Begin enjoying the benefits of server virtualization for free. VMware Server is a hosted virtualization platform that installs like an application on any existing server hardware and partitions a physical server into multiple virtual machines.
- Reduce IT costs and improve flexibility with server consolidation
- Decrease planned and unplanned downtime for improved business continuity
- Expand the benefits of virtualization to small and medium businesses
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VMware Server FAQs
- What are the top three use cases for VMware Server?
VMware Server is typically used in the following scenarios:
- Assessing virtualization for the 1st time
- Evaluating software using virtual machines
- Test and development of software and IT environments
- How does VMware Server differ from VMware’s other free virtualization solution, VMware ESXi?
The