HDM VMware Workload Migrator

Organizations are embracing cloud computing. The HDM Workload Migrator service is designed to assist organizations that have a requirement to migrate their current on-prem, or network resident VMware workloads to the IBM Cloud. PrimaryIO has created a rapid, reliable migrator service, conducted by experts to shepherd customers moving from their current state to IBM Cloud.

With a goal of reducing time, cost and risk, PrimaryIO’s experienced professional services team has created its fully managed, fixed price, HDM Workload Migrator Service that has been optimized to move customer VM workloads to the IBM Cloud. This moving of workloads from one environment to another is a detailed process requiring the determining of multiple variables including which workloads, from and to which specific environments, whether the necessary network connections and configurations are in place and when the migration will occur. This service leverages technology which reduces the time and risk of the migration, minimizing any duration of scheduled unavailability of resources.

One of the common use cases for the Workload Migrator is for those organizations finding themselves charting their one-time path from VMware’s NSX-V to NSX T, due to end-of-life (EoL) status. This migration is a complex project comprised of a lengthy sequence of disparate activities and technologies. Depending on particulars, this migration can take anywhere up to six to eight calendar months to complete, coupled with a lack of clarity and predictability with regard to resources, time, bill-of-materials and ultimately, cost. Combining Workload Migrator service with our Fasttrack NSX-V to NSX T service (separate offering), a complete turnkey service is achievable for your NSX-V goal. The Migrator Service involves discrete, well-defined, rapid engagements that drive visible, quick turn-around progress, focussing on critical path milestones and objectives. Together, these two services offer a complete end-to-end service to bring an organization from an NSX-V environment to an NSX-T IBM Cloud resident environment – including the Workload Migrations.

This “Migrator” is differentiated from, yet works in close conjunction with, the “Fasttrack” NSX V to NSX-T service due its pre-configured Statement of Work and associated per VM fixed price. In contrast, the Fasttrack NSX-V to NSX-T network infrastructure-oriented service supports customers with a tailored, customer-specific Statement of Work and associated options to include as a method of procurement.

Benefits
The HDM VMware Workload Migrator utilizes project management and technical expertise derived from experience in performing migrations. In addition, and importantly, migrations can utilize PimaryIO’s proprietary software that handles VM Workload migrations in an exceptional, differentiating manner.
The Migrator Service can begin workload execution with only partial data having been migrated to the new destination environment. Between the human capital and intellectual capital, this service offers the following benefits:
● Scheduled downtime is greatly reduced
● Initial testing can be done much sooner
● If problems are detected, retreating is faster, easier and more reliable
● Migration duration is reduced and predictable
● Network bandwidth requirements can be lessened
● Cost is optimized and predictable

Engagement Overview
PrimaryIO’s HDM Migrator Service is comprised of four phases:
Discover, Plan, Build and Migrate.

Discover

This Workshop-led initial phase engagement focuses on gathering critical information from the existing workload environment and its associated platform(s), along with size and complexity to ensure a fully prepared NSX-T and IBM Cloud target. Full customer participation and interaction will mitigate risk and result in a rapid and successful shifting of workloads.
Discover is comprised of:
● Current state assessment
● IBM Cloud analysis
● NSX-T validation (if applicable)
● Assessment of size and complexity of existing configuration(s)
● Customer/site-specific requirements
Discover deliverables include:
● Migration Options
● Migration Approach

Plan

Plan phase of engagement focuses on generating the project-specific roadmap. Workshops include the Design Workshop with an outcome of detailed findings, migration options and planning. The concluding Solution workshop presents the migration design, timeline any remaining prerequisites and a clear view of the Build and Migrate phases.
Plan is comprised of:
● Identifying migration options
● Developing the high-level design
● Developing the high-level plan
● Developing the timeline
● Identifying the (out-of-scope) prerequisites for the migration
Plan deliverables include:
● Migration High-level Design
● Migration High-level Plan & Timeline
● Build & Migrate Scope and Tasks

Build

Build phase initiates with developing the detailed design and plan. Primed by the output of the prior two phases, Build enables the progression through the stages of NSX-T validation and proof-of-concept-testing. Aligned with these build stages, the Migration Schedule and Timeline are also developed to support the overall migration process along with suitable Roll Back plans where appropriate.
Following successful testing and verification, the migration will continue in order to complete the final stage; the actual migration itself.
Migration will continue based upon the chosen approach and the associated migration schedule and timeline. Each event will be tested and verified for success prior to sign off.
Build is comprised of:
● Developing the detailed design
● Developing the detailed plan
● Validating the target NSX-T configuration
● Proof-of-Concept and associated testing
● Generating the migration schedule
Build deliverables include:
● Detailed design
● Detailed plan
● Detailed Workload Migration Schedule

Migrate

Migrate is the phase for which the other phases have paved the way and mitigated all risks. The migration is executed, tested, verified and ultimately signed of on. The conclusion is that the VM Workloads are migrated to the destination NSX-T platform, allowing the older NSX-V platform to be retired.
Migrate is comprised of:
● Migration of the configuration
● Migration of all VM workloads
● Configuration and workload testing
● Migration verification
● Sign off

Addressing the challenge of a complex one-time migration, the HDM Workload Migrator service delivers a desired, predictable, rapid outcome.

Nobody likes surprises. The caliber of resources enables the successful execution per expectation. The consistency enables a fixed price.

Software developed to help move data gives a unique advantage. Workloads can be tested PRIOR to all data being migrated.

PrimaryIO-customer workshops provide anticipated, efficient communication, clarity and transparency. These lay the groundwork for success.

Receipt of clearly defined deliverables facilitate predictability. these include statement of work, design, plan and timeline.