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Senior cloud support engineer at RealPage
Real User
User-friendly and provides high availability and scalability
Pros and Cons
  • "The migration and combination of vCenter, where I can manage everything at once, has helped me do my job."
  • "It would be really helpful if there were options to do things in one or two clicks rather than doing everything through more manual interaction."

What is our primary use case?

The tool mainly serves the virtual machines for the development team and the production requirements.

What is most valuable?

The migration and combination of vCenter, where I can manage everything at once, has helped me do my job.

What needs improvement?

It would be really helpful if there were options to do things in one or two clicks rather than doing everything through more manual interaction.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware ESXi for six to seven years.

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What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution’s stability a nine out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Scalability is one of VMware ESXi's major factors. Compared to real hardware in virtualization, there are multiple options for scalability and other options on the OS level as well. More than 1,000 users are using the solution daily in our organization.

I rate the solution’s scalability an eight out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support team is good and responsive.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I also use the Hyper-V tool.

How was the initial setup?

On a scale from one to ten, where one is difficult and ten is easy, I rate the solution's initial setup an eight out of ten.

What about the implementation team?

I and the storage engineer at the data center deployed the solution in-house, which took only a few hours.

What other advice do I have?

The solution has made a lot of major improvements, such as high availability and scalability. There are a lot of functions that make your life easier. The solution's integration with other tools in the infrastructure is very easy.

I would recommend the solution to other users. VMware ESXi is a very user-friendly solution, and it is now being adopted on the cloud platform. Instead of changing their infrastructure, people already on VMware can directly go to the cloud and use exactly what they use in the data center.

Overall, I rate VMware ESXi a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Kyaw Htet Aung - PeerSpot reviewer
System Engineer - Supervisor at KBZ Bank
Real User
Top 10
Achieve seamless resource allocation and increase efficiency with centralized server management
Pros and Cons
  • "ESXi's server management capabilities are incredibly beneficial, as it supports software integration with Windows servers and other essential systems."
  • "There are concerns about VMware changing their licensing model from perpetual to a subscription model."

What is our primary use case?

Our organization uses VMware ESXi for server management, specifically focusing on the ESXi and vMotion features. We use it because we have a lot of services that require server management, including financial and enterprise solutions. The use of VMware ESXi helps us support private and public sectors in our enterprise level organization.

How has it helped my organization?

VMware ESXi enables us to deliver services to customers more efficiently. It facilitates centralized monitoring and collaboration, and helps us manage our ERP system, which is integrated with our IT infrastructure. ESXi also aids in server management, allowing us to comply with customer standards and ensure operational efficiency.

What is most valuable?

ESXi's server management capabilities are incredibly beneficial, as it supports software integration with Windows servers and other essential systems. 

Furthermore, features like vMotion significantly improve operational efficiency by allowing seamless resource allocations.

What needs improvement?

There are concerns about VMware changing their licensing model from perpetual to a subscription model. This has led some customers to reconsider using VMware ESXi due to increased expenses and operational complexities.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using ESXi for around three years within our organization's environment.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have not faced any significant stability issues with VMware ESXi. It operates smoothly in our environment.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have not encountered any scalability issues with VMware ESXi. The system effectively supports our operational needs without limitations.

How are customer service and support?

For any issues that we cannot resolve internally, we escalate them to the global technical support team. Their timely assistance helps us address issues quickly and efficiently.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We are currently using software-only technology and do not rely on hypervisor or on-premise solutions. My previous experience also includes working with different VMware services.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of VMware ESXi involves multiple teams to ensure comprehensive integration and security considerations, whether cloud or on-premise. 

It requires alignment and collaboration across teams to ensure proper server implementation.

What about the implementation team?

Our organization relies on various internal teams, including procurement, vendor management, and technical teams, for implementation. This ensures a smooth deployment and operational process.

What was our ROI?

Currently, I am leading a project focused on cost-saving and optimization, leveraging technology for financial benefits within the organization.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The cost of VMware ESXi revolves around its licensing model. It would be beneficial to purchase licenses tailored specifically to our use needs, to reduce costs and improve performance.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend VMware ESXi due to its virtualization capabilities and security features. It is effective for enhancing service delivery and should be considered by other users for server management needs.

