Proxmox server build projects in Adelaide
When the VMware renewal arrives or the old host server is due for replacement, a Proxmox build is often the sensible next step. We spec and build the new server, move your virtual machines across with a planned cut-over, set up backups that we restore-test, and hand over a server you understand and own outright.
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The short answer
A Proxmox server build is a project to replace an existing host server, often running VMware or Hyper-V, with new hardware running Proxmox Virtual Environment. WaTo Consulting in Adelaide sizes the hardware, builds and tests the server in our workshop, migrates your virtual machines with a planned cut-over, sets up Proxmox Backup Server with restore tests and documents the finished setup.
Why Proxmox, and what's in the build?
Proxmox VE is an open-source platform for running virtual machines and containers on your own server. Many small and mid-sized businesses are looking at it because VMware licensing has changed and costs have risen sharply. Proxmox itself has no licence fee, with optional paid support subscriptions. A build project covers the whole move: choosing hardware, building and testing it, converting each virtual machine, setting up storage, networking and backups, and switching over with minimal downtime.
What we deliver
Hardware sized for you
Server, drives and memory chosen for your virtual machines and growth, with redundant drives and power where it matters.
Built and tested first
The server is built, burned in and tested in our workshop before it goes anywhere near your office.
Virtual machines moved across
Each VM converted from VMware, Hyper-V or old hardware, tested on the new server, then switched over to a plan.
Backups that restore
Proxmox Backup Server or another backup target set up with offsite copies and a test restore before handover.
Monitoring and updates
Alerts for drive, power and backup problems, plus a schedule for safe updates.
Written handover
A record of the hardware, VMs, networks, backups and where the passwords are kept, so you're never locked to one provider.
Who it's for
- Businesses facing a big VMware renewal or licence change.
- Offices with a host server that's out of warranty.
- Teams running a few VMs (file server, application server, database) who don't need the cloud.
- Anyone wanting to own their server outright without ongoing licence fees.
How the job runs
- We review what you run. Every virtual machine, how big it is, how busy it is and what depends on it.
- We spec and quote. Hardware, migration plan, backup setup and cut-over date, with a fixed price.
- We build in the workshop. Server assembled, tested and loaded with Proxmox, then test copies of your VMs run on it.
- We cut over. Final copies and the switch done outside business hours, with the old server kept as the way back.
- We hand over. A restore test, a written record and a few weeks of close watching before the old server is retired.
Why WaTo for Proxmox builds
- We build and test in our own workshop before anything changes in your office.
- The old server stays as the way back until you're happy.
- Honest advice if cloud or a different platform suits you better.
- Adelaide-based since 2001, with on-site cut-overs.
- Documentation you keep, so the server isn't a mystery to the next person.
Proxmox build questions
Can our VMware virtual machines move to Proxmox?
In most cases, yes. Proxmox can import VMware virtual machines, and Windows and Linux guests usually move with some driver changes. We test each one on the new server before the switch. See Proxmox virtualisation.
Is Proxmox free?
The software has no licence fee. Proxmox sells optional support subscriptions that give access to the tested update repository and vendor help, which we usually recommend for business servers.
How much downtime is there?
Usually a few hours per virtual machine, done outside business hours. Most of the copying happens beforehand.
Should we go to the cloud instead?
Sometimes that's the better answer. If your server mostly holds files and email, a move to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace may remove the need for a server. See server to cloud migrations.
Services behind these jobs
- Proxmox virtualisation
- Server and virtualisation
- Backup and disaster recovery
- Device procurement
- Network management
Guides on this topic
- Cloud, on-premises or hybrid: what suits a small business?
- Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 end of life: what to check now
- How to test backups and recovery before an outage
VMware renewal or an old host server?
Tell us what you run today and when it's due, and we'll tell you what a Proxmox build would involve and cost.
Mon to Fri, 8:30am to 5pm
