Mike D's Virtualization Blog - Latest Comments in VMware Launches vSphere

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Mike DiPetrillo — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:04:12 -0000

Sorry for taking so long to get back. ESXi will continue to be free. You can see the feature comparison of free to the pay for products here: http://www.vmware.com/produ....

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

G. Kiragiannis — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 15:10:18 -0000

Hi Mike:
I checked out the vSphere presentation and even a white paper (http://www.vmware.com/files.... I don't see where it said that will start from free. Could you please clarify this aspect? Our company is moving slowly towards virtualization/Cloud Computing direction and I will like to know this bit of information.

Thanks.

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

bradwagner — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:24:27 -0000

Agreed. Thanks, Mike. Just amazing how often we run into these in the field. Or even SRM, or Lab Manager (not as often, yet..)

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Mike DiPetrillo — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:17:01 -0000

Host profiles, distributed virtual switch, and 3rd party multi-path is all you don't get "for free" if you're on current support and have an enterprise license. It's all spelled out here: http://www.vmware.com/produ....

Yes, there are pre-reqs. First get off the really old stuff (2.5). Second, get off really old servers (32-bit only). Remember, when we're talking 64-bit we mean the stuff with 64-bit extensions. That's pretty much every server built in the last 3 - 4 years. The only 64-bit only chip that Intel makes is the Itanium and that's not supported. Again, it's the ones with 64-bit extensions which means you probably don't have to upgrade a thing.

Testing is definitely recommended which is part of a normal upgrade procedure. Just saying you should get started down that road as soon as this thing ships to get the most benefit.

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

bradwagner — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:07:53 -0000

Might be some possible areas for minor clarification: Like what "no extra charge – it is all free" means if you want the attractive Host Profiles, Large CPUs/Mem or vSwitch features. Perhaps "nearly free".... Also the "upgrade NOW" might benefit from a caveat to look at the vsphere-migration-prerequisites-checklist.pdf for VMware products not yet supported, or all of the servers they may have to upgrade first (64-bit only), no 2.5 in env, etc. Might also recommend healthy burn-in and testing as usual for a major 'OS' upgrade.

Don't get me wrong, I am very optimistic about the new launch, there are quite a few features customers have been asking for for quite some time; just want to be sure normal sanity is applied :-)

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Mike DiPetrillo — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:13:35 -0000

When vSphere starts selling (later this quarter) then those are the licenses you'll buy. We'll still have updates and will be shipping VI3. You can downgrade your vSphere licenses to VI3 to keep on that environment while you plan out your transition. The downgrade is easy and is self service through the new licensing portal going online soon.

Hope that helps!

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Mike DiPetrillo — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:12:02 -0000

vSphere is the collection of next generation VMware products. It includes the stuff you're used to from VMware (ESX, Virtual Center, and all of the management products like Lifecycle Manager, etc). It can be used to build a cloud so you'll hear that term attached to it. For people using VI3 today you can think of it as VI4 - one kick butt upgrade.

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Mike DiPetrillo — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:10:16 -0000

No. Pretty sure the product lives up to this. Would love to see you prove otherwise.

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

tim — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:02:41 -0000

Marketecture hype. :)

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Byron Arnao — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:41:24 -0000

I've yet to fully check out the presentation is vsphere a "private cloud tool"?

Re: VMware Launches vSphere

Paul — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:36:17 -0000

Mike. We all want to move to vSphere as fast as we can, however there may be any number of reasons why we can't move straight away.

Thought I saw somewhere that VI3 would be withdrawn from sale as soon as vSphere was released. That may prove difficult for people that have standardized on VI3 and may still wish to purchase new servers up until such time as they are ready to move everything to VI4.

What is your understanding on when VI3 will be withdrawn from sale?

Thanks in advance