john_carmichael
Contributor
Contributor
‎05-03-2017 06:57 AM

vsphere-hypervisor cost?

Free VMware vSphere Hypervisor, Free Virtualization (ESXi)

In the above link it looks like the licence for the ESXi is free.

All we want to do is setup vmware esxi on a host we have in house to run a windows vm and a linux vm side by side.

Following the video on the site I am left with the impression the licence is free... but then following this link:  VMware vSphere 6.5 Documentation Library    It seems that it is not free and after a certain amount of time (60 days) the licence will expire and we wont be able to restart the virtual boxes.

Any help on what the free basic licence is would be absolutely great.

Cheers,

John

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PCTechStream
Hot Shot
Hot Shot
‎05-03-2017 07:38 AM

After (60 days) you must license the host when the evaluation mode expired, after (60 days) it won't crash shut down or stop working but you won't be able to add or create new VMs until the real license is applied. Seems like you enjoy the product for (60 days) but eventually if you want to do more you must purchase the license.

So for your purpose I would recommend some low cost effective license

LINK: Virtualization for Small Businesses - vSphere Essentials Kit

License Over View

LINK: https://players.brightcove.net/1534342432001/Byh3doRJx_default/index.html?videoId=2011072193001

Download

LINK: Download VMware vSphere Hypervisor for Free

Raul.

VMware VDI Administrator.

http://ITCloudStream.com/

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rshell
Enthusiast
Enthusiast
‎05-03-2017 08:13 AM

John,

It is possible to utilize the free version of ESXi. It does come with limitations however (ie. 8 vCPUs per VM, max 2 physical sockets, can't be added to vCenter, etc). That first link will allow you to register for and obtain a license key for the free ESXi. As Raul mentioned, when you first install ESXi, it will run in Evaluation mode for 60 days. During this 60 days, ESXi will run will all the features of Enterprise Plus. Before the evaluation period ends, you would need to enter a license key to not lose functionality. If you obtained a free license, you would apply that to your host and continue running on the free feature set.

This article provides a good explanation.

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