Virtual Center for Linux

[tps800]

Hi!

I have successfully downloaded Virtual Center Server, just to discover it not being available for Linux --- only for Windows.

Can you give me a timeline when Virtual Center will be available for Linux?

Is there some other recomendable product availabe running on a Linux/FreeBSD host?

[MR-T]

I dont think there is a timeline.

I've not heard any mention of VC being available for Linux.

[esiebert7625]

If anything there may be a Linux version of the VI Client in the future but as far as the Server goes who knows. See this thread....

http://www.vmware.com/community/thread.jspa?threadID=49061&tstart=0

[Texiwill]

Hello,

I also tried running VIC under WINE with no luck either... The .NET version is not compatible with the MONO version. Hopefully this will change.

Best regards,

Edward

[masaki]

Where is the problem?

Make a Windows virtual machine with VC on it.

[esiebert7625]

Good idea but that requires extra $ though, you need a Windows license to do that.

[masaki]

On a medium or large infrastructure that is a little fee to pay.

For one ESX server I will not install VC Server at all.

[Texiwill]

Hello,

Even so, there should be a Linux client... More and more people require it. Eventually Wine/Mono will catch up however. You could use vmplayer I guess and I do this, but every license costs even in medium/large... And the way things are every cost is an issue.

Best regards,

Edward

[bertdb]

I agree, VMware is giving the 100%-Linux server-environments away to Xen and other competitors. VC on Linux is a good investment for them, because it will allow them to ship VC as a virtual appliance in the future. They'll never be able to do that with Windows.

[javiergchan]

This is mandatory by VMAdmin's... a lot of people has the need to be Windows Free.

VC Require's:

"Physical Server + Windows License + SQL License + Windows Client to manage remotely"

That's means a lot of money in Win Licenses!!

[schepp]

VC does not need a Physical Server, it runs fine as a VM.

SQL 2005 Express for small deployments is free.

You don't need a Windows client to manage it. Just open a RDP session to your virtual vCenter Server, which works from every linux client and install the vSphere-Client on the vCenter Server.

[javiergchan]

I Agree, but tell me how many VM's do you have in your cluster because we have 234 VM's, 16 Physical Servers..

SQL Express dont work for me.

RDP Session.... its dont good in linux

from my point of view VC need's a Phisycal Server as a primary.. and may be a VM as a Secondary (Redundant).

Regards.

[jairzhino]

Let me know if you find a good alternative to vmware ESX.

I am exploring "KVM linux" and "Xen"

Later,

[jairzhino]

I agreed with JaviergChan.

I have 1 virtual datacenter, six physical hosts, and 270 virtual machines.

The virtual center I have is a x336 IBM server with 8GB ram, 2 cpus dual core (total of 4) and windows server 2k3 ent.

I can't wait to have sometime to migrate to Linux KVM, or Xen,

(not citrix xen because they don't provide a management console for

linux either shame on them) Its frustrating to manage the virtual

machines using the windows client pc, and the physical machine virtual

center, can YOU imagine how bad will this be if is running on a virtual

machine....good luck with that...

The crappy SQL MS express is screaming for help it can't handle

as many virtual machines and hosts etc... so you will need to upgrade

to a full SQL version and coast $$$ they don't even let you choose for

a Postgresql or Mysql both open source...

And the RDP idea is just not practical for me in real scenario is more

like a backup way in case I am on vacation or working from home.

So, my conclusion is, I am exploring KVM linux and XEN projects. I need to get out of this bunch of microsoft monkeys.

[jragle]

You all might be interested in this bit of hope found on the VMworld web page.

Abstract for

vCenter Server for Linux

http://www.vmworld.com/docs/DOC-2816

"Customer demand for vCenter Server running on Linux has been
astounding. While the majority of the Code is inherently cross
platform, getting vCenter Server to run on Linux in a manner compatible
with the current set of features has its own set of challenges. This
presentation will discuss the issues of cross platform development for
vCenter, including issues regarding internationalization support,
database support, multi-vCenter support, and image customization. The
talk will conclude with a live demonstration of the latest development
version of vCenter Server running on Linux."

-Jamin Ragle

---

VCP, Linux System Administrator, All around great guy.

[dcap]

There was activity last year on this. They actually had put together a technology preview for 2.5 here: http://communities.vmware.com/community/beta/vcserver_linux. It feels like it isn't a priority for VMware.

[jragle]

I just stumbled across that just now too. Thanks for sharing the link. =D

I'm also about 1/4 into the 1 hour presentation video that was given at VMware World on the topic too. Its a worthy watch so far.

http://www.vmworld.com/docs/DOC-2816/version/2

(You have to create a VMworld account to watch)

-Jamin Ragle

---

VCP, Linux System Administrator, All around great guy.