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PeerSpot user
System Support Engineer at TMN
Vendor
HA, FT and DRS features support large scale servers and VMs.

What is most valuable?

Its compatibility with LUNs and its vMotion, HA, FT and VDS. It works very smooth with LUNs. When we talk about its Cluster feature, then the HA, FT, and DRS features are just great in how they support large scale servers and VMs without any trouble in the production environment.

VMware offers VDS switches which are very efficient and useful regarding network configuration in your virtual environment. The configuration should be the same on your cluster-joined ESXis to improve performance and when running a production environment or VMs on any ESXi.

These features are very good for us.

How has it helped my organization?

While using its HA feature, we don’t need to worry about usage of servers. Our VM automatically shifts to another server which has resources using vMotion. VDS provides its NIC which is available on all ESXis. You have to configure it one time at Center level and after that you don't need to worry about any ESXi configuration or its failure. When DRS or HT transfers your VM to another host, then that VM will get the same NIC via VDS.

What needs improvement?

When we talked about its Vmotion feature so we see we are able to move our Vms in running state from one host to another host within cluster and shared storage but we are unable to move VMs accros cluster and storage in running state so here is vsphere 5.5 suffer little bit.

I guess in vMotion it should have the ability to move VMs across clusters of vCenters and different type of CUPS.

For how long have I used the solution?

We have been using this solution for many years.

Buyer's Guide
VMware vSphere
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about VMware vSphere. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,767 professionals have used our research since 2012.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We did not have any issue so far in stability.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

We have had scalability issues; we have backup plans if ESXi crashes.

How are customer service and support?

I would rate technical support 5/10.

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

We didn’t use anything previously. We chose VMware ESXi 5.5 over Hyper V due to its features.

How was the initial setup?

It was complex because you have to prepare for every situation.

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

Its pricing is affordable for a small company as well.

Which other solutions did I evaluate?

We evaluated vMotion, HA, FT, and VDS.

What other advice do I have?

I advise you to review your needs and then look into the features. I am sure you will get solution of your needs.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Juan Dominguez - PeerSpot reviewer
Juan DominguezSenior Solutions Architect & Consultant at ZAG Technical Services
Top 20Consultant

I have worked with Citrix XenServer, Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware. Out of these three hypervisor, VMware is still by far the most flexible, scalable and easy to manage system. VMware with vCenter server is hands down the most feature rich of the three. Great write up and thank you.

See all 3 comments
it_user379716 - PeerSpot reviewer
Senior Systems Administrator at a media company with 501-1,000 employees
Vendor
It's served my purpose of just needing to virtualize our environment and manage it effectively.

Valuable Features

Truthfully, I'm not using many of the available features. My needs have been small in that we just needed to virtualize our environment and manage it effectively. VMware vSphere has served that purpose greatly. I’m sure what I get out of vSphere, though, could potentially be gained just as easily via other virtualization platforms available today, but at the time I felt those were too immature to risk. VMware just worked with little to no issue, so I trust them going forward.

Improvements to My Organization

The largest benefit for my companies that have used this is the consolidation of our physical server footprint. Never would I thought I could run as many VMs on a single host as we do today.

Room for Improvement

Overall I’m very happy with what the product brings so I can’t suggest any major improvements. However, I’m very disappointed in VMware’s decision to push management to a web-based vCenter client and away from the standalone thick client. The web client is just terrible in so many ways, mainly on a performance basis. It is very slow. I also find the thick client much easier to navigate and work with my VMs. A large user population shares my sentiment as there are a number of posts in VMware’s forums regarding the issues with the web client. I hope VMware realizes this and either greatly enhances the web client or moves back to the thick client for management.

Use of Solution

I have been using it since vSphere 4, so approximately five to six years.

Deployment Issues

I’m sure there were issues to contend with originally, but as the product matures it gets easier and easier.

Stability Issues

I’m sure there were issues to contend with originally, but as the product matures it gets easier and easier.

Scalability Issues

I’m sure there were issues to contend with originally, but as the product matures it gets easier and easier.

Customer Service and Technical Support

Customer Service:

It was pretty straightforward, from what I recall, but I did not do most of the initial setup. I assisted a colleague who took the reigns.

Technical Support:

I've rarely had to enlist support, but when I have it’s been what I would expect.

Initial Setup

It was pretty straightforward, from what I recall but I did not do most of the initial set-up. I assisted a colleague who took the reigns.

