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Anyone using ESXi free for non-production virtual machines?

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    Anyone using ESXi free for non-production virtual machines?

    Looking to replace my current NAS with a server running ESXi free, I know the limitations it has in terms of connecting to virtual centre etc. but one question I have is around back ups. From what I have read a sever with x number of drives raided is fine, and I will be running ESXi from some sort of flash drive.

    If I have the VM's on a storage array in a raid configuration that should protect it for the majority of time. To replace the servers will be a pain in the arse, not the end of the world so don't need full redundancy but having the config files of the VMware setup backed up would be handy.

    Anyone got any experience?
    Originally posted by Stevie Wonder Boy
    I can't see any way to do it can you please advise?

    I want my account deleted and all of my information removed, I want to invoke my right to be forgotten.

    #2
    Well, RAID protects you (mostly) from disk failure - but little else. You're still going to be boned if you break something on a VM, or accidentally delete a critical file etc.

    Biggest limitation of ESXi Free, beyond vCenter is that none of the API's are exposed - so the VAST majorty of products which can talk to vSphere just won't. I believe there are some scripts out there, but I'm unsure. You could manually copy the VM files somewhere else every now and again, though.

    And you can also back up at the VM level with whatever server based backup software you choose.

    That said, for ease of use and reliability, there's not much which beats ESXi.

    Comment


      #3
      Buy the MS Action Pack (£330 + VAT per year). Your £75 a month of Azure credits will allow you to use Azure Recovery vaults to backup your VMs. It works very well.
      If you store terabytes of data then it will likely cost more than the £75 a month, but for non-prod use you should be fine.
      See You Next Tuesday

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Lance View Post
        Buy the MS Action Pack (£330 + VAT per year). Your £75 a month of Azure credits will allow you to use Azure Recovery vaults to backup your VMs. It works very well.
        If you store terabytes of data then it will likely cost more than the £75 a month, but for non-prod use you should be fine.
        I have several free MSDN accounts with £120+ per month of free credits each

        Will take a look at Azure Recovery vaults
        Originally posted by Stevie Wonder Boy
        I can't see any way to do it can you please advise?

        I want my account deleted and all of my information removed, I want to invoke my right to be forgotten.

        Comment

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