Item: VMware ESXi
Rating: 7
Author: Eric Wyman

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We currently use ESXi to run administrative virtual appliances that are not currently supported by our primary hyper-converged hypervisor. This setup includes three virtual appliances, vCenter to manage two host machines located in two physical locations. The second host is a replication target for the primary host to assure business continuity in a disaster recovery event.

Pros and Cons

ESXi is probably more diverse in the operating systems it supports than other offerings.
ESXi has a wide range of third party integrations to focus in on your businesses needs.

ESXi is very rigid in its manageability.
The management interface is not as simplistic as it could be.

Return on Investment

ESXi cost savings are apparent by more fully utilizing your host capacity over a traditional bare-bones host.
ESXi allowed us to scale significantly faster. If you need a new server and have the software and licensing you need, just spin one up. No need to pay for new hardware or wait for it to arrive and be setup.

Alternatives Considered

Nutanix and Hyper-V

Barring the licensing costs, ESXi brings substantial benefit over Hyper-V. However, Hyper-V does offer much more simplistic management. ESXi is more capable in VM recovery events over Hyper-V. Nutanix AHV, particularly for medium and large businesses, offer a more dynamic, higher performing, and often times more reasonably priced solution. It's still growing its 3rd party enhancements offerings as it is fairly young by comparison. The management and operation of AHV is substantially lower/less expensive.

Support Rating

With the exception of language barrier challenges, ESXi support is fantastic. The techs are extremely knowledgeable and courteous, to the point and can address most issues very quickly once you get them on the line. It is a bit of a challenge to get support initially. Waiting to get help when your environment is crippled or non-operational can be fairly stressful.

Key Insights

Do you think VMware ESXi delivers good value for the price?

Not sure

Are you happy with VMware ESXi's feature set?

Yes

Did VMware ESXi live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of VMware ESXi go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy VMware ESXi again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Turbonomic (formerly VMTurbo), OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter

Likelihood to Recommend

ESXi is well suited for small shops requiring three or fewer hosts, that have a capable and knowledgeable IT department with tight budgets, and minimal technology requirements. It is also suited for very large enterprise entities with large budgets and capable IT staff. Medium-sized businesses that require more than an Essentials Plus license (supports up to three hosts) should consider other available options before deciding to go with ESXi as the licensing costs beyond Essentials Plus are quite extensive.

ESXi: Great for small and large businesses. Medium businesses, don't rush your decision.

Overall Satisfaction with VMware ESXi