Item: vSphere
Rating: 8
Author: Verified User

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

vSphere is utilized for total environment virtualization. This includes server virtualization, end-user desktop virtualization (utilizing VMware horizon view), as well as disaster recovery. By utilizing vSphere, we eliminate the reliance on a specific hardware platform as well as ease standard maintenance tasks through technologies such as vMotion and storage vMotion.

Pros and Cons

Server virtualization.
Live migrations of VM's.
Resource management.

Quality management of new releases.
Constantly increasing licensing costs.
Quality of 1st level support.

Return on Investment

Reduced data center footprint.
Reduced hardware needs.
Reduced heating/cooling requirements.

Support Rating

In the last few years, 1st line support has really suffered from quality. It's typical that they do little more than searching the existing knowledge base and ask you to complete things you have already tried. Once getting escalated beyond the 1st level, support is typically very good.

Key Insights

Do you think vSphere delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with vSphere's feature set?

Yes

Did vSphere live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of vSphere go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy vSphere again?

Yes

Usability

The vCenter management interface is very well laid out and makes sense after some entry-level training. VMware is always improving its usability.

Likelihood to Recommend

Enterprise organizations with a large number of servers are well suited to use vSphere. Due to the licensing costs, there can be a high price tag. Smaller organizations without the budget or expertise to manage the environment should probably avoid it.

vSphere is the top product for server virtualization

Overall Satisfaction with vSphere