Implementation Team

My first environment was set up by a single colleague with my assistance. The only advice I can really give is to really know your requirements for the systems and software you intend to virtualize and build a proper sized VM environment to host them. Oversubscribing resources is, in my opinion, the biggest concern and something that happens easily. Also factor in proper storage built to handle the I/O load of a virtual environment. Lastly, build your VM environment to factor in an N+1 design to ensure if a host fails, the remaining host(s) can handle the load of all VMs that were running on the failed host and always allow for a 15% overhead of free resources under full load.

Pricing, Setup Cost and Licensing

I really did not handle the financial aspects of my VM environments, but I do know VMware is pricey. These days, from a price point, I would take a hard look at MS Hyper-V as they are catching up with VMware fairly quickly.

Other Solutions Considered

When I first looked into virtualization it was back when VMware released vSphere 4. At that time I was interested in Citrix Xen and MS Hyper-V. I felt at the time VMware was the industry leader and was more mature so I trusted them above all others. I’ve been happy with the choice since, though for cost purposes I am really interested in Microsoft’s Hyper-V solution.

Other Advice

Cost considerations aside, be sure to properly scale your VM environment above all else. This is true regardless of product.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
it_user297561 - PeerSpot reviewer
it_user297561VMware(VCP5), VMware Regional Academy Director at a university with 501-1,000 employees
Vendor

I agree with cchilderhose, that v6 has significant improved in the responsiveness. I currently am the VMware IT Academy (vITA) Coordinator/Instructor for our Community College: www.cccti.edu
We were invited in 2006 by VMware to assist in the development of the vITA program which means I started with in in v3.5.

We have been somewhat force to use the Web Client since we have to instruct others on how to use VMware "Features". When the Web client was first introduce even folks from within VMware did not have a lot of positive comments about it.
But no matter what we all get familiar with initially, change is change. With the vSphere Client you don't have to think about how to do something you just do it. When first using the Web client I always felt as if I were stumbling around to find how to get where I need to be to complete a task. Not good when you are trying to show others.

With the release of v6 and in particular update1, the web client operates much more responsively. In addition, now that I have been using it for 2yrs, it does not function the same as the vSphere client and I now have learned how to be more proficient.
In fact, during the last section of the ICMv6 course we just finished teaching, I actually felt I was better completing tasks than I am with the vSphere Client. I guess the comment here is: "Be patient grasshopper".

The other thing of note is that if you do tasks in the vSphere Client they do not always propagate correctly. For example in assignments of access control.

One question I have is, for those that are not interested in using PowerCLI or the Virtual Management Assistant (vma), how will you be able to manage a host directly? When the eliminate the vSphere client.

I like to make comparisons, something I do now since I have been in Higher Ed for near 20yrs now after being in industry 20yrs prior, is that if you give me an iPhone I will stumble around trying to make a call since I use an android.

See all 3 comments
Buyer's Guide
VMware vSphere
March 2025
Learn what your peers think about VMware vSphere. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: March 2025.
842,767 professionals have used our research since 2012.
it_user321303 - PeerSpot reviewer
Sr. Systems Engineer at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees
Vendor
With the DR and HA functionalities, if any hardware goes down, we have another host with little downtime.

Valuable Features

  • Virtualization
  • Ability to vMotion and create servers on LAN
  • HA
  • DRS

Improvements to My Organization

The ability to build machines on the LAN as the business needs them, and the ability to have good DR and HA, with no hardware that can cause issues. If we go down, we have another host with very little downtime.

Room for Improvement

I would like them to keep the client-based system, even though they are going towards web client.

Stability Issues

It's extremely stable rarely any issues.

Scalability Issues

It's very scalable. We currently have 10,000+ servers, and 80% virtualized, so scalability has to be there.

Customer Service and Technical Support

VMware tech support is excellent. It’s one of the best vendor tech support I’ve found.

Initial Setup

It's extremely easy, very straightforward, and good documentation.

Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
PeerSpot user
Infrastructure Engineer at a hospitality company with 51-200 employees
Real User
The security features and implementation are very easy
Pros and Cons
  • "VMware vSphere allows you to run multiple virtual machines."
  • "The most valuable feature of VMware vSphere is the ability to work in a big system infrastructure."
  • "I recommend that VMware vSphere continue to release more features."

What is our primary use case?

VMware vSphere allows you to run multiple virtual machines. For example, I can run up to 10 computers, virtual servers on one physical server. 

We have at least 10 people using this solution in our organization.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of VMware vSphere is the ability to work in big system infrastructure. For example, you can move one bridge, one machine to another, or one virtual machine from one server to another. This is beneficial when you want to put a server under maintenance.

