VMware vSphere Reviews

Name: VMware vSphere
Brand: VMware
Rating: 4.4 (450 reviews)

Vendor: VMware

4.4 out of 5

450 reviews
95% willing to recommend

8,950 followers

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What is VMware vSphere?

VMware vSphere is a powerful and complete server virtualization platform that allows its users to create and manage virtual data centers and machines. VMware vSphere is designed to help IT departments set up and run applications using the most cost-effective computer resources. By using vSphere, organizations save the time and energy necessary for purchasing infrastructure and software and reduce ongoing maintenance and operational burdens on IT teams.

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VMware vSphere is the #2 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give VMware vSphere an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 450 most recent VMware vSphere reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.1. VMware vSphere is most commonly compared to Proxmox VE: VMware vSphere vs Proxmox VE. VMware vSphere is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 44% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 29% of all views.

Helped 816,723 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Vikas Dhumale

DevOps Engineer at Simple Logic IT Private Limited

Speaking about the application deployment process, I work at the L1 level in my company. In my company, the L3 is a different department that manages the application deployment process, and most of them go for tools apart from the ones under VMware to manage the VMs. I am only creating new VMs and assigning RAM space, and if something comes up, then I create new RHEL-based systems. When it comes to the application deployment process, my company manually deploys the applications. For automation purposes, our company uses Jenkins to collect the logs and provide a GUI with the help of a username and password to the end user, after which they can collect the logs from Jenkins. I work at an L1 level in my company. The integrations and infrastructure-related areas of the product are managed by another team in my company. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it. Nowadays, people don't prefer to go for cloud-based solutions. Most of the companies prefer VMware as they want some level of security in the environment. VMware allows users to have in-house products. Most companies or banks are not moving over to cloud-based tools. VMware is used in banking systems. I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

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Emanuele-Gnali

Owner at NetArt

Maintenance is required as long as any other products to check for troubles and some security patching. The version enables automatic maintenance, easy maintenance, and performance performance. A good performance use of the hardware allows for quick infrastructure maintenance and a quick structure upgrade so you can change hardware servers quickly and cheaply. It's useful for critical workloads. When there are inevitable failures, it can keep up the business. The server was particularly limiting performance-wise, while Hyper V lacked stability and flexibility in the setups. Overall, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

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NipunaNakandala

Senior System Engineer at V S Indormation Systems

From what I know, the area revolving around the licensing part of the product is not quite friendly. The licenses for those who have a partnership with VMware are not a good thing because we have to use the tool for demos and simulate it in a customer environment. In our company's setup, considering that we have a partnership with VMware, it is very hard to have licenses, making it an area where improvements are required. VMware's NFR licenses were previously available for partners, and the tool used to provide demo centers within such licenses, but the aforementioned licensing structure for partners has been presently discontinued. The product should also provide the partners with the facility to provide the tool's demo in a test environment for customers. The solution's technical team is an area with certain shortcomings where improvements are required.

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VMware vSphere mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of VMware vSphere in the Server Virtualization Software category stands at 19.8%, up from 18.6% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Server Virtualization Software

Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 24, 2024

Valuable Features

VMware vSphere's most valuable features include easy installation and configuration, low overhead, centralized management, and high availability. vMotion enables seamless virtual machine migration without downtime. Distributed Resource Scheduler and automation streamline resource allocation and server management. Robust performance and support for various operating systems enhance flexibility. Integration with VMware tools, such as vCenter, strengthens management capabilities. Scalability, fault tolerance, and efficient resource utilization reduce costs and improve operational efficiency in virtualization environments.

"VMware vSphere is rated at ten on a scale of one to ten. It is a perfect solution."
"The most supportive features of VMware vSphere include high availability and DRS."
"The product has good scalability."

Room for Improvement

Concerns about VMware vSphere focus on cost and licensing complexities. Users cite memory limitations, inadequate centralized management, and the need for vCenter for efficient control. The web interface lacks speed and stability, requiring enhancements. There's a desire for better compatibility with diverse hardware and improved backup and monitoring features. Users express difficulties with seamless updates, integration with non-native applications, and fault-tolerance constraints. They highlight challenges in pricing transparency and a preference for simpler licensing.

"One area for improvement is the documentation, especially after VMware was transferred to Broadcom. Sometimes, it is difficult to find documentation for specific tools and solutions."
"One area for improvement is the documentation, especially after VMware was transferred to Broadcom. Sometimes, it is difficult to find documentation for specific tools and solutions."
"The platform's main area for improvement has increased, particularly after Broadcom acquired VMware."

ROI

VMware vSphere delivers significant cost savings by reducing hardware and energy expenditures, minimizing server deployment times, and enhancing management efficiency. Many attest to high returns on investment, as it streamlines operations and decreases the need for physical servers. Users highlight its ability to virtualize environments easily, yielding substantial savings and agility, especially in large setups. Despite initial costs, it provides substantial long-term economic benefits and improves hardware utilization significantly.

