Virtualization Modernization with Kubernetes at Scale

Abstract

Telecom operators and enterprises are putting more money into 5G, private networks, edge computing, and AI workloads. This makes cloud native, Kubernetes based architectures increasingly critical. However, many organizations are still limited by large legacy VM estates running important workloads on old hypervisors. Recent VMware licensing changes have further intensified cost pressures, forcing organizations to rethink their plans for modernization strategies.

Migrating large VM estates is complex due to deep network dependencies, downtime risks, and the operational overhead of maintaining both VM and Kubernetes environment. Tech Mahindra’s Migration Toolkit for Virtualization (MTV) solves these problems by letting VMs move to OpenShift Virtualization without any downtime and keeping the network running. Built on Red Hat OpenShift Virtualisation, Ansible Automation, and RHACM, MTV delivers a unified Kubernetes control plane that lowers costs, make operations easier, and gets businesses ready for CNF, edge, and AI-ready deployment.

Advance Modal Components
Explore Large Scale VM Modernization with Kubernetes

Key Insights

Telecoms and enterprises must modernize their virtualization strategies faster than they had planned as the cost of VMware licenses is going up and cloud-native workloads are becoming more demanding

Network dependencies such as IP preservation, VLAN mappings, routing, and security rules make traditional lift and shift migrations risky and disruption prone

MTV enables VMs and containers to run natively on a single Kubernetes platform, simplifying lifecycle management and reducing infrastructure sprawl.

Deep integration with RHACM, GitOps, and automation ensures consistent governance, policy compliance, and fleet wide observability post migration

About the Author
Nitish Nanda
Global Function Head, Network Services, Tech Mahindra
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With over two decades of experience across Telco Cloud, Core, RAN, and transport domains, Nitish drives the development of differentiated offerings in 5G core, public and private telco cloud, end-to-end network orchestration, and Lab-as-a-Service, while strengthening transport network capabilities.

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With over two decades of experience across Telco Cloud, Core, RAN, and transport domains, Nitish drives the development of differentiated offerings in 5G core, public and private telco cloud, end-to-end network orchestration, and Lab-as-a-Service, while strengthening transport network capabilities.

As an accomplished leader in technical presales, solution consulting, product management, and global delivery, he engages CXO stakeholders to shape network migration, evolution, and investment strategies, drawing on extensive experience across OEMs and CSPs, including Nokia, Siemens, UTStarcom, and Etisalat.

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Utkarsh Srivastava
Principal Solution Architect, Tech Mahindra
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With 20+ years of experience driving large-scale cloud, AI, and telco network transformation (NFV/SDN, 5G) across APAC, EMEA, and US markets, he currently leads VMware exit strategies, hybrid cloud modernization, and AI platform adoption (OpenShift AI, TechM Orion) for enterprise and telecom clients.

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With 20+ years of experience driving large-scale cloud, AI, and telco network transformation (NFV/SDN, 5G) across APAC, EMEA, and US markets, he currently leads VMware exit strategies, hybrid cloud modernization, and AI platform adoption (OpenShift AI, TechM Orion) for enterprise and telecom clients.

He brings strong expertise in solution architecture, cloud development, migration strategy (compute, storage, network, DR), and AI-led automation, combined with business alignment through account planning, GTM strategy, and alliance engagement (Red Hat, AWS). He has a proven track record of identifying new revenue opportunities, influencing CXO stakeholders, and delivering transformation programs at scale

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