A U.S. state faced mounting IT costs as more than 20 of its agencies operated in siloed environments with disparate IT solutions. To reduce expenses and improve efficiency, the state sought to standardize its IT infrastructure through a unified cloud-based solution.
The state’s CIO selected VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) as the foundation for its new cloud-based architecture. The state accelerated its transformation by partnering with VCF Professional Services —deploying VCF, automating key processes, and migrating each agency to a unified infrastructure.
Driving an IT transformation with VMware Cloud Foundation
The state’s IT organization lacked the technical capabilities and capacity to complete the migration process internally, necessitating an engagement with an experienced IT partner. They initially worked with VCF Professional Services, and I joined as the VCF Technical Adoption Manager shortly after.
As the VCF TAM, I worked closely with the state’s architect, CIO, IT teams, and VCF Professional Services to oversee the technical strategy and execution. My role was to foster seamless collaboration, manage technical queries, and drive the successful integration of VMware Cloud Foundation across all 20+ agencies.
Working closely with the state’s architect, VCF Professional Services and I developed a phased migration approach, transitioning each agency to VMware Cloud Foundation. We leveraged VCF’s automation capabilities to streamline IT services and improve support. VCF’s hyper-converged infrastructure also enabled us to create customized workload domains tailored to specific agency requirements. For instance, one large agency required a dedicated domain, allowing separation from other agencies while benefiting from VCF’s scalability and security.
To provide visibility into the cloud environment, we developed customized dashboards and reports that offer real-time insights. A weekly report delivered to the state CIO tracks each agency’s capacity, providing foresight into hardware needs. Meanwhile, a financial dashboard for the state CFO enables accurate chargeback tracking so each agency is charged according to resource consumption—promoting transparency and fiscal accountability.
Looking ahead, we are collaborating with the state to implement Tanzu Kubernetes Grid (TKG) within their VCF environment, further enhancing standardization and security across their application development processes. We are also helping the state streamline its networking tools and evaluate the adoption of VMware Cloud Disaster Recovery (VCDR) to bolster its disaster recovery capabilities.
The Importance of a VCF Technical Adoption Manager
Given the complexity of the engagement, it was crucial to have a Technical Adoption Manager engaged.
I maintained ongoing touchpoints with the state’s CIO, CFO, IT teams, and other stakeholders, keeping the VCF migration on track. Since I have strong relationships with both the customer and VMware stakeholders, I am the eyes and ears of the account. I facilitated regular communications and aligned the teams to support optimal deployment and proper licensing across all 20+ agencies.
In addition to the above project, I guide the customer in addressing challenges and realizing the full value of their VMware technology. When we need to validate a solution, I coordinate with a VMware project manager to streamline the process.
As the VCF TAM , I also provide counsel whenever the state wants to begin a new project. I offer best practices, identify key considerations, and recommend how Professional Services can best support the initiative.
Approach
VCF Technical Adoption Managers serve as the critical link between customer stakeholders and the various VMware teams, enhancing collaboration and alignment across every phase of IT projects. Our role is to bridge operational and technical gaps, enabling the smooth integration of VCF into the customer’s IT environment. With deep experience gained from hundreds of engagements, TAMs help organizations maximize the value of VCF by aligning it with business goals and supporting scalable growth.
My colleagues and I focus on enabling teamwork and clear communication, helping teams optimize their VCF deployments and operate smoothly. We’re committed to helping our customers unlock VCF’s full potential, driving innovation and long-term success through a unified approach.
Work with an expert on your next project
Discover how VCF Technical Adoption Managers can help you unlock the full potential of your cloud environment. Contact your VMware sales representative to learn how VCF Services and Lifecycle Support can empower your initiatives and drive your business forward.