I'd rate the solution eight out of ten.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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ToniLindberg - PeerSpot reviewer
senior consultant at Virtual Consultants Sverige AB
Real User
Top 5Leaderboard
Supports AI-driven projects and enables the consolidation of multiple servers onto a single host
Pros and Cons
  • "The platform's most valuable features include its role within the vSphere suite, requiring a vCenter Server for management."
  • "There is always potential for further refinement, such as improving the web interface or fine-tuning advanced settings."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is the hypervisor in our clients' IT infrastructures, serving as the foundational platform for their virtual environments.

How has it helped my organization?

This solution has significantly enhanced efficiency by enabling the consolidation of multiple servers onto a single host, optimizing resource usage and overall performance.

What is most valuable?

The platform's most valuable features include its role within the vSphere suite, requiring a vCenter Server for management. ESXi alone is just a hypervisor; effective management and optimization are achieved through clusters and vCenter Server.

What needs improvement?

The main challenge for the product concerns hardware choices, such as customers opting for cheaper CPUs and memory.

There is always potential for further refinement, such as improving the web interface or fine-tuning advanced settings.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have worked with VMware ESX since its initial release, around 2001 to 2003.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the solution's stability a ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution's scalability is ten out of ten.

How are customer service and support?

The technical support was excellent when VMware was part of Dell. Since the transition to Broadcom, I have yet to have the opportunity to assess the current support quality.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. However, additional customizations can be extended at this time.

The full deployment of the solution generally takes a few hours, depending on the customer's specific requirements.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The product pricing was reasonable before, but recent changes, including bundling, have complicated the cost structure. While prices were reduced, additional features have led to higher overall costs.

What other advice do I have?

I rate VMware ESXi a ten out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrator
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NasrRafiq - PeerSpot reviewer
SAP B1 Support Consultant at Abacus Consulting
Real User
Top 5
Enhances efficiency with vital features but needs better user accessibility
Pros and Cons
  • "The most important features are having a lot of code and CPU threads to ensure the system doesn't lag, and the role of memory is important."
  • "I rate the stability of the solution as either nine or ten out of ten."
  • "The software could be more user-friendly, allowing customers to easily find the resources and features they need."
  • "The software could be more user-friendly, allowing customers to easily find the resources and features they need."

What is our primary use case?

I am currently on the technical side, making connections so if reports are not working, I handle that. I have knowledge of ESXi, including making a VM and installing operating systems like Linux or Windows.

How has it helped my organization?

VMware ESXi has improved the efficiency of the software. It depends mostly on the specs of the virtual machine first created.

What is most valuable?

The most important features are having a lot of code and CPU threads to ensure the system doesn't lag, and the role of memory is important.

What needs improvement?

The software could be more user-friendly, allowing customers to easily find the resources and features they need.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware ESXi for less than a year.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I rate the stability of the solution as either nine or ten out of ten.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I rate the scalability about eight or nine out of ten. A lot of customers require this for virtual environments.

How are customer service and support?

I rate the technical support from VMware as nine or ten out of ten.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup is straightforward and simple to understand. It takes about a day or two to set up the system completely.

What about the implementation team?

We use vendor partners to set up according to customer requirements.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The solution is moderately priced, not exactly cheap yet not overly expensive either.

What other advice do I have?

I recommend VMware ESXi because many customers prefer virtual environments over on-premises solutions due to efficiency and flexibility.

I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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Architect at Sandos
Real User
Load balancing with the DRS feature and main source to manage the infra
Pros and Cons
  • "The most beneficial features for me are DRS and HA (High Availability). In case of an interruption at the OS level, they ensure the virtual machine automatically comes back up."
  • "The license model has recently changed, which is a bit worrying for customers."

What is our primary use case?

ESXi with Hyper Converged Infrastructure and Horizon for hosting virtual machines. There is also AHT for VDI environments.

It's a bare-metal hypervisor, mainly used for hosting virtual machines. The applications vary based on customer requirements. It can be used for running applications, database connectivity, infrastructure applications like software-based networks or firewalls, and managing on-premises applications.

What is most valuable?

The most beneficial features for me are DRS and HA (High Availability). In case of an interruption at the OS level, they ensure the virtual machine automatically comes back up. 

