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Techmerlin
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Veeam Backup and Free Functionality Mode

Folks,

I started a support call with Veeam after installing their new Backup and Replication 4.1.1 after getting an error "Free ESXi is not supported" after some troubleshooting the tech has me determine what License Feature Info level is listed, either ESXFull or ESXBasic. After determining it is ESBasic they advised that we are in "Free Functionality Mode" and to call VMWare Licensing.

Am I missing somethgin here, I thougth all ESXi were free, has anyone dealt wiht such an issue and how do I go about getting this to ESXFull??

thanks

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DSTAVERT
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ESXi free is free. It can be be licensed for use with the rest of the vSphere product suite. In free mode there are several things that are not available including the storage API. Veeam backup uses the storage API which means you must have a licensed version of ESXi. The most basic version of a licensed bundle is http://www.vmware.com/vmwarestore/buyvsphere-small-business.html

-- David -- VMware Communities Moderator

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DSTAVERT
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ESXi free is free. It can be be licensed for use with the rest of the vSphere product suite. In free mode there are several things that are not available including the storage API. Veeam backup uses the storage API which means you must have a licensed version of ESXi. The most basic version of a licensed bundle is http://www.vmware.com/vmwarestore/buyvsphere-small-business.html

-- David -- VMware Communities Moderator
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a_p_
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As far as I know, the promo pricing ($495) for the Essentials Version, DSTAVERT linked to, is only valid until July, 25th.

If you consider to buy it, make sure you don't miss this date, otherwise the price will be about $1000.

André

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Techmerlin
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Thanks A.P and DSTAVERT,

do you know if this will work for 3.5 and 4, or will I have to re-purchase after I upgrade to 4?

(e.g. should I upgrade to 4 1st and then purchase this, or does it matter)

thanks

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a_p_
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The vSphere Essentials editions are only available for 4.0. You cannot downgrade these licenses.

Therefore your only option would be to upgrade to 4.0

see KB1010533 - Downgrading a vSphere 4.0 license to a ESX 3.5 license for details

Note: The downgrade option is not available with ESXi 4 Single Server, vSphere 4 Essentials, and vSphere 4 Essentials (Plus).

André

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