Also, the security features and implementation are very easy.

What needs improvement?

There is nothing from my perspective that the product needs to improve. It works for all my needs.

I recommend that VMware vSphere continue to release more features.

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware vSphere for 7 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

This solution is stable.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

VMware vSphere is scalable.

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

Previously, I had used Hyper-v. VMware is a much better solution.

How was the initial setup?

The initial setup of the solution is straightforward.

What about the implementation team?

We use third party support for this product.

What other advice do I have?

I would rate VMware vSphere a 10 out of 10.

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.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1119762 - PeerSpot reviewer
Information Technology Security Specialist at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Easy to set up with good reliability and a great user interface
Pros and Cons
  • "There are no issues with the level of scalability you can achieve."
  • "There should be a bit more flexibility in terms of the hardware we can use with the product."

What is our primary use case?

We primarily use the solution for the analytics we can get.

What is most valuable?

It works well with other VMware solutions.

The user interface is great.

There are no issues with the level of scalability you can achieve.

The stability is good. 

The initial setup is straightforward. 

What needs improvement?

There should be a bit more flexibility in terms of the hardware we can use with the product. There needs to be better compatibility. 

For how long have I used the solution?

We've used the solution for a long time. We've used the solution for more than a decade. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The solution offers good reliability and performance. The stability is good. There are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

You can easily scale the solution as needed. It's great in the sense. There are no issues around scaling. 

We have about 35 users at this time. 

The solution doesn't use up a lot of space, however, I can't say if we plan to increase usage or not just yet. 

How are customer service and support?

We've never contacted technical support in the past. I can't speak to how they are in terms of the level of service they provide. 

How was the initial setup?

The solution is easy to set up. It's not a complex or difficult process at all. 

The deployment doesn't take too long. It took us about ten days or so. 

We have four engineers that can handle deployment and maintenance tasks. 

What about the implementation team?

We handled the implementation ourselves. We did not use an integrator or consultant for the deployment.

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

We have an on-premises setup. There aren't any extra costs involved. 

What other advice do I have?

I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. We've been satisfied with its general capabilities so far. 

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.
PeerSpot user
reviewer1344021 - PeerSpot reviewer
Deputy director at a tech services company with 10,001+ employees
Real User
Top 20
User-friendly, easy to implement and offers excellent technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "It's easy to use and very user-friendly."
  • "The solution could be cheaper and less expensive."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is server virtualization software. VMware is totally for virtualization.

What is most valuable?

We only use it for a few of its features, such as DRS, vMotion, and fault tolerance. We aren't using the NSX, cloud-based, or any other features. 

The solution is 100% stable.

The scalability is very good.

We find the user interface to be very nice.

The initial implementation process is simple.

It's easy to use and very user-friendly.

Technical support has been very good. They are helpful and responsive. 

What needs improvement?

The solution could be cheaper and less expensive.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for five to seven years. 

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

We have found the solution to be extremely stable. The performance and reliability are great. There are no bugs or glitches and it doesn't crash or freeze. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is thoroughly a scalable solution. It's easy to expand it if you need to.

There isn't a specific number of users. We are using it for hosting services.

How are customer service and support?

Technical support is excellent. We have no complaints at all.

How was the initial setup?

The installation process is quite simple, quite straightforward. It's not overly complex or difficult. I'm certified and find the process very easy.

What about the implementation team?

We did not need the assistance of outside help. I can easily handle the implementation myself. 

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

You do have to purchase a license in order to use the solution.

The solution should base its prices on what the market can handle. Right now, it's a bit expensive.

The price is a little bit higher when you go for the enterprise edition. The Standard edition is quite low and the enterprise edition is quite high.

What other advice do I have?

I have two clusters, version 7 and version 6.7. Both are there.

I'm not using the cloud-based version and other stuff, so I couldn't comment on it. On the on-premises version, however, it's a very good solution. It has a nice interface and nice everything and is a very stable product. We have never faced any issues yet.

I'd recommend the solution to others 100%.

I would rate the solution at 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.
PeerSpot user
Technical Account Manager at a tech services company with 201-500 employees
Real User
Simple to manage, user-friendly, and good technical support
Pros and Cons
  • "The solution is user-friendly and easy to manage."
  • "The installation can take a long time, they need to improve on the simplicity and length of the installation."

What is our primary use case?

This solution is used as a virtual and a clustered environment. We provide a minimum of two central storage server clusters and the maximum we have is for approximately four server clusters. 

