Can I use SE Sparse files in the free ESXi 5.1?

[IT_Architect]

Can I use SE Sparse files in the free ESXi 5.1?  I want to use them to avoid the current process required to clean up thin vmdks.  I read the Hogan article vSphere 5.1 Storage Enhancements – Part 2: SE Sparse Disks and it seems to indicate that it's only for View desktops.  From here How to Create an SE Sparse (Space-Efficient) Disk in vSphere 5.1 it appears it is possible, but talks requiring the Web Client which, from what I can tell, isn't available for ESXi, and requires vCenter Server, which isn't free.  If I'm missing something here, let me know.

Thanks!

[Linjo · Accepted solution]

SE Sparse disk functionality is not restricted and should work fine in free ESXi, however the only supported way of using it is with VMware View.

There is no supported (or easy) way of using SE Sparse without View at the moment.

// Linjo

[IT_Architect]

I'll go with that.  The vCenter Server, even if it were inexpensive, doesn't make much sense in my case due to its hardware requirements and the few servers that I need to manage.  Thin is apparently still the best fit for me.

Thanks!