Sheetz moves 838 stores off VMware: Broadcom created “too much uncertainty"

Details

Sheetz has relied on VMware virtualization since 2019, running 12–14 VMs per store across Dell R440/R450 servers to power critical in-store applications. Broadcom's 2023 acquisition of VMware triggered license changes that made the status quo untenable: perpetual licenses were eliminated, large bundled subscriptions became mandatory, and 5-year commitment requirements were introduced. Infrastructure team manager Scott Robertson cited "too much uncertainty around long-term budgeting and increased vendor dependence" as the deciding factor. Sheetz chose StorMagic SvHCI as the replacement — a natural transition given that Sheetz had used StorMagic's SvSAN storage product alongside VMware at every store since 2019. The migration is proceeding at roughly 200 stores per month entirely via remote management — no technician visits required — a significant logistical advantage for a 24/7 retail chain. Over 600 stores have been migrated already; the full 838-store transition is expected to complete within four months. Existing Dell server hardware is retained throughout, avoiding capital expenditure on new equipment. This is one of many documented VMware defections since Broadcom's acquisition. Heavy automation and StorMagic's VM Import Utility were cited as essential to scaling the migration without store disruptions.