Considering a move from VMware to Nutanix AHV? This guide compares architecture, licensing, storage, and migration tips to help VMware pros get up to speed.
Nutanix for VMware pros is a hot topic as more IT leaders evaluate AHV as a direct alternative to ESXi. If you’re a VMware administrator, here’s what you need to know.
This blog compares and contrasts architectures, licensing schemes, management tools, and migration considerations to help you quickly get up to speed.
Why Nutanix for VMware Pros Matters Today
Broadcom’s licensing changes have caused reactions ranging from minor consternation to lawsuits. Everywhere in between, organizations are considering their options. Even after Broadcom made licensing changes early in 2025, many organizations had renewed under the subscription model and are now looking for alternative strategies.
ESXi vs AHV: Architecture Overview
Analysts agree, Nutanix is “the closest direct alternative to VMware.” At their core, both VMware ESXi and Nutanix AHV are Type 1 hypervisors running directly on bare metal. However, their architectures and terminology differ. This table aims to familiarize VMware pros with Nutanix vocabulary.
Table 1: Architectural Comparison
| Feature | VMware ESXi | Nutanix AHV |
| Hypervisor Type | Type 1 | Type 1 |
| Kernel Type | Proprietary VMkernel | Linux-based with Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) optimizations |
| Management Tool | vCenter | Prism Element (individual cluster), Prism Central (multiple cluster) |
| Software Defined Storage | vSAN | AOS Storage (Distributed Storage Fabric) |
| Storage Support | Local and Networked Storage, SAN (Fibre Channel, iSCSI), NFS, RDM, vSAN, vVols. | Native distributed storage (Nutanix AOS) |
| Networking | vSwitch | Open vSwitch |
| Compatible Hardware | Multiple HW vendors Broadcom Compatibility Guide | OEM Providers, Validated Hardware Nutanix Support & Insights |
| Disaster Recovery | Live Recovery (fka Site Recovery Manager) Zerto | Nutanix Disaster Recovery (fka Leap) |
| High Availability | Configurable with response actions to Host Failure, Host Isolation, Datastore loss | Enabled by Default (Best Effort), configurable to Guaranteed |
| Resource Management | Distributed Resource Scheduler (DRS) | Acropolis Dynamic Scheduling (ADS) |
| Licensing | Various subscription models with Add-Ons | Various subscription models with Add-Ons |
| Training resources | VCF Learning | Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Administration (ECA) Advanced Administration & Performance Management (AAPM) |
Architectural Note: Nutanix AHV uses a unique Controller VM (CVM) to handle storage and orchestration tasks—a core difference from VMware’s VMkernel + vCenter approach.
In fact, it’s only the watchful eye that can detect a difference, architecturally.
Licensing: Where Costs Diverge
The difference is Nutanix’s Controller VM (CVM), which handles storage management and other critical functions within Nutanix’s hyper-converged infrastructure. ESXi doesn’t have a separate equivalent like the CVM, but it manages similar functions through different components such as vCenter Server and VMKernel.
If you’re already using Nutanix hardware, you’re already licensed for AHV. Future hardware purchases could result in significant cost savings over VMware’s pricing model.
Storage Architecture: Simplicity vs. Flexibility
When comparing VMware storage architecture to Nutanix AHV, both platforms offer robust and scalable storage solutions integrated within their HCI stacks. VMware utilizes VMware vSphere Storage, which includes VMFS, VSAN, and vVols, providing flexibility and scalability.
Nutanix AHV, on the other hand, features a distributed storage fabric that delivers similar scalability and performance benefits, but emphasizes simplicity and native integration. The primary difference lies in operational complexity– Nutanix tends to streamline management, whereas VMware provides extensive configuration options.
Management Tools and Experience
How does managing Nutanix AHV compare to the vCenter experience? Here’s a quick look:
| Aspect | VMware ESXi | Nutanix AHV |
| Supported Guest OS | Supports Windows, Linux, Unix | Supports Windows, Linux, Unix |
| Management Interface | Managed through vCenter Server with advanced features like vMotion and DRS | Managed via Prism, a user-friendly interface with self-healing and automation |
| Integration | Requires integration with other VMware solutions for comprehensive management | Integrated into Nutanix’s hyper-converged infrastructure |
| Licensing and Cost | Separate licensing for hypervisor and additional management tools | Simpler licensing model integrated with the Nutanix platform |
| Maintenance and Upgrades | Updates and maintenance may require more manual effort and separate updates | Receives updates as part of the Nutanix platform, reducing complexity |
Migration: How to Move from ESXi to AHV
Migrating from VMware ESXi to Nutanix AHV involves several steps and prerequisites to ensure a smooth transition.
Steps for a Smooth Migration
- Conduct a thorough assessment of your current ESXi environment, including inventory of VMs, network topology, storage needs, and downtime tolerance.
- Verify that your Nutanix cluster has sufficient capacity to accommodate the incoming VMs.
- Nutanix Move can help with automated VM conversion, replication, and real-time data synchronization. You can also export VMs from ESXi as OVF or OVA files and import them into AHV, and leverage backups from tools like Cohesity of Veeam.
- Post-migration, verify VM functionality and performance in the AHV environment, and reconfigure network settings and ensure proper connectivity
At Jones Onslow, “We met with eGroup multiple times,” recalled VP of IT Devin Costa. “They went through the design with a fine-toothed comb, giving us advantages and disadvantages.”
Customer Insight:
“We set up a test group, migrated a machine from VMware to AHV, and let it run. We didn’t notice any changes, it just worked.”
— Devin Costa, VP of IT, Jones-Onslow EMC
Want to Learn More?
To explore cost-saving opportunities, transition strategies, or just understand your Nutanix options, connect with our team.
