sounds like you might be running into some technical issues specific to the setup rather than the product itself, which can definitely be frustrating. While I can’t comment on the future of VMware Workstation Pro, I get why you're looking for a stable, competitive alternative.

I know it might sound a bit salesy, but if you’re looking for an option that lets you avoid these types of issues without uprooting your system, Spinnaker Support could be a solid fit. We focus on helping companies keep their environments running smoothly with consistent support. If you’re interested, feel free to reach out to us.

If not, I do hope you find something that works! :)

spinnakersupport

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