License for VI/ VC/ ESX

[rajkn]

Hi,

I have been puzzled with the following scenario. I use an evaluation version of Virtual Center Server and Virtual Infrastructure Client . And my ESX 3.5 hosts are the release version of 3.5 (not the updates).

Now what I want to understand better is -

1. I know that I need licenses for my Virtual Center Server and VI client.

2. But do I need a license for ESX hosts I have?

I am asking Q(2) because when I connect to same host using VI clients in two different systems (installed on different times), I see same "x(days) left before expiry" for the same ESX host. I thought "x" days is for the VI client and not for ESX hosts. I can explain this better if I confused any one.

Why is this? Do the ESX hosts need license too?

Or is the license (say for VI client) is for a "VI Client - ESX host" pair?

[weinstein5 · Accepted solution]

Yes ESX servers need license as well - you can set them up to run with eval licenses as well - there really is no license needed for the VI client - you need licenses for VC, the ESX hosts and for add ons like vmotion, vmware drs, vmware ha, VUM, etc

[rajkn]

Tell me a little more about it.

I have been provided VI client license for single host (just 1 license) and VC server license to update my environment. Based on what you are saying, updating these two software licenses are not enough? I still need to get licenses for every ESX hosts I have?

Is there some documentation you can recommend?

[khughes]

You should be abel to find all the documentation you need here:

• Kyle

[rajkn]

Thanks,

Read your comment once more and tried out the license and it seems to work. And here is how I understand it now. You don't need a license for VI client. The licenses are for ESX host and VC server (plus additional features you want to use like VMotion). When I update Single host license through VI client, I am actually updating the license on the ESX host to which I am connected, not the VI client.

[ukranid]

Hi guys!

It is maybe stupid question but how do I update ESXi 4.0 license?

I don't see this option anywhere in Vi Client or ESXi 4.0 host.

Tim.