VMware vSphere is the basic application for making the virtualization on our environment.
Senior Product Specialist at a pharma/biotech company with 10,001+ employees
Simple, easy to use and has a lot of features for the virtualized environment.
Pros and Cons
- "VMware vSphere helps us in not wasting resources like we did when we were using physical servers. It changed our whole environment."
- "In terms of what could be improved, we do face some bugs when cloning the virtual machine - it fails sometimes."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
VMware vSphere helps us in not wasting resources like we did when we were using physical servers. It changed our whole environment.
What is most valuable?
The features that I have found most valuable are its vMotion and the other features that are basic in any product. Snapshot, Virtual switch, and VDS are very useful. Its features are so good and fit our needs.
What needs improvement?
In terms of what could be improved, we do face some bugs when cloning the virtual machine - it fails sometimes. Also, using the customization certification also fail sometimes. Sometimes powering-on the virtual machine fails. But we opened the ticket with VMware as we have the warranty.
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For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware vSphere for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
VMware vSphere is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Of course VMware vSphere is scalable.
In our 15 member team, all of us work on vSphere. We are all system operation engineers.
Overall, we just require two people for deployment and maintenance.
Of course we'll increase our license in the future. Our business needs to improve every time. So we'll use it extensively.
How are customer service and support?
The technical support is so good. My friend works at the support team for VMware.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward. It is so easy.
The ISO file is available for everyone to download and there is a trial period so if you don't purchase this product, you can try it for free.
We increase our servers every year. So for one server, deployment takes about one hour or less to deploy a product.
There are many strategies to install the product using vCenter. We can make clones from the profile of the server itself so it could take less time.
What about the implementation team?
We deploy it ourselves.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
I did an overview on the Hyper-V, which is another solution. VMware vSphere was simpler and easier to use and had a lot of features. The Hyper-V must be installed on a Windows server which has a lot of vulnerabilities and it's not stable as VMware vSphere.
So after I did an overview I thought this solution is the best in the meantime.
What other advice do I have?
I don't need to give any advice - this product sells itself.
My recommendation to anyone considering VMware vSphere is that if you need to virtualize your environment, you will buy this solution for sure. But you have to have the servers before buying the license. You can first install it for free on a demo, or you can get the virtual environment to try the solution. But it doesn't need any advice, it is quite simple.
After working on this solution, I have joined the official course for vSphere and I took the certificate, so it allowed me to know all the features in this product.
On a scale of one to ten, not to be extreme, but I would give VMware vSphere a nine.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior System Engineer at a energy/utilities company with 501-1,000 employees
User-friendly and easy to deploy
Pros and Cons
- "One of the most valuable features of this solution is the ease of deployment. It's also user-friendly and has been on the market for more than a decade, so it's a leading technology in hypervisor solutions."
- "VMware vSphere could be improved with cheaper costs."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case of VMware vSphere is virtualization. It doesn't depend on the hardware anymore, so it's easy to migrate and scale.
This solution is deployed on-premise.
What is most valuable?
One of the most valuable features of this solution is the ease of deployment. It's also user-friendly and has been on the market for more than a decade, so it's a leading technology in hypervisor solutions.
What needs improvement?
VMware vSphere could be improved with cheaper costs.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using this solution for 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This solution is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of this solution is 10 out of 10.
For this solution, we don't have an end user environment, but for our servers and our whole VM infrastructure, there are around 500 to 1,000 users. I'm not sure if we are going to increase our usage because, nowadays, most organizations are moving to cloud, but we have on-prem solutions in most cases.
How are customer service and support?
We rarely contact technical support because I have a back-to-back engineer and we both have a good understanding of the VMware infrastructure. We are able to solve about 90% of problems ourselves.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have a mixture of VMware and Hyper-V. For the small branches, we use Hyper-V because of the licensing and because Windows has four VMs embedded into the core Hyper-V. For VMware, we need to buy a separate license, but we use it for bigger offices and centers.
How was the initial setup?
The setup process of this solution is very straightforward and easy. For VMware, almost all the data center administrators can be easy to manage and deploy. The installation took less than three or four hours. I did it myself.
