Item: VMware ESXi
Rating: 8
Author: Luke Kuhlow

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

ESXI is our choice for a primary virtualization program that allows us to consolidate and centrally manage our server infrastructure with ease and confidence. It allows for load balancing and proper resource shuffling for updates and patching. Provides smooth way for migrating VM's to different devices to be able to make our datacenter more efficient.

Pros and Cons

Manages and balances loads between hosts
Provides real time data and monitoring of resource usage
Allows for easy access and administration of virtualization

Alerting can be confusing due to jargon
Support can be complicated and lengthy to troubleshoot with
Integration with storage can be tricky in some cases

Return on Investment

Has alleviated many faults with physical devices failing
Provides centralized management of servers and ability to troubleshoot issues quickly
Balances load of server resources across multiple hosts.

Alternatives Considered

Hyper-V

VMware ESXi excels in comparison to Microsoft's offering due to integration with Linux, its bare metal approach and its ability to function off of a thinner hypervisor. It allows for better integration with application appliances in my opinion due to its non-Microsoft nature. In my experience, it has more functionality with Linux based appliance machines that come from vendors. Using Hyper-V was not as easy and streamlined as VMware ESXi.

Key Insights

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

Yes

Are you happy with VMware ESXi's feature set?

Yes

Did VMware ESXi live up to sales and marketing promises?

I wasn't involved with the selection/purchase process

Did implementation of VMware ESXi go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy VMware ESXi again?

Yes

Other Software Used

ConnectWise Manage, ConnectWise Automate (formerly LabTech), Veeam Backup & Replication

Likelihood to Recommend

Vmware ESXi is the leading name in virtualization and as such has in my opinion led the way in creating and sustaining virtual environments. They excel in keeping up to date with cutting edge virtualization technology and provide reliable and up to date patches/upgrades. This program is essential for organizations with more than 1 host or more than 10 VM's. The ability to migrate and balance loads across hosts is crucial. The ability to spin up new host devices thru deployment is key to quick recovery from hardware failures.

Vmware Stability

Overall Satisfaction with VMware ESXi