John -

Thank you for such a clear answer.

Could you answer one other question. I am looking at a HP server that has the integrated ESX 3i (Stand Alone) option. Basically - it appears to just be the OS on a USB stick inside the server. If I purchase that then I will still need the Foundation Acceleration Kit (bundle) to get all my features. Looks like I am buying ESX twice then. There is an option for the ESX 3i Enterprise but that is way out of my price range or needs.

Looks like if I want to go ESX 3i - then I need to install to the hard drive just like the ESX Infrstructure on my other server. I liked the idea of the stripped down OS and seperate from the RAID array (local storage not SAN). Would I just be better off suing the full blown product then?

Any idea if you can mount you own USB flash drive inside the server. I have seen the documentation people have down on creating their own USB boot devices but I do not want the boot device accessible ont he outside of the server.

Final question - sorry, these are more HP specific, anyone know if I lose HP functionality by using the stock software directly from VMWare? Integration into SIM or can that be added?

Thanks again,

Scott

John -

Thanks again, no need to look any further for info. That is enough info to get back to my HP Reseller with. They are fabulous with SKU's but it seems not many vendors understand the hooks in the licensing models.

Thanks - you have been enormously helpful!

Scott

Scott,

The reason it is listed as "ELA" is because it is targeted to that audience (i.e., companies that have existing licenses already and don't want to buy a new one). In reality, this is just an unlicensed version of ESXi. You can apply any license you want against it (e.g. Foundation, Standard, or Enterprise). So, yes, this is the SKU to buy if you want ESXi to run on internal USB on your HP server and you plan to separately procure your license(s).

John