Another benefit is load balancing with the DRS feature.

Apart from that, it's the main source for us as consultants or architects to manage the infrastructure.

We follow the best practices as per Broadcom and VMware, and we do timely patching on ESXi to ensure security.

What needs improvement?

The license model has recently changed, which is a bit worrying for customers.

The only other issue is that since changing the portal, downloading patches or images for maintenance or deployment has become slightly more difficult because engineers are facing issues. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for more than ten years now. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It's very stable because we do regular maintenance. It is not difficult to maintain at all. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

It is a scalable product. That's the reason it's number one, even after a decade.

How are customer service and support?

I get a good response, but in a few cases, I have experienced delayed responses. I'm not sure, but maybe it's because of the transfer to Broadcom.

So, there is a slight delay in getting the support. 

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

VMware is a leader with the new features they introduce on every major release. But regarding licensing, when I talk to Nutanix, they give it for free. With the Hyper Converged solution, we have to pay additional charges based on the core count. But feature-wise, I don't see any additional features that other hypervisors have.

How was the initial setup?

The complexity of the initial setup is fine. We've been doing it for a long time. Compared to other hypervisors, it's very good. On average, it should be around 30 minutes to an hour.

Currently, we use version 7.0. We may upgrade to 8.0, but that will take a few months.

Deployment process: It's all internal discussions based on the load. We select the hardware vendor and do the installation via the ISO image. We do the configuration part ourselves. I take care of the ESXi infrastructure once the parts are delivered to the site.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend using it b, but it depends on their interest and budget.

Overall, I would rate it a nine out of ten. 

Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner
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HarveySim - PeerSpot reviewer
IT Team Lead at Coos
Real User
Top 10
Offers protection and helps organizations in areas like compliance and data
Pros and Cons
  • "The most valuable features of the solution are that it is efficient, fast, and affordable."
  • "The tool offers an open-source version, which is not really well supported."

What is our primary use case?

I use the solution in my company for hosting machines and storage.

In our data center operations, the tool is used just as a server for computing, storage, and networking.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable features of the solution are that it is efficient, fast, and affordable.

What needs improvement?

I think the tool can do better in terms of pricing.

The tool offers an open-source version, which is not really well supported.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware ESXi for five years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

It is a very stable solution.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution's scalability part is a bit tough, but I think it is due to our own implementation. It is a bit difficult currently. In terms of scalability, there are other ways of scaling it, like setting multiple nodes, and all that, but we are not that advanced. In our company, we don't set it up. I think in terms of scalability, it is limitless.

There are 100 users with two appliances in my company.

How are customer service and support?

I have not contacted technical support for the solution.

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have tried a few other tools.

How was the initial setup?

The product's initial setup phase is quite simple, and I think anybody can do it.

You just purchase the server, and then you do the installation. To purchase the server, you have to look through the hardware compatibility list and make sure the equipment is all supported. There are enough available drivers for it. Once it is approved, you can download the installation package and then put it in. After that, you do the patching. Whatever patches that need to be updated and just put it in.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

The solution can be deployed in around four hours.

Two people were needed for deployment.

What about the implementation team?

The tool was deployed with the help of an in-house team.

What was our ROI?

The tool is cost-effective.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

Broadcom recently purchased VMware, and the pricing scheme has changed. If I need any more features in the tool, I can actually purchase them. If the product includes it in the current base package, it will be good. If not, then I will have to purchase it.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

Compared to other tools, VMware ESXi is more stable than the other offerings. I think the support from the parent company is good, and it releases patches quite often, so it is better supported.

What other advice do I have?

The feature or the functionality of the tool is good for virtualizing everything.

The tool is able to offer protection requirements and helps the organization's compliance and data as there are frequent patches being released, which are well supported.

My company does not use any AI initiatives for the product at the moment.

The tool's maintenance is easy.

I recommend the tool to others. Everyone should follow the tool's documentation.

I rate the tool a nine out of ten.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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reviewer2388204 - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Technology Product Manager at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 10
Reliability increases confidence in IT operations
Pros and Cons
  • "VMware ESXi is very reliable, especially for our production environment."
  • "For horizontal scalability, VMware ESXi is not the right product, and we have been evaluating alternative options."

