Modern IT infrastructure relies on a distributed architecture spanning multiple cloud environments, microservices and hybrid systems. Maintaining performance, security and availability in such complex environments can be challenging. Load balancers are a crucial component of an IT stack and play a vital role in managing this complexity by efficiently distributing traffic across multiple servers and services, maintaining optimal performance and uptime.
There are many load-balancer vendors in the market and choosing the right load-balancing solution can be overwhelming. Major vendors have revamped their load-balancing offerings to align with the latest changes in the application delivery and load-balancing space. Organizations are re-evaluating their tech stacks in response to these changes. One of the biggest recent shakeups has been the Broadcom acquisition of VMware and the resulting spinout of Avi Networks (NSX Advanced Load Balancer). For organizations relying on Avi for L4-L7 load balancing and application delivery, it’s time to ask: What now?
In this post, we’ll explore how the Progress Kemp LoadMaster solution—a highly-rated, flexible and cost-effective ADC and load balancer—offers a seamless transition from Avi.
Why replace Avi?
With VMware’s acquisition and reorganization under Broadcom, Avi’s future may be uncertain for many customers—especially those not deeply invested in the broader VMware ecosystem. Their customers are concerned about:
Complex Licensing Complexity: VMWare shifted to a subscription-based model under Broadcom, which alters the licensing options offered by Avi. The pricing model may lead to higher costs for organizations that need to scale quickly in cloud environments.
Increased Cost: The cost of the Avi Load Balancer can be higher than other simpler load balancing solutions, especially for smaller businesses or those with less complex needs.
Integration with VMware: The Avi Load Balancer works seamlessly with VMware’s NSX and other VMware tools, but it might not be the best fit for organizations that don’t use VMware products or are using multi-cloud or hybrid-cloud environments with non-VMware platforms.
Vendor Lock-In: For organizations that want to avoid heavy reliance on a specific vendor, the close integration with VMware tools could lead to potential vendor lock-in, making future migrations or changes more difficult.
Ineffective Analytics: Avi offers limited visibility into complex multi-cloud environments. The analytics and monitoring may be ineffective, especially for organizations that need robust insights for performance and security.
VMware’s acquisition of Avi has introduced challenges like higher costs, integration issues, and vendor lock-in concerns. The LoadMaster load balancer offers a cost-effective, flexible and innovative alternative that can be deployed easily in any environment.
Kemp LoadMaster: The B2B load balancer built for the real world
The LoadMaster load balancing solution combines enterprise-grade features, flexible deployment and a suitable pricing model that makes sense—especially for small to mid-sized enterprises.
1. Simple, Easy-to-Use Products
Switch to LoadMaster software and experience award-winning hardware, virtual and cloud-native deployment options. The LoadMaster solution is the industry’s first per-app software load balancer/application delivery controller (ADC), providing an innovative, intuitive solution designed for simplicity and ease of use.
2. Competitive Price/Performance
Enhance application availability, scalability, performance and security without hidden costs. Why settle for complicated, expensive systems when the LoadMaster solution offers a full-featured, high-performance ADC and load balancer at a competitive price?
3. Flexible Licensing Options
Choose from perpetual, pooled, pay-as-you-go or service provider licensing options. Our flexible licensing verifies that you only pay for what you need. The LoadMaster team offers pricing models tailored to your business needs.
4. Centralized Visibility and Alerting
Gain powerful insights into your application delivery metrics. With the LoadMaster solution, you can monitor client requests, network traffic, latency and server performance in real-time, maintaining optimal system performance and reliability.
5. Enhanced Threat Protection
Stay ahead of sophisticated security threats by adding layers of security with the LoadMaster solution to help protect your web applications. Cutting-edge threat protection helps maintains the integrity and availability of your services.
6. Faster ROI
Reduce your deployment time with the LoadMaster load balancer. Whether it’s through simple tutorials or the dozens of pre-configured templates, you’ll be able to deploy and go live faster than ever, enabling you to start benefiting from your investment quickly.
7. Distinguished Support
Gain access to outstanding 24/7 support when deploying LoadMaster load balancer. Our dedicated global support team is here to assist you, and we pride ourselves on providing the best customer service. Plus, you won’t be upsold on unnecessary services.
Comparison Matrix: Kemp LoadMaster vs Avi vs Other Major Load Balancers
In conclusion
If you’re looking for a clean exit from the complexity of Avi (or its parent, VMware), the Kemp LoadMaster load balancing solution is a top-tier alternative. Whether you’re a mid-sized enterprise, a hybrid cloud shop, or a federal agency needing hardened hardware, LoadMaster software offers the features, flexibility and support you need, without locking you into a costly vendor ecosystem.
Switching to the LoadMaster solution can provide you:
- Dozens of templates for VMware-based apps
- Advanced WAF and GSLB features
- Federal-grade security and offline options
- Simplified licensing that lets you spin up unlimited instances without per-device charges
- Top tier support - 4.9/5 rating on Gartner Peer Insights and a leader on G2
Try a LoadMaster Load Balancer free for 30 days to experience its benefits and ease of use. You may also contact us if you need help choosing the right deployment model or getting started with a trial.
Your future load balancer doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs to work.
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