New esxi cluster, 5.1 or 5.5 and vcenter upgrade?

[Showboat]

The 5.1 install is a pain if you are using full blown SQL. If you are using SQL express its next next next!! Although its only advised for 5 hosts and 50 vm's. I found a great guide for the full blown SQL install with screenshots for every step. I'll dig it out if you need it.

/edit dug out and here it is:
http://www.vkernel.ro/blog/installing-vmware-vcenter-5-1-on-windows-server-2008-r2

 

[Shoei]

Well given you can't run Backup Exec Windows Server on 2012 (never mind 2012 R2) yet, I wouldn't hold your breath.

re: BE2012 supports Windows Server 2012, has done since the last service pack came out.

Nice to see that the VC5.5 appliance built in database supports more hosts & VM's now. 5.1 would only talk to an oracle db externally which was no good for me. Wish it was just straight ODBC & and DB you wanted.
Think i'll go with a clean install for 5.5, use the appliance. As mentioned, getting the bits & pieces to install nicely on a Windows server is a pain.