does vmware esxi require a license

Does VMware ESXi require a license for production use?

Yes, VMware ESXi requires a license for production use. An unlicensed version of ESXi is available for evaluation purposes, but it has certain limitations and does not provide access to all the features and capabilities of the licensed version.

What are the different VMware ESXi license editions available?

VMware ESXi is available in several license editions, each with a different set of features and capabilities. The main editions are:

• VMware ESXi Essentials Plus: Designed for small businesses and home users, this edition supports up to 3 physical CPUs and 64GB of RAM, and includes essential features such as vSphere Client, vCenter Server, and vSphere Web Client.
• VMware ESXi Essentials Kit: Similar to Essentials Plus, but without vCenter Server, this edition is suitable for small deployments where centralized management is not required.
• VMware vSphere Standard: This edition is designed for medium-sized businesses and provides support for up to 8 physical CPUs and 128GB of RAM. It includes features such as vSphere HA, vSphere Fault Tolerance, and vSphere DRS.
• VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus: The most advanced edition, this provides support for large-scale deployments with up to 16 physical CPUs and 256GB of RAM. It includes all the features of Standard Edition, as well as advanced features such as vSphere Replication, vSphere Storage DRS, and vSphere Data Protection.

How can I evaluate VMware ESXi without a license?

You can evaluate VMware ESXi without a license by downloading the unlicensed version from the VMware website. This version will remain fully functional for 60 days, providing you with an opportunity to test and evaluate the software before purchasing a license.

Limitations of the Unlicensed Version:

• Supports only 3 physical CPUs
• Supports only 64GB of RAM
• Lacks access to certain advanced features
• Does not provide technical support

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