I can understand your reticence regarding the upgrade as vCenter is the heart of your environment, but the upgrade process is well worked out and a well travelled path. I would seriously recommend you moving to the Appliance as this is VMware's recommended position for 6.5U1. the Appliance is fully featured now with no limitations
Tom Howarth VCP / VCAP / vExpert
VMware Communities User Moderator
Blog: http://www.planetvm.net
Contributing author on VMware vSphere and Virtual Infrastructure Security: Securing ESX and the Virtual Environment
Contributing author on VCP VMware Certified Professional on VSphere 4 Study Guide: Exam VCP-410
