VSphere Essentials Kit with 4CPU server

[barbarakovacs]

We have a VSphere Essentials Kit, which in the description says is for 6CPUs, but with max 2CPU/server. We have a 4CPU server, so it exceeds the limitation of the kit.

Can we use this license if we do not exceed 6CPU in total, or is there anything like "additional CPU license"?

Thank you!

[Kinnison]

Hi,

Sorry, as you yourself say that using essential licenses with a host that contains four CPUs does not comply with the terms and conditions of use for that type of kit, in the end you already answered yourself. And no, an "essential license kit" it does not allow you to add more CPUs than included.

Here you can find a rather specific document on the topic under discussion (page 12):
https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/en/pdf/products/vsphere/vmware-vsphere-pr...

Regards,
Ferdinando

[barbarakovacs]

Thank you for your answer, appreciated!

This is really unfortunate!

So you think if we have a 4CPU server - and a 2CPU server - and thats all  (total 6)- we have to buy another vsphere essentials kit? Despite the fact that we are in the range of the total 6CPU? 

[Kinnison]

Hi,

Be patient and please read the document, the total number of CPUs does count under the terms and conditions of use related to the essential type kits which explicitly say:

"vSphere Essentials Kits are all-in-one solutions for small environments (up to three hosts with up to two CPUs each and up to 32 core per CPU)".

So, my interpretation is that if you use the licenses part of an "essential kit" with a single host with four CPUs installed you are violating the terms and conditions of that kind of license. For use cases like your AFAIK you need to consider "VMware vSphere Acceleration Kits" which, however, require a much higher financial commitment.

If you are not convinced, expose your situation to a VMware partner and then hear what they tell you, I don't work for VMware (but i have a licensed "essential kit").

Regards,
Ferdinando

[IRIX201110141]

No the Essential (Plus) Kit is not the right license for your. If you have more than 2 CPU sockets you need Non Essentials licensing. Something like 4x vSphere ESXi Std. 1CPU or something like an Accelerator Kit Std. 6 CPUs + vCenter.

Keep in mind than ppl with strong and powerfull Hardware... also have to use $$$$$ licensing 😉

Regards,
Joerg

Question: Do you plan to run Windows Server VMs on that Host? If yes you need 32 Core Windows license or more(when having more than 32 Cores within your Server).