The VMWare ESXi Server Free Ride is Over

In the wake of Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware and the subsequent discontinuation of the free ESXi hypervisor version, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and small businesses are actively seeking cost-effective and reliable alternatives to manage their virtualized environments. The move has prompted discussions among the MSP community, particularly on platforms like Reddit, where professionals exchange insights and advice on navigating these changes.

One popular suggestion comes from GiveMeYourTechTips, who highlights ProxMox and XCP-ng as viable options, noting Nutanix as an excellent choice for those with a higher budget. This perspective underscores the importance of flexibility and scalability in virtualization solutions for MSPs, especially when every penny counts.

Dave_99 points out the significance of reliable backup options, a critical consideration for MSPs responsible for safeguarding client data. The preference for Hyper-V, primarily due to its compatibility with Veeam for backups, reflects the prioritization of data integrity and availability in MSP operations.

LawrenceSystems shares their experience of deploying and consulting on XCP-NG even before Broadcom’s acquisition, a trend that has only accelerated since. This insight suggests a growing confidence in alternative platforms that offer both performance and cost efficiency.

Matthewmdn praises Proxmox for being a full-featured, excellent product that has proven reliable in production environments from its first version to the present. Such endorsements highlight the community’s support for open-source solutions that don’t compromise on functionality.

Zer04ll and Spanctimony discuss the advantages of Hyper-V, especially for businesses that already own Windows server licenses. The conversation about Hyper-V’s capabilities, including hardware passthrough and the benefits of ReFS for VMs, points to the critical balance MSPs must strike between features and budget constraints.

As MSPs navigate the evolving landscape of virtualization technologies, the collective wisdom of the community offers valuable guidance. These discussions not only illuminate the path forward in the post-VMware era but also underscore the collective resilience of MSPs in adapting to change, ensuring the continuity and reliability of their services in a cost-conscious business environment.

Resources:

https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/2107518

Benjamin J.

As a technology enthusiast with over 30 years of experience in the field, I have developed a deep passion for computer security. My interest in this field began at a young age when I was first introduced to computers through an ancient MS-DOS system, and the very first command I discovered, 'dir', sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more. Throughout my professional career, I have dedicated myself to gaining a comprehensive understanding of hacking and its various techniques, with a particular focus on sharing this knowledge with others. I believe that equipping others with the tools and understanding they need to protect themselves is crucial in today's digital landscape.

Post navigation

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *