Item: VMware ESXi
Rating: 10
Author: Mitch Hubbell

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

VMware ESXi is being used as the primary platform to host our applications servers. We are currently using 3 hosts in a cluster with roughly 25 Microsoft/Linux VMs. VMware allows us to reduce physical hardware and electrical costs, as well as giving us ease of access to our environment.

Pros and Cons

Ease of Access to your virtual environment
Easy to learn and logical interface
The support staff are always helpful

I've not run across anything I've not been able to do yet.

Return on Investment

VMware has allowed us to keep our hardware costs much lower
It also reduces electrical demands

Alternatives Considered

Citrix Hypervisor (formerly XenServer) and Hyper-V

I would say VMware is much easier to pick up compared to Citrix or Hyper-V. The interface is straightforward while still giving you the options to dive deep into the configuration if required.

Other Software Used

Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security, Authy, Acronis Backup Cloud

Likelihood to Recommend

ESXi is incredibly useful for a range of situations. Outside of business I use it at home for my test lab, this has allowed me to do and learn more without the hassle of doing everything on a physical machine.

VMware ESXi The best Virtual Host!

Overall Satisfaction with VMware ESXi