What about the implementation team?
I implemented this solution myself.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
VMware is expensive, from the baseline, initial investment. It depends, though, because if someone goes for ESXi—the latest version, ESXi Essential, or even the opensource—then it is not available in Microsoft. ESXi opensource is totally free, and the only features that aren't available are some API features. But if someone has a small office with less than 50 users, and they just need to run the hypervisor, then VMware is a free solution for that. If someone is considering the price and comparing Business ESXi with Hyper-V, if they already have an existing Windows license, then I would suggest going for Hyper-V because it's much cheaper. Aside from that, I would recommend going for VMware.
What other advice do I have?
I rate VMware a nine out of ten. VMware is fine. If someone has an office and they only need two or three servers, then I would recommend Hyper-V because they have a free instance for up to four servers. My recommendation would depend on someone's environment and budget, and totally depends on the size of their organization and server.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
VMware vSphere
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about VMware vSphere. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,078 professionals have used our research since 2012.
VMware Senior Consultant at a tech services company with 501-1,000 employees
Has valuable features for daily use and a straightforward installation
Pros and Cons
- "We have the possibility to move workloads to different locations."
- "There are some limitations with the solution regarding migrating."
What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case for the solution right now is for a project regarding Telecom Italia. We are working with the telecom. It is mostly regarding the private cloud. The main reason for having all of these products and solutions altogether is to reach the cloud director and to have the private cloud for Telecom Italia.
How has it helped my organization?
Our organization has seen plenty of benefits from this solution. We have the possibility to move workloads to different locations. For the end-users and customers, it's beneficial because they can run whatever they want in a matter of minutes or hours instead of providing a data center for themselves and running whatever they need. Thanks to all the solutions altogether, it is possible to move the workload and it has high availability in different time zones and different regions.
What is most valuable?
There are plenty of features we have found valuable. It has multiple features that we are using every day during our jobs.
What needs improvement?
vSphere itself can handle lots of things, but I can say when it comes to other products, we have lots of other availability, lots of other visibilities with the data center that we have. The areas that could be improved are dependent on the project that we are working on and the use cases.
There are some limitations with the solution regarding migrating. For example, some features like EVC we have in vSphere, but still, it is not possible to migrate VM from Intel to AMD, or we still have some limitations even if we have EVC for VMs.
These are the features that maybe would be really useful for lots of customers that don't want to have downtime, and at the same time they want to be modernized, go through the new technologies now, cloud and everything.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware for seven years or so.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable. With respect to the very traditional workload that we had, one server for one application, one physical server, I can say there are lots of improvements when we are using VMware itself. In the traditional way of doing the work, it was not possible to utilize the CPU, utilize the memory that you are using. But here, we have lots of options like over-commitment of CPU and memory. We can manage our workloads anytime.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is easily possible to scale the solution and upgrade depending on which products we are using on-premise. We can have a path to scale, to upgrade, to do everything.
How are customer service and support?
Usually when I had to utilize customer support for the solution, it was satisfying based on the priority of raising the ticket.
How was the initial setup?
The initial deployment was straightforward, but again it depends on the use cases. For example, in one project we were working on the deployment and using automation from the customer themselves. They wrote their automation, and it was a little complex to match what they need based on their automation and how we could deploy the products for them.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate the solution 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
Technical Architect at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Offers a myriad of features
Pros and Cons
- "Once you have everything configured, it is relatively straightforward."
- "When we talk about the overall private cloud stack, I would prefer for it be a lot more seamless."
What is our primary use case?
A typical use case for vSphere would be general virtualization, primarily, where we're deploying either Linux or Windows-based workloads. We do have a lot of design-ready nodes we use for some of our clients. We also use Tanzu, from an application development container, microservices type of solution as well.
What is most valuable?
VMware vSphere is replete with about a gazillion different features. In the context of vCenter, everything has been amalgamated into a single appliance. It's much more simplified at deployment. Because of that, immediately I would say the most useful feature is the Lifecycle Manager, VLCM, that is now available. So, what used to be the VMware of Data Manager has now changed to the Lifecycle Manager. Those changes are really, really useful.
