Which version of vmware? Very new to it..

[newtoit2010]

Hi all!

I'm planning to move my workplaces small infrastructure to virtual machines leaving all data on a file server. (its a school) I only need 4 maybe less virtual servers with the usual roles DNS, DHCP, Domain controller, back up domain controller, web server etc.

Which version should I be going for? Can I just use ESXi with Sphere Client, would this be free? Or do I have to go for vSphere?

Budget allowing I plan to get a new box from IBM, what are the recommendations for this? One I looked at came with ESXi on USB ready to go.

Also if I go for say for ethernet ports can I assign one to each virtual machine?

Sorry for all the questions, I know its probally all been posted a billion times before but I like to hear from people about my particular setup (even though it is basic).

So in summary; 4 virtual machines each with their own dedicated NIC, which product should I get and is it possible?

Thanks guys!

PS Be gentle Im only 22 and have over 500 end users to support.... ?:|

[geddam]

Welcome to VMware Communities!

As you mentioned you want to setup DC, Web Servers, you can run ESXi free edition for testing purpose....

But if you want to go for production setup, Please go for a licensed version of vSphere as you can carry, high availability, online migrations, backups, resource scheduling, alerting features.

Going for production setup with these kind of servers with a USB is not a right choice. Atleast you can stick with Standard edition to avail above features.

Thanks,,

Ramesh. Geddam,

VCP 3&4, MCTS(Hyper-V), SNIA SCP.

Please award points, if helpful

[newtoit2010]

So if I want to for the time being i can use ESXi as the hypervisor vSphere Client to manage for free?

I will want to upgrade to lisensed version I believe in paying for things if their worth it! To do that I should install ESXi locally instead of using the USB?

How about using dedicated NICs for each virtual server?

And (sorry for all the questions) whats the difference between ESXi and ESX?

Cheers!

[AndreTheGiant · Accepted solution]

Have a lookt at:

Andre