Pure Storage enhances Portworx with VMware VM support amid industry shifts

In response to industry changes, Pure Storage has introduced VMware virtual machine (VM) support to its Portworx container storage software, aimed at customers looking to move their VMs to containers. This addition enables businesses, including those in the public sector, to utilize their existing VMs on Kubernetes while they modernize their applications. The announcement comes shortly after Broadcom's acquisition of VMware in 2023, which led to significant pricing changes affecting VMware's clientele. Recent surveys reveal substantial interest among enterprises in migrating VMware VMs to Kubernetes, with 81 percent of participants indicating plans to do so over the next five years. More than half envision completing this migration within the next two years. To capitalize on this trend, Pure Storage is positioning Portworx version 3.3 as a vital tool for enterprises undergoing digital transformation, seeking scalable data management solutions that integrate both VM and cloud-native applications. The new Portworx 3.3 version features a unified workflow for managing both VMs and cloud-native applications, eliminating the need for separate tools. It supports VMs running on Kubernetes and collaborates with industry players like Red Hat, SUSE, Kubermatic, and Spectro Cloud. Key enhancements include RWX Block support for KubeVirt VMs, ensuring high-speed read/write capabilities, a streamlined management approach with synchronized disaster recovery (zero RPO) for VMs on Kubernetes, and file-level backup functionality for Linux VMs. This strategic shift by Pure Storage responds not only to VMware's changes but also to the broader needs of enterprises looking for efficient solutions in an increasingly cloud-oriented environment. With the new support for VMware VMs, Pure Storage aims to solidify its position in the container storage market, providing a comprehensive platform for businesses transitioning to modern infrastructure.