Upgrade Path from vSphere Essentials to Essentials...

Chilulu · ‎04-24-2009

Is there or will there be an upgrade path from vSphere Essentials to Essentials Plus?

We have been using the free version of ESXi for a while now, and I just got approval to purchase a licensed product.

I was pretty much decided on VI Foundation for starters, but am now considering vSphere Essentials.

But I may want the HA and DR features in the "Plus" edition later on...

Furthermore, is an upgrade from either version of Essentials to Standard/Advanced/Enterprise possible down the road?

AsherN · ‎04-24-2009

I'd go Essential Plus right away.

The seeming lack of an upgrade path from Essential to Standard does bother me.

In the same vein, I'll need SRM. SInce it's not compatible with vSphere right now, if I get vSphere Essential PLus, what 3.5 license will that entitle me to?

Chilulu · ‎04-24-2009

After some digging around, found out one can upgrade from Essentials to Essentials Plus...

http://www.vmware.com/files/pdf/vsphere_pricing.pdf

And as far as I can tell, Essentials (or Essentials Plus) is not "convertable" to any other edition...

If anyone knows for sure, please let me know!

ealaqqad · ‎10-22-2010

Hi All,

Since the release of vSphere this has changed. Now you can actually upgrade from Essential & Essential Plus kits to other acceleration kits & vSphere Editions. VMware has done this to show their commitment to SMB Customers. Please find more info & the part number for these kits at my following post: