Vmware infrastructure licencing question

[Fox1977]

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone can shed any light on the rather confusing licensing setup of the VMware range of products.

I am planning on running about 3 esxi servers and migrating about 5 servers to the boxes. I was thinking that i could initially run them on individual ESXi boxes to begin with and then once we have the servers migrated over we could look at the VMware Infrastructure package to manage the servers. I think we are looking the middle or top infrastructure package as we really need the high availablity and distributed resource planning features they offer.

The question is how does the licencing work? If we are planning on running 4-5 esxi boxes and the associated infrastructure tools to manage them together do we just need one VI licence and connect this upto the esxi boxes. I think the top package comes out at £5000. Im hoping we only need the one otherwise we may have to shelve the project!! Without going to speak to software suppliers I would like to get an idea of what the costs might be.

Thanks in advance

 

[SimonDavies]

You really need to speak to a software vendor because there was a recent change in pricing.

As far as I know you would essentially need a Virtual Centre machine to be able to manage all of those machines at once, I am unsure if you would need to change anything else and thats where a reseller comes in handy.

Simon

The real world is not about exam scores, it's about ability.

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

ESXi is the single server FREE version and support is like 600 per year.

For the HA and DRS you speak of above, you will need ESX server with HA and DRS licensing. Also, the Virtual center to support your cluster is about $5000 but well worth it.

Pricing for ESX

http://store.vmware.com/servlet/Con...ware&id=ProductDetailsPage&productID=83581600

 

[Roadki11]

When i did my research i came to the conclusion you could have 1 server running say ESX Enterprise and the other 2 running ESXi(freeware) and manage all 3 with Virtual center. With the point being you only need 1 Virtual Center Agent license to manage all ESX servers reguardless of the version. You will want to verify that of course because i didnt, we only have 2 ESX servers and i couldnt justify the cost of VC just yet. Here is a link that helps validate what i said, but like said i would verify that before i go on a shopping spree.

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/161076

RoadKi11

"This apparent fear reaction is typical, rather than try to solve technical problems technically, policy solutions are often chosen." - Fred Cohen

 

[TechyMcSe2k]

VC will support all of your ESX and ESXi servers...but the ESXi servers will not fully utilize the VC, because they don't have HA and DRS capabilities. The VC is great in creating a one stop shop for all of your VMWare servers, but for 5K, it should be bought for a high availability solution to make it worth it. Unless you are lucky enough to have a large IT budget!

 

[ianpmatthews]

ESX 3.5 Foundation acceleration Kit would suit your needs.

This has 3x ESX Server Foundation 2cpu Licences + Virtual Center Foundation Licence.
Note: This doesn't include HA

List price from the company I work for is £2109.00

If your stateside here's a pricing link:
"

http://www.amatteroffax.com/itempag...vi3-fnd-accl-kit-3x-2skt-ltu-w-svr-only.html"