What needs improvement?
I'm a big fan of vSphere; I have used it since the days of 3.5, all the way up to now. When you deploy it as a complete stack, from vSphere to vCenter to the vRealize Operations, Orchestrator, all the way up, you're into your NSX login site, the entire cloud stack. By the time you're done, you begin to feel, "do you really need so many different pieces that you need to connect? Could it not just be a single, unified product?" I'm not saying the integration is difficult. It is seamless. But it gets to you at a point. There are times where you really begin to think, "I got this." Not, " it should be much easier than this."
I can't think of anybody on the planet who would actually have issues with vSphere. vSphere is as stable as the word stable gets. When you do the entire stack scenario unless you're doing something like VMware Cloud Foundation on VxRail, wherein it becomes a much more seamless solution where you are using discrete hardware, you're creating the entire cloud platform. It gets a little tedious doing all those workflows at times.
From a management center, particularly referring to the private cloud stack, I would prefer for it to be a lot more seamless. There are competitors, Cloud Management Platform or Morpheus, for example. It's a product you deploy and you're good to go. With this, there are so many different pieces to connect. It grows on you.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using VMware for a long time. As as a DC architect, I use it day in and day out.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If you're looking for any hypervisor, vSphere is not a gold standard, vSphere is the gold standard. There's no single other option. When it comes down to it, if I can afford it, vSphere is the only one that I'm going with.
How are customer service and support?
There have been cases with vSphere itself, but the fact is that VMware support is great.
I have had clients who have faced issues in the context of hyperconverged infrastructure. A problem in the networks assumes a lot more significance in the context of HCI, and VMware support is awesome.
How was the initial setup?
I have no complaints about the setup. The integration is seamless. When you put together all the various pieces, you build an entire private cloud stack. At that stage, once you have everything configured, it is relatively straightforward. But it is not a single homogenous unit.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing is perpetual licensing that you pay for once.
As far as the price of the license, I can't think of anyone who will say, "I'm happy with the pricing." There's always room for improvement. But, you get what you pay for. It's as simple as that. With vSphere, from my perspective, I don't want problems. I want it to be as seamless as possible. That's unfortunately why you've got to pay for it.
What other advice do I have?
Regarding this solution, vSphere is the gold standard. It has been there for 15 years, and you're not going to find people who are dissatisfied with vSphere. You're not going to find people complaining about vSphere. The only thing you will find is when we talk about things like VxRail, things like that, where issues can come. vSphere by itself, I can't think of anybody who's not happy with it.
I would rate vSphere a ten out of ten. You're not going to find anything better.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
System Advisor IT at a non-profit with 201-500 employees
Reliable, user-friendly interface, easy to install, configure, and manage
Pros and Cons
- "There is the simplicity of management, accessibility, and availability."
- "The only concern that I have with VMware is the support. It is very limited and can be better."
What is our primary use case?
In the organization where I have worked for the past nine years, there are multiple virtualization platforms. Virtualization software includes Microsoft Hypervisor, Red Hat KVM, Oracle virtual machine, and Oracle virtual cloud.
vSphere is optimized for a specific type of virtualization.
What is most valuable?
There is the simplicity of management, accessibility, and availability.
The interface is really user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
The only concern that I have with VMware is the support. It is very limited and can be better.
When you get support from the VMware global team or support locations, customer complaints are not entertained or taken seriously by the VMware global team or support centers. Other OEMs, such as Microsoft and Oracle, would make you a priority.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware vSphere for three years.
We recently upgraded to the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a very stable solution. In fact, when it comes to virtualization, you can tell anyone to use the system.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In our organization, we have 600 users.
My previous organization had a population of approximately 35,000 people.
How are customer service and support?
The support is the only negative feedback, they need improvements.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm familiar with all of the virtualization platforms that are now available on the market.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and installation are straightforward. It is something that can be done by anyone.
In one hour, we can complete the installation and configuration.
Admins are only required to look after the VM portion of the new VM creation as well as the configuration or modification. Aside from that, we have a team of two or three admins to deploy and maintain this solution during their shift time, such as in the morning and afternoon shifts.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The organization pays the licensing fees.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked at a few alternatives and compared them to vSphere.
