Using vCenter Server 6.5 Foundation to manage ESXi hosts running Enterprise licensing?

[exxoid]

Hello,

I have a 3 node cluster that I need to migrate to a new VMware vCenter Server instance. The 3 nodes (ESXi 6.0 hosts) are running VMware vSphere 6 Enterprise licensing.

Will I be able to add these hosts to a vCenter Server that is running the "fundamentals" license or must I have a VCS that is running Standard license?

Thanks.

[rcporto]

Assuming when you say vCenter "Fundamentals" you're referring to vCenter Foundation, you will able to added to the vCenter Foundation if the total number of managed host is no more than 4 hosts (assuming you're using vCenter 6.5 Update 1), since vCenter Foundation 6.5 can manage only 4 hosts. If you need to manage more than 4 hosts you will need a vCenter Standard license.

[admin]

vCenter Essentials is included in the Essentials Kits, and it's limited to a maximum of 3 hosts, and the features which come with the Essentials/Essentials Plus.

The difference between vCenter Foundation and vCenter Standard is that the Foundation Edition is limited to a maximum of 4 hosts (3 host in versions prior to vSphere 6.5 Update 1), and doesn't support Operations Manager, and Linked Mode.

Regards,

Randhir

[exxoid]

Whoops, yes that is what I meant to say; vCenter Server Foundation (not Fundamentals).

If I deploy a vCenter Server Foundation edition, can I add hosts that are running ESXi that have the Enterprise license?

[rcporto · Accepted solution]

If I deploy a vCenter Server Foundation edition, can I add hosts that are running ESXi that have the Enterprise license?

Yes, but limited to 4 hosts.

[daphnissov]

Keep in mind that not all features available in vCenter Server Standard are available with vCenter Foundation, for example Enhanced Linked Mode and vCenter HA.

[admin]

Foundation Edition is limited to a maximum of 4 hosts (3 host in versions prior to vSphere 6.5 Update 1)

Regards,

Randhir