I'm new to VMware, have a possibly stupid question(s)

[linkmaster6]

Hi everyone,

So I have a client that has some very old servers (SBS2008 and Server 2012 R2). I'm going to be replacing these server in the next few months and have some questions about virtualization that are most likely gonna sound pretty dumb or basic, but hey if I don't ask I won't know.

So the SBS2008 currently handles their DC, file server, and DHCP server. The 2012 R2 is acting as their Accounting server for Quickbooks, runs their service call dispatching software (ESC), and ESC needs SQL Server 2014.

I don't plan on keeping the DHCP Server in the virtual machine, that function will get handed over to the new VPN/Firewall device getting put in place.

So here is stupid question number 1. So the VMWare will need obviously need a NIC for accessing the web portal (might be the wrong term for it, but will the two virtual machines need their own NIC to operate properly?

[scott28tt]

Which VMware product are you asking about?

Saying VMware like you do is like saying Microsoft when you could be asking about Word, a Surface, an XBox, or any of their other products.

[MPaxton]

Hello @linkmaster6 ,

Welcome to VMware Communities and to VMware in general.  Feel comfortable asking questions; the only "stupid" questions are the ones you do not ask. 🙂

It sounds like you are looking at implementing ESXi on a bare machine to support multiple Windows servers.  Although network throughput can be enhanced with multiple physical NICs, one NIC can be shared among all your VMs (guest machines) within ESXi.  The scope of ESXi virtual networking is quite broad, and worth doing some additional upfront research and planning before you buy and roll out a solution for your client.  Looking around the web I came across a couple of articles that illustrate some of the concepts: Key Concepts of ESXi Networking - VMware Essentials (nakivo.com) and Configure NIC Teaming in ESXi Server (mustbegeek.com).  Even if you decide not to implement a virtual switch, these are good to get you started in understanding ESXi networking.

Best of luck to you in your new adventure into ESXi!

Grace and peace to you,

Michael Paxton

[linkmaster6]

thank you MPaxton, appreciate the kindness. I'm not always the greatest at taking examples and seeing how they apply to a specific situation I'm trying to figure out.

Ok so I'm getting the concept around the virtual switches now, this is making more sense. So from what I've discribed would it makes sense that the SVS would work fine for the environment I've described?

[scott28tt]

OK, so now it's been established that you were thinking about ESXi/vSphere, I've reported your thread so moderators know where it should be moved to (the reason for me asking which product)

[linkmaster6]

So while I'm waiting for someone from the sales team to reply to my email, I figured I'll post a couple more questions here.

So might just be me, might just be an overload of information from the site, but do I need to purchase a license from VMWare for ESXi and vSphere or is it just a support plan that is purchasable if I need it? Seems like a little bit of a shellgame when trying to figure out licensing costs with some companies.

Also, little more info on the hardware I'm looking to put in place. Currently looking at two Lenovo Models ThinkSystem SR630 1U (Intel Xeon Silver 4214 12 core) and Lenovo ST550 (Intel Xeon Silver 4210 10 core). Just in case the model or the CPU count is going to through a wrench into my current plan.