VMware vSphere 6

Overcoming challenges in traditional and next generation applications

In an era where innovation is the key to success, organizations are facing ever-increasing challenges in dealing with traditional applications and the latest generation of applications. This is where modern technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) come into play, bringing a revolutionary change in the way data centers, clouds and edge infrastructures are designed.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Providing the necessary enterprise-class data center, cloud and edge infrastructure is critical for modern AI/ML services and workloads. By integrating AI and ML into business processes, organizations can increase efficiency and make data-driven decisions.

DPU-based infrastructure acceleration

Modernizing virtual infrastructures is essential, and Data Processing Units (DPUs) play a key role in this. DPUs accelerate network functions and protect workloads. This enables the execution of distributed workloads such as event streaming services with lower latency and improved throughput.

Cloud Consumption Interface (CCI)

The Cloud Consumption Interface (CCI) creates a cloud experience that enables independent provisioning of infrastructure services. Developers, DevOps engineers, platform operators and other users can work independently within limits set by IT administrators.

Big data and modern data applications

Simplifying the management of big data infrastructures and minimizing downtime are key aspects. Cost-effective failover protection and the prioritization of data center resources help to promote intelligent decision-making.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

For high-performance computing (HPC), the vSphere HPC option provides on-demand infrastructure, centralized management and data governance. This enables insights to be gained more quickly.

Remote locations and branch offices (ROBO)

Efficient management of remote and branch offices is effortless with vSphere. Even with limited or no on-site IT staff, Server can be quickly deployed, configuration deviations minimized and compliance monitored.

vSphere Editions in comparison

• vSphere Standard

  Entry-level solution with essential features. Perpetual license with vSphere Hypervisor (ESXi), vMotion, High Availability, vSphere Configuration Profiles and vSphere Green Metrics.

• vSphere Enterprise Plus

  Complete range of functions for transforming data centers into cloud infrastructures. Includes all functions of vSphere Standard as well as vSphere Distributed Resources Scheduler (DRS), vSphere Distributed Switch, vSphere Trust Authority, VM encryption and vSphere on DPUs.

The right choice between the editions depends on the specific requirements and goals of your organization. Discover the possibilities of VMware vSphere and transform your IT landscape for a successful digital future.

VMware vSphere 6.0: A revolution in the world of virtualization

What's new with the VMware vSphere 6.0 platform:

• ESXi 6.0 and vCenter Server 6.0 are included in this release.
• Internationalization: VMware vSphere 6.0 is available in English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
• Non-ASCII character input is not allowed for VMware vSphere 6.0 components, including vCenter Server, ESXi, vSphere Web Client and vSphere Client.

Compatibility

ESXi, vCenter Server and vSphere Web Client - Version Compatibility

The VMware Product Interoperability Matrix provides details on the compatibility of current and previous versions of VMware vSphere components. Check the matrix for information on supported management and backup agents before installing ESXi or vCenter Server.

Hardware compatibility for ESXi

To view a list of processors, storage devices, SAN arrays, and I/ODevices that are compatible with vSphere 6.0, see the VMware Compatibility Guide.

Virtual machine compatibility for ESXi

Virtual machines that are compatible with ESX 3.x and higher (hardware version 4) are supported by ESXi 6.0. Virtual machines compatible with ESX 2.x and higher (hardware version 3) are not supported.

Installation and upgrades for this version

Installation instructions for this version

Installation of ESXi and vCenter Server is straightforward, but many subsequent configuration steps are extremely important. Refer to the reporting, licensing management, networking and security documentation for detailed information.

Recommended deployment models for vSphere 6.0

VMware recommends two deployment models: vCenter Server with embedded Platform Services Controller and vCenter Server with external Platform Services Controller.

Migration from embedded Platform Services Controller to external Platform Services Controller

Migration from vCenter Server with embedded Platform Services Controller to external Platform Services Controller is not possible automatically. Determine your desired deployment option before installation.

Upgrades and installations

Upgrades and installations are not allowed for unsupported CPUs. vSphere 6.0 only supports processors released after June 2006 (third quarter). A compatibility check will be performed during installation or upgrade.

Open source components for VMware vSphere 6.0

Copyright and license information for the open source software components can be found on the VMware website. You can also download the source files for GPL, LGPL or similar licenses.

Notes on product support

• vCenter Server database: Oracle 11g and 12c as external database for vCenter Server Appliance is no longer supported in vSphere 6.0.
• vSphere Web Client: The Storage Reports option on the Monitor tab is no longer available in vSphere 6.0 Web Client.
• vSphere Client: The Storage Views tab is no longer available in the vSphere 6.0 Web Client.

Buy VMware vSphere 6.0: An investment in the future of virtualization technology. Take advantage of the revolutionary features of vSphere 6.0 for an efficient and reliable IT infrastructure.

vSphere Editions in comparison