GHMitchell
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Contributor

3 Hosts, 5 VMs, VMWare Essentials License

Greetings, and thank you for taking the time to read about my issue.

I have created and managed multiple VMWare environments, mostly pretty small. The Company I work for now was using a single server for all functions, and to support a home-built ERP system built on MS Access that is critical to our operation.

I purchased 2 new Dell hosts, converted the existing DC to a VM, and added 2 new Windows Server VMs to spread out the load and increase the number of critical failure points. I installed ESXI on the 3rd host, mostly so I had a place to run test VMs without affecting performance of the other 2 hosts. I licensed using 7.0 Essentials (not plus) due to budget constraints. Up to here, I am sure I did the right thing and we are healthier and more resilient as a result.

Now, a year later, managing updates and monitoring performance is time consuming, but not too bad. I am up to 5 VMs, and the workload is relatively balanced.

Here is my question. I am considering putting these 3 hosts in a Cluster. My understanding is that this will allow the hosts to see each other's storage. Is there any other compelling reason to bother with a cluster? I won't have HA or VMotion because of the Essentials license. Should I bother?

Thank you again for your time. Have a great day.

Greg

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