Perspectives from engineers
who work hands-on with infrastructure and AI
Experience and decision criteria from Softworks engineers in the field: VMware VCF migration, virtualization and private cloud, and AI infrastructure deployment.
2026
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VCF Migration: Moving As-Is Is the Most Expensive Choice
Since the transition to Broadcom, VMware is no longer a question of "how to buy licenses" but of "how to redesign the infrastructure."
How core-based subscriptions changed the math
Under core-based subscriptions, moving your existing cluster configuration as-is means paying for cores you do not use. That is why workloads need a fresh look before migration.
Our recommended sequence
- Workload profiling — Measure actual CPU and memory usage and peak patterns.
- Cluster consolidation — Merge clusters that can be combined and re-size the host count.
- Core sizing — Calculate the licenses required for the consolidated configuration.
Zero downtime is the default. We move to the next stage only after securing a point we can return to (rollback point) at each stage.
Operations Outlast the Migration
Only when the team that designs the system also operates it can it take responsibility for how deployment decisions turn into operating costs three years later. Softworks has held to this principle by directly operating three SK Telecom IDC sites.
Step What We Do Assess Current-state assessment · License impact analysis · TCO comparison Design Design architecture and licensing together Migrate Zero-downtime migration with a rollback point at every stage Operate Post-migration operations and continuous improvement
Not sure where to start with AI transformation?
From infrastructure design and solution adoption to AI platform deployment and operations, we work with you to find the right approach for your environment and requirements.