Contents
ESXi is Free Again: What’s the Catch?
Great news for virtualization fans! VMware has announced that ESXi, their popular hypervisor, is free once again. However, as expected, there are some limitations to this offer. Let’s dive in quickly.
Firstly, this move by VMware aims to attract smaller users. Indeed, after feedback, they’ve reinstated free access. Yet, restrictions apply to the free version. Specifically, certain advanced features are now locked.
What Limitations Should You Expect in Free ESXi?
The new free ESXi version caps the number of vCPUs per virtual machine to 8 (Just like the older free version)
Enterprise-level support isn’t included at all. So, troubleshooting might be tougher.
You wont be able to join ESXi to vCenter either, but this is no longer a free trial. It seems to be a lifetime license but with these restrictions.
Features like high availability are restricted. Therefore, if redundancy matters, consider paid tiers. Likewise, without vCenter integration, advanced networking tools are off-limits too. Hence, complex setups could be challenging.
Why Did Broadcom Make This Change?
Surprisingly, Broadcom’s strategy targets hobbyists and startups. Consequently, they hope to build a wider user base. Furthermore, by offering a free tier, engagement grows. Naturally, this could lead to future upgrades.
Also, competition in virtualization is fierce today. Thus, providing a free option keeps them relevant. Similarly, it counters open-source alternatives effectively. So, VMware stays in the game.
Where can I Download free ESXi?
The free version is ESXi 8.0 Update 3e which you can download from the Broadcom portal here.
Should You Use Free ESXi?
Ultimately, free ESXi suits small projects perfectly. Besides, for learning, it’s a fantastic tool. However, for bigger needs, limitations might frustrate you.
Finally, while ESXi’s return to free is exciting, caution is advised. Clearly, understanding the constraints is key. Therefore, plan your usage wisely but undoubtedly, this offer still brings value to many.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider subscribing to my email list.
