EULA restrictions for free ESXi 4

[mackop]

What software can I use with free version of ESXi 4 without violating EULA?

I am asking because I have read "The free ESXi problem" part of http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-10780

Is not it against the EULA to use UNSUPPORTED CONSOLE and make SSH connections to ESXi host?

What about using scripts like ghettoVCB.sh http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-8760 ?

Command vmkfstools?

Or programs like fastscp or winscp?

Thank you

[mcowger]

Its not against the EULA to do it, its not supported (meaning that VMware wont help you if you screw something up with it)

--Matt

VCP, vExpert, Unix Geek

[mackop]

If it is not against EULA, what is "The free ESXi problem" of http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-10780 talking about?

[mcowger]

Not really sure, but the discussion there doesn't cite any sources nor does the author claim to be a licensing attorney.....

--Matt

VCP, vExpert, Unix Geek

[AndreTheGiant]

It's against EULA.

See also:

http://www.virtualizationpractice.com/blog/?p=274

Andre

[jintoa]

Please follow the EULA available at vmware.com

http://www.vmware.com/download/eula/esx_esxi_eula.html

Signature: If you found this information useful, please consider awarding points for "Correct" or "Helpful". Thanx!

[mackop]

Thanks Jintoa,

I have read the EULA, but english is not my first language and even if it was I would not be sure either. Sometimes, it is difficult to read between lines.

If you know the correct answer to my question, please write a simple reply.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

Is not it against the EULA to use UNSUPPORTED CONSOLE and make SSH connections to ESXi host?

No

What about using scripts like ghettoVCB.sh http://communities.vmware.com/docs/DOC-8760 ?

Maybe, as this adds functionality that may be considered 'restricted' from the free product. See the Virtualization Practice post for more information.

Command vmkfstools?

No

Or programs like fastscp or winscp?

Maybe, if they are being used for 'Read-Only' then no, but for 'Read-Write' then yes as this violates the technical restrictions of the free ESXi.

I am not an attorney but the writing of the EULA could be considered vague at best....

Best regards,
Edward L. Haletky VMware Communities User Moderator, VMware vExpert 2009

Virtualization Practice Analyst[/url]
Now Available: 'VMware vSphere(TM) and Virtual Infrastructure Security'[/url]
Also available 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise'[/url]
[url=http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Blog_Roll]SearchVMware Pro[/url]|Blue Gears[/url]|Top Virtualization Security Links[/url]|
[url=http://www.astroarch.com/wiki/index.php/Virtualization_Security_Round_Table_Podcast]Virtualization Security Round Table Podcast[/url]