What is most valuable?

The solution is user-friendly and easy to manage.

What needs improvement?

The solution could improve by providing better information on what other products it is compatible with. For example, we have customers that do not like AMD Chipsets used with VMware but it is not a technical issue, they need to bring more awareness. 

For how long have I used the solution?

I have been using VMware vSphere for approximately 10 years.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

I have found the stability to be good.

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The solution is scalable.

we have approximately 50 customers using the solution.

How are customer service and technical support?

The customer service is good.

How was the initial setup?

The installation is straightforward because it comes with the appliance, you only have to deploy the appliance. The installation can take a long time, they need to improve on the simplicity and length of the installation.

All the customers who have the VMware have the vSphere because there is no single installation.

What about the implementation team?

We have five technicians for the installation and maintenance of the solutuion.

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

There is a perpetual license for this solution and the support is a yearly subscription.

What other advice do I have?

I would recommend this solution to others. If you use VMware, then you need to use vSphere to manage the clusters.

I rate VMware vSphere a nine 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
PeerSpot user
reviewer1505493 - PeerSpot reviewer
Systems Engineer at a educational organization with 11-50 employees
Real User
Easy to navigate, simple to scale, and works well right out of the box
Pros and Cons
  • "The stability of the solution is excellent."
  • "The licensing costs for the solution are quite high."

What is our primary use case?

The solution is a hypervisor. 

What is most valuable?

If you're looking at virtualization, it's probably the most stable virtualization platform that I have worked on. 

VMware offers one of the most stable if not the most stable virtualization hypervisor.

The solution makes navigation very easy. 

It makes migration very simple. 

There is a lot of very impressive innovation happening within the product right now.

The integration capabilities are excellent. 

We've found the product to be quite scalable.

The installation is quite straightforward.

You can do so much out of the box with their product, with their built-in technology. In vSphere, you can manage the hardware itself using the same platform.

What needs improvement?

The licensing costs for the solution are quite high.

For how long have I used the solution?

I've been using the solution for about seven years now. It's been a good amount of time.

What do I think about the stability of the solution?

The stability of the solution is excellent. There aren't any bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. It's reliable. 

What do I think about the scalability of the solution?

The scalability is very good. You can scale down or scale up provided you have the right licensing. 

There aren't users on the solution per se. Our IT team is mainly involved with it. That's it. We have three engineers that manage it.

I'm not sure if we will expand this product. It depends on what might happen next as one of the things that we will be embarking on is HCI technology. VMware came into HCI, however, there are multiple vendors such as Dell or HPE. It depends on how everything turns out in terms of the IT strategy. They're not that cheap.

How are customer service and technical support?

I personally have never had to ask for support from VMware's technical team. In the last six to seven years, I have never had to directly ask VMware for anything. Therefore, I can't speak to how knowledgeable or responsive they are.

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

Previously, we were using mainly the normal Windows hypervisor, Hyper-V. At my previous employer, we used to also have Xen hypervisor.

How was the initial setup?

The installation of the product is straightforward. It's really not too complex. All you do is install and click through. You put in your networking and you're done. Out of the box, it's great. However, if you do need to do some configurations, it can get a bit complex. 

I did not handle the installation process myself, and therefore can't speak to the actual amount of time it took to deploy.

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

One of the problems with the solution is the pricing. The licenses are not cheap.

We do pay a yearly licensing fee. Originally, it was a five-year package. Now we pay either every 12 or every 24 months.

If I have three hosts, just three hosts, a minimum of three hosts plus the vSphere and Center, I'm almost spending close to $250,000 a year. That's half a million in every two years inside just three hosts. In a serious medium enterprise where we would need at least 20 hosts, it means our annual fee or annual license cost could jump into the million-dollar range which means in three years you're spending three million alone on software.

What other advice do I have?

We're just customers and end-users. 

I would recommend the solution to other organizations, so long as they've got the money. If you don't have the money you probably want to look at things that are open source. It's not a one size fits all kind of product. I say this because of the licenses. The amount of money you spend on licenses annually might be less somewhere else. For a medium enterprise, if you want a cross-platform sort of initial hypervisor I would say yes, VMware is a good option. Of course, there's always something better than VMware as well. For example, Nutanix is way ahead if you are a big enterprise.

Overall, I would rate the solution at a nine out of ten. If it was less expensive, it would basically be perfect.

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.
PeerSpot user
Buyer's Guide
Download our free VMware vSphere Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.
Updated: March 2025
Buyer's Guide
Download our free VMware vSphere Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions.