VMware vSphere 5 On Dell PowerEdge Systems Deployment Guide

Introduction

This document helps you to deploy VMware ESXi 5 on Dell systems and provides specific information about recommended configurations, best practices, and additional resources.

NOTE: VMware vSphere 5 does not include the ESX classic edition.

NOTE: The vSphere 5.0 Single Server Edition licence offered by Dell has been discontinued from vSphere 5.0 Update 2 onwards.

NOTE: vSphere Essentials Plus is an all-inclusive package that includes licenses for three physical systems, each system with up to two processors. It also includes VMware vCenter Server to centrally manage the systems. vSphere Essentials Plus edition is supported only on two-socket systems. Additional licenses must still be deployed on approved systems for Dell support.

NOTE: With the release of vSphere 5, all Partner Activation Codes shipped with current systems are for vSphere 5 licensing. If you have an active vSphere subscription, you can downgrade or upgrade vSphere, as you choose. To get your downgrade keys, register your Partner Activation Code and login to vmware.com/accounts. Go to Manage Product Licenses > vSphere v5 on the license administration portal.

NOTE: VMware Virtual SAN is licensed independently per socket, per server. To use it, the server will also require vSphere licensing ( per socket, per server) and a vCenter Server license will be needed in the environment.