There was a time when VMware was the technology everyone in IT had to master. Innovations like vSphere, vSAN, and NSX weren't just buzzwords—they were essential building blocks of modern IT. VMware wasn't just about virtualization—it changed how businesses managed their resources. If you were serious about IT, VMware was where you started: certifications, skills, and even your first homelab revolved around it.
As VMware matured, it became key to career growth. Programs like vExpert (which I was eagerly a part of—not so much anymore) and VMUG (VMware User Group) thrived, transforming casual users into passionate advocates. These weren't just communities; they were vital hubs for anyone wanting to build their reputation or advance their career.
But VMware's charm began to fade over time. After being acquired by Broadcom, VMware turned its focus to large enterprise customers, particularly Fortune 500 companies. Technologies like vMotion and DRS, which once excited IT professionals, became hidden behind complex, enterprise-only solutions. This shift distanced VMware from the community and smaller organizations that originally drove its popularity.
Following VMware's acquisition announcement, many enthusiasts started exploring alternatives like Proxmox, Nutanix, Linux-based solutions, Azure, other cloud environments, and even revisiting Citrix. This wasn't just a technology shift—it was a sign of the community's readiness to embrace something else.
At the same time VMware lost its spark, AI emerged as the next big tech wave. Leading this charge was NVIDIA, a company originally known for gaming GPUs but now dominating AI and data center computing. NVIDIA quickly stepped into the gap left by VMware, capturing the excitement of IT professionals and hobbyists alike.
To be clear, NVIDIA isn't replacing VMware. VMware still has strengths, especially in vGPU and Omniverse, areas where it complements NVIDIA. But when it comes to enthusiasm, innovation, and community engagement, NVIDIA has become the new focal point.
NVIDIA's rise is about more than GPUs; it's reshaping computing around AI. The older A100 remains common in cloud setups, but newer GPUs like the H100/H200, B200, and GB200 represent cutting-edge capabilities previously unimaginable.
Still, not everyone can afford to build powerful GPU clusters or dive deep into AI networking. VMware maintains a strong advantage here, offering solutions that scale affordably. VMware Workstation Pro and VMware Fusion Pro have notably been free for all users—commercial, educational, and personal—since November 2024.
NVIDIA, meanwhile, is bringing AI within reach of regular folks through accessible gear like the Jetson series—especially the Jetson Orin Nano. These small yet powerful devices are great for hobbyists, students, or anyone curious about playing with AI without needing huge budgets or specialized hardware. And if you’re aiming a bit higher, needing extra muscle for professional-level AI projects, NVIDIA’s got you covered there too, with platforms like Project DIGITS stepping in to handle the heavy lifting.
GPUs for gaming still have a place in the homelab space, particularly for those who aren't able to invest in high-end AI hardware. The recently released NVIDIA RTX 5000 series is focusing more on AI advancements, which will certainly help AI enthusiasts. However, this shift has raised some concerns within the gaming community, as it seems that rasterization—the key to traditional gaming—has taken a backseat. But, hey, this is a story for another time…
Remember when VMworld was the must-attend tech event, drawing thousands of tech enthusiasts and industry leaders each year? It was where you went to learn, connect, and see the future of IT unfold. Today, NVIDIA’s GTC has taken over that spotlight, becoming the ultimate gathering point for anyone interested in AI and data center innovation.
But let’s not forget about the real common thread between VMware and NVIDIA: the iconic green logos. It’s funny how many people still miswrite their names—seriously, it’s "VMware," not "Vmware" (for $%&@ sake), and "NVIDIA," not "Nvidia" (nope, not anymore). It’s almost like a rite of passage for anyone who’s dabbled in these technologies! But regardless of how the names are written, it’s clear that both companies have left an indelible mark on the world of technology.
Ultimately, NVIDIA isn’t replacing VMware in virtualization and any other technology. But in excitement, innovation, and inspiring tech careers, NVIDIA has certainly taken the torch VMware once carried. And while people still mix up the names, there’s no mistake: NVIDIA is the new VMware—at least when it comes to fueling passion and creativity in the next wave of IT leaders.