What is our primary use case?

We are using VMware ESXi for running various kinds of applications in our environment that use virtual machines.

How has it helped my organization?

VMware ESXi provides a reliable and stable environment, which makes us confident in our IT operations. We rely on it particularly in production environments where reliability is crucial.

What is most valuable?

VMware ESXi is very reliable, especially for our production environment. The ability to collapse its vulnerabilities swiftly adds to its reliability. Hyper-threading is a feature we use extensively.

What needs improvement?

For horizontal scalability, VMware ESXi is not the right product, and we have been evaluating alternative options. There are also some complaints about the web interface and licensing issues after Broadcom's acquisition.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been working with VMware ESXi for more than ten years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

VMware ESXi provides a very stable environment, making it a reliable choice for our operations.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

Vertical scalability with VMware ESXi is very achievable, allowing easy upgrades to physical components like CPU and RAM. However, its horizontal scalability is not as flexible.

How are customer service and support?

We have received good service from VMware technical support, though the need for assistance has been infrequent.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Positive

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

I have not had a chance to explore many other solutions in comparison to VMware ESXi.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup process is not complex and can typically be done in a little more than one hour with the help of one resource.

What was our ROI?

We are considering moving to another product for better cost-effectiveness, which might improve our ROI.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

From a cost perspective, we are not entirely satisfied with VMware ESXi.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We are considering Kubernetes or OpenShift as potential alternatives.

What other advice do I have?

Technically, VMware ESXi is a mature product, and I would recommend it for reliable, stable environments.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Ramish Ali - PeerSpot reviewer
Assistant Director IT at a university with 51-200 employees
Real User
Top 10
Provides a single-user interface to monitor these machines and easily adjust resources or create backups as needed
Pros and Cons
  • "The main function of ESXi is the ability to consolidate multiple machines onto a single server, saving space and energy."
  • "I would rate the technical support as six out of ten. The response time could be better."

What is our primary use case?

ESXi is used to install multiple operating systems (OS) on a single server. It allows us to monitor these machines, view resource usage for each virtual machine, and adjust allocated resources like RAM, CPU, and hard disk. 

We can also easily back up these virtual machines. We use VMware vSphere to manage these virtual machines and Cisco UCS Manager to manage Cisco UCS servers.

What is most valuable?

The main function of ESXi is the ability to consolidate multiple machines onto a single server, saving space and energy. It also provides a single-user interface to monitor these machines and easily adjust resources or create backups as needed.

Integration Capabilities:

Integration within the VMware environment is not a problem. We can easily move a virtual machine from one ESXi host to another and back up a virtual machine to a different ESXi host.

What needs improvement?

If the price could be reduced, that would be good.

I think there should be a direct link for managing the OS side so we can open the web interface directly in the browser.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using it for seven years now. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I would rate the stability a nine out of ten. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

I would rate the scalability of ESXi an eight out of ten.  

Suitable for Enterprise:

ESXi is definitely suitable for enterprise and medium-sized companies. VMware Workstation is suitable for small and medium businesses.

How are customer service and support?

I would rate VMware's technical support as six out of ten. The response time could be better.

How would you rate customer service and support?

Neutral

Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?

We use different firewalls, switch servers, and proxy servers. The proxy server is Squid, installed on CentOS, a Linux operating system. We use PRTG Network Monitor to monitor network traffic.

We have our own data center with servers, and one of our servers uses VMware. We use VMware ESXi for server virtualization.

We use both VMware Workstation and ESXi, each with its own benefits. Workstation is installed on the operating system, while ESXi is installed directly on the hardware. I have been working with ESXi for seven years.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup for ESXi is a bit complex and takes a couple of hours.

We use a hybrid model for deployment.

What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?

The price of ESXi is high.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

VMware ESXi is better than Microsoft Hyper-V.

Nowadays, Docker is considered to be better than virtual machines (VMs). I am not very familiar with Docker, but I have learned that it is superior in many ways.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate ESXi an eight out of ten overall. I do recommend it to other users.

Which deployment model are you using for this solution?

Hybrid Cloud
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
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Buyer's Guide
Download our free VMware ESXi Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: January 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free VMware ESXi Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.