What other advice do I have?
The freelance experience for the platform is excellent.
I would recommend this solution to other users.
I would rate VMware vSphere a ten out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Senior Software and Systems Engineer at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
Reliable, scalable, with good support and high availability
Pros and Cons
- "This solution's most valuable feature is its High Availability."
- "The support is good, but it's slow."
What is our primary use case?
We are an IT company and VMware partners.
VMware vSphere is used for virtualization in all situations and for all businesses.
What is most valuable?
This solution's most valuable feature is its High Availability.
What needs improvement?
The only concern I have with VMware vSphere is that the level of support is inadequate. It's not very fast. The support is good, but it's slow.
When we need help, we require someone to answer the phone quickly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been selling VMware vSphere since it was launched.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have no issues with the stability of VMware vSphere. It is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware vSphere is a scalable product.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is good but not very fast.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have customers who use Sangfor, as well as customers with VMware.
vSphere is used by all VMware customers.
How was the initial setup?
A small infrastructure installation can take up to eight hours.
The teams are always the same. We have five technicians, three of whom specialize in networking and virtualization, and one who is a management engineer.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our customers have the option of paying the licensing fee when they purchase the solution or renting it from us.
If a customer chooses to rent the solution, the customer pays us and we purchase the solution.
What other advice do I have?
The vSphere serves as the system's control center for managing virtual machines (VMs). VMware vSphere is present in all installations.
Our solutions are all deployed on-premises.
As a company, we advise, supply, and install products for our clients. We provide two solutions, one of which is Sangfor and the other is VMware.
As a reseller of vSphere, I would recommend this solution to anyone who is interested in using it.
I would rate VMware vSphere an eight 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
Senior System & Security Administrator at a retailer with 51-200 employees
Good application and services
Pros and Cons
- "VMware vSphere has very good applications and services."
- "Here in Egypt, we would like everything free. So if you give us the license for free, we would be thrilled."
What is our primary use case?
We use vSphere to create virtual machines, connect them with centralized storage, and manage the vSphere servers. Many of our customers use vSphere. It's famous in Egypt.
What is most valuable?
VMware vSphere has very good applications and services.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been working with vSphere for about three years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware vSphere is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
VMware support is very helpful. Their team is very knowledgeable and useful.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up vSphere is very easy. It takes about three or four technicians to implement, including one manager and three admins.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay for an annual subscription. We recommend users pay for VMware support because you might need it. We cannot use it without the support license. Here in Egypt, we would like everything free. So if you give us the license for free, we would be thrilled.
What other advice do I have?
I rate vSphere 10 out of 10. I would recommend it to others.
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
VMware Software Engineer at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Reliable with good performance and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The pricing of the product is reasonable."
- "The latest version of the solution has a few bugs."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for virtualization.
What is most valuable?
The solution offers a very stable performance.
It's a scalable product.
The solution is extremely reliable. It's an excellent product.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
Technical support has always been great.
The pricing of the product is reasonable.
What needs improvement?
The latest version of the solution has a few bugs. This may be due to the fact that they moved to web-based management. There are some problems in that web-based management, however, it's a minimal issue.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for seven or eight years at this point. I've used it for a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable and very reliable. The performance has been great. In the version we are using, there are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very scalable. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.
I'm not sure of the exact number of users, however, we do have the solution installed on 4,000 machines.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has been excellent. They are helpful and responsive. We have no complaints. Their level of service is always good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and not overly complex. Although it took us a couple of weeks before we installed it, the deployment only took about one day or one and a half days.
We had three engineers that handled the deployment.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the initial setup ourselves. We did not need the assistance of an integrator or consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There's a yearly licensing fee, however, it isn't overly expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Up until now, we use the product on-premises, however, currently, we are developing a hybrid cloud. We are moving to the cloud solution and the base, the transition system is, VMware vSphere.
While we use the solution's 6.7 version, the latest version is version 7.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. I've been very happy with the capabilities of the product.
I would recommend the solution to other users and organizations.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
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Updated: January 2026
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