ESX 4 and Licensing

[vdz]

Hi All,

At the moment we have 3 servers ESX 4.0 and they are clustering to server about 15 VMs, we are going to add another server ESX which is version 4.1. I am wondering are they still workable on clustering?

Second where can we obtain/ purchase a license for vmware ESX?

Third, where can we get support with licensed servers? or we have to purchase a kind of support service?

Regards,

[mcowger · Accepted solution]

1) Yes, you can cluster 4.0 and 4.1.  Best to get them all on the 4.1 level if you can.

2) From VMware directly, or your favorite partner, or favorite server vendor.

3) Yes, you have to buy service/support contracts.  Again, you can get this from the same place you get the license.

[AndreTheGiant]

1) Mixed cluster is permit. But vCenter Server must be 4.1.

And if CPU are not the same, they must be compatible with EVC to use vMotion and DRS.

2) see previous reply

3) Fist year of SnS is mandatory

Andre

[ewilts]

Also note that without a support contract, you don't have the right to new versions so you won't be able to upgrade your 4.0 systems to 4.1.  With 5.0, we expect to require new license keys and you certainly won't get those without a support contract.

[vdz]

Thanks a lot for your responses.

What is the latest version for ESX? please. is it 4.1 or 5? we can upgrade 4.1 because we are under support/ subscription.

What would be the best approach for us to adding a new host? Upgrading first then adding?

Because I have not done any upgrades on VMware at all, is it an easy task or need a vmware tech to do it?

Thanks again.

Regards

[AndreTheGiant]

Latest is 4.1U1.

You can upgrade to it, because the license key is a generic 4.x.

For vSphere 5, actually there isn't an official date for the release.

Andre