Backup a standalone host

[tractng]

Hello,

We bought a server and plan to run it as a standalone host using version 7 of ESXi.  I was told by Veeam that in order to backup a standalone host, we need a paid version of ESXi where we can purchase for around $700.  I have a registered key for the version 7 but was told by Veeam that it is not the same.  Can someone confirm this?

If this is the case, can I install an evaluation version first and apply the key of the paid version later?

Note: in our environment we run a cluster of hosts with vCenter and Veeam. We just like to have a standalone for some situations.

Thanks,

TT

[scott28tt]

You need a paid-for license key such as vSphere Standard.

You should not be using the software in evaluation mode if you are not evaluating the software.

[tractng]

So the registered (with the key) version is considered an evaluation? I can apply the paid version of the key later on correct?

Would something like this work?  I have one host for now that has 2 CPUs.  Do I get free security updates for the entire version 7?

https://www.cdw.com/product/vmware-vsphere-essentials-kit-v.-7-license-3-hosts-up-to-2-processor/602...

[scott28tt]

Not sure what you mean by “registered (with the key)”, is that a paid-for license or a free one?

[tractng]

It was a key provided by support for free.

[scott28tt]

For what purpose?

[tractng]

For testing.  Now we are going to be using it so I guess the paid version is what I need. 

[vXav]

I'm wondering what the use case is for a standalone host in prod?

If you want to use Veeam and the same process as your prod you'll need a license. The Essentials kit is cheaper.

Otherwise GhettoVCB by @lamw works with free esxi.

[tractng]

We are a college with many institutes in which they need to run specialized and heavy intensive applications.  Instead of running these applications on the main VMware cluster, we placed them on standalone host.  Fortunately we don't have too many standalone hosts.

Can someone clarify what the subscription is.  See below.  My thought is one has to buy the Essential kit and in addition a 1 or 3 years subscription.  So the subscription is for patches and updates.  So lets say I bought the kit and a 3 years subscriptions, does that mean I don't have to renewal the VMware license every year?  I am guessing the VMware license is a perpetual and the subscription allows for updates/patches.

https://www.cdw.com/product/vmware-vsphere-essentials-kit-v.-7-license-3-hosts-up-to-2-processor/602...

https://www.cdw.com/product/vmware-vsphere-essentials-kit-v.-7-subscription-3-years-1-license/602988...

[e_espinel]

Hello.
I attach several links about ESXi free backup
Previously there was no backup software available for esxu free, but I see that now there are several options, I have not tried any of them but they seem interesting.

https://www.iperiusbackup.net/en/backup-esxi-and-vsphere-free-hypervisor/

https://www.unitrends.com/blog/free-esxi-backup-for-vmware

https://33hops.com/xsibackup-vmware-esxi-backup.html

About the normal VMware vShpere licenses are perpetual. what expires is the S&S Subscription and Support contract.

The licenses are always sold together with an S&S contract, that contract can have a duration of one, three or more years.

In the S&S contract the Subscription is the right to patches and new versions of VMware vSphere within the duration of the contract.

In the S&S contract the Support is the right to open cases with VMware for resolution, it has different parameters such as schedules, response time and more within the duration of the contract.

The kits include vcenter Server and ESXi host in different formats and variants.

Currently there are also licenses available for a certain time that is to say these licenses if they expire.

Attached link about licenses

https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/en/pdf/products/vsphere/vmware-vsphere-pr...