Pricing

VMware vSphere pricing varies significantly based on enterprise needs and configurations. Many users find it expensive, particularly for higher-end licenses like Enterprise Plus, though some appreciate the extensive feature set that justifies the cost. Pricing complexity can be a challenge, as licensing involves multiple tiers and varying models. For some, the initial investment is high, but they perceive value in long-term stability. Users suggest evaluating needs carefully to choose appropriate licensing levels to minimize costs.

"The solution's licensing is costlier than other hypervisors."
"I rate the solution's pricing a ten out of ten due to the recent price changes."
"The tool is a bit expensive."

Popular Use Cases

VMware vSphere is primarily used for virtualizing server infrastructures, supporting extensive workloads, and managing virtual environments across organizations. It enables server consolidation, reduces hardware requirements, and enhances scalability and agility. Many use cases include managing mission-critical applications in diverse industries such as finance, healthcare, and education. Users leverage vSphere to ensure high availability, disaster recovery, and streamlined operations, often prepping for cloud integrations and employing it for robust enterprise virtualization solutions.

Service and Support

VMware vSphere's customer service is generally praised for being quick and efficient, though response times can vary based on issue priority. Users highlight knowledgeable technical support but note occasional delays and complexities, especially with lower-severity cases. Many are satisfied with the availability and quality of assistance, benefiting from responsive engineers who effectively resolve problems. However, some report slower responses and desire more consistent communication and expertise across different support encounters.

Deployment

VMware vSphere's initial setup is often described as straightforward and simple. Users frequently mention ease of installation, with many finding the process intuitive. Some note that while it's generally simple, specific complex requirements or configurations can introduce challenges. Compatible hardware is crucial for a smooth setup, and prior experience or knowledge can significantly ease the process. Proper planning and understanding of infrastructure needs are key elements for successfully deploying VMware vSphere.

Scalability

VMware vSphere is praised for its strong scalability capabilities. Users report seamless expansion with minimal issues, highlighting its ability to support large environments and numerous virtual machines. It enables easy addition of hosts and resources, ensuring high performance even with increased loads. While some mention licensing as a consideration, the adaptability and robust scalability features often meet or exceed expectations, making it a favored choice for diverse organizational sizes and demands.

Stability

VMware vSphere demonstrates high reliability and robust performance with minimal interruptions. Users report infrequent challenges primarily due to hardware compatibility rather than software flaws. Proper deployment ensures seamless virtualization, contributing to exceptional uptime. While minimal issues arise, they are swiftly resolved with patches and support. Organizations recognize vSphere as a leading choice for virtualization, appreciating its adaptability and resilience. Frequent updates have enhanced its stability, making it a dependable option for varied workloads.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our VMware vSphere Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

29%

Computer Software Company

12%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Government

University

Comms Service Provider

Healthcare Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Insurance Company

Construction Company

Media Company

Hospitality Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Non Profit

Legal Firm

Wholesaler/Distributor

Transportation Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Pharma/Biotech Company

Consumer Goods Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Logistics Company

Compare VMware vSphere with alternative products

Learn more about VMware vSphere

Infrastructure administrators and network operators can access and manage the vSphere server by using a web-based cross-platform client application or via the vSphere client tool provided with vSphere.

VMware vSphere provides visibility into VMs and enables its users to carry out operations to manage VMs. This includes tasks such as:

Powering VMs on and off
Launching the VM console
Shutting down guest operating systems
Settings configurations
Taking system snapshots

VMware vSphere Benefits

Some of the benefits of using VMware vSphere include:

Reduced costs: Since VMware applications are run on a server, it is not necessary to spend large amounts of your organization’s money on hardware, software, and infrastructure.

Increased productivity and customer satisfaction: VMware is able to operate multiple complex processes simultaneously. With all your applications being managed and run on the cloud, downtime, failures, and application errors are rare. VMware easily scales up and down to meet your computing needs. The high availability that VMware provides allows your IT staff to focus on other issues and keeps your customers satisfied with the service they receive.

Unlimited access to your VMs: VMware’s user-friendly cloud-based interface allows any employee to work from any location at any time.

Enhanced security: VMware’s security tools deliver full visibility into your entire system. This keeps your applications and data more secure, in any type of environment. VMware provides multiple protective tools including antiviruses and anti-malware, as well as backup and recovery services.

VMware vSphere Features

Below is a list of some of VMware vSphere’s key features:

Transferable virtual machine images: Export and import virtual machine images from your local environment. This gives users the ability to set up and configure their systems locally and only upload them to the server once everything is working properly. VM images can be moved back and forth between vendors, ensuring that your company is never tied up to a specific cloud vendor.

User-friendly interface: Using VMware’s intuitive console, you can easily create, manage, share, and deploy virtual machines.

API integration: VMware’s APIs support integration with third-party applications for data protection, multipathing, and disk array solutions.

Distributed power management: Automate efficiency by continuously optimizing server power consumption within each cluster.

Reviews from Real Users

VMware vSphere stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. A few major ones are its virtualization abilities, its flexibility and availability, and its user-friendly interface.

Felix D., an Automation project administrator, DCS, I&E at Centennial Cayman Corp, writes, “The connectivity is fantastic, and many functions can run together in one server. If you need to scale, we can continue to add components or modules. It's a beautiful virtual solution that has many advantages over physical hardware, where you have to use devices and wiring to connect all your projects.”