VMware Workstation or Server?

Overload · 23 Jan 2007 at 22:24

Hello there,

I am looking for a VM product to put onto a beefy server to run multiple VMs. Now I am narrowing my interest in 3 products:

-VM Workstation
-VM Server GSX
-VM Server ESX

Now I have searched the net for differences but non of is really making sense. One thing I do know is that ESX runs on 'bare metal' without needing an OS whereas GSX does require an OS.

but could someone tell me the main points between workstation and GSX (which is free)? Coz surely people can just use GSX instead of workstation.

Thank you for your help guys.

Overload · 25 Jan 2007 at 20:46

I've been doing a little reading but does GSX (the free one) support a NAS? I know the Infrastructor series does, just wondering if the free one does?

Thanks.

Overload · 25 Jan 2007 at 21:10

oddjob62 said:
In what way? describe the setup and i'll tell you

Sorry my question was a little vague.

We are planning to have a dedicated server rack for running (possibly) VMware gsx or infrastructure standard. The server will have dual xeon CPUs and 16gb of RAM.

We are also getting a 2TB NAS which will be RAID'ed so effectively only have 1TB.

We're going to use VM to develope and test database enviroments.

Obviously GSX is free but ESX runs on 'bare-metal' and thus will not be (as) limited if running on, what will probably be, Windows OS.

We were going to place the VM files on the NAS if possible, along with other files.

Which version would be better in this case?

Will try and provide more info, if required.

Dave.

EDIT:- i understand if we should go for ESX, then i would need Infrastructure standard.

Overload · 25 Jan 2007 at 21:38

2x gigabit ethernet connections

EMC Insignia CLARiiON AX150SCi is the model of the NAS.

Overload · 25 Jan 2007 at 21:52

May I ask what you do for a living?

Also, having establish what we protentially getting, which product would be the better one to get?

Dave.

Overload · 25 Jan 2007 at 22:03

Cool, so do you have VM Infrastructure then running or just plain VM Server? Coz i think VM Infrastructure if the cooler product of the two but obviously more expensive.

Which would you reocmmend with your knowledge?