Licensing for vCenter operations

[vcpguy]

Can someone who has enterprise license for vCenter operations tell me - Is it based on VM (25 pack) OR with Enterprise you get unlimited number of VMs

I read in the config guide - It supports unlimited but the quote from VMware states it is based on 25 pack VM license.

thanks

[ysandfort]

Enterprise License is based on the number of VMs you are using. You do NOT need to license all your VMs with any of the editions, however especially for performance and capacity management a cluster should always be licensed complete as you risk weird results otherwise (host figures don't match vm figures etc.).

Enterprise Plus is licensed different, it is based on managed systems, that includes virtual machines, physical boxes etc. this concept is more complex then Enterprise Edition.

Hope this helps

Yves

[vcpguy]

There is a confusion with page 9 here - http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vcops-5-installation-guide.pdf . Please have a look at Center Operations Manager Licensing section

[ysandfort]

Okay just checked and that is an error in the manual. This might be referring to VCM, not Operations Manager. VCM as long as you do not use it with Guest OS management does not need VM licensing and is part of the vCenter Operations Management Suite Enterprise and above.

vCenter Operations Manager is always licensed per virtual machine. There is no exception and I have done several implementations, the license key is always based on a number of VMs. No matter which edition.

Yves

[vcpguy]

I thought it will be a typo and you have confirmed my suspicion.

Can you please share your experience about your various implementation. I am trying to get this product for my compnay and not sure, if it is a good fit.

thanks

[ysandfort]

It heavily depends on:

a) What are you trying to achieve

b) What are other tools used

c) Size of environment

d) Will you use vCenter Operations Management Suite only for your virtual or also physical environment

e) Do you use vCloud Director or vShield Manager

f) Is cost optimisation important theme

goes on and on...

Are you an end customer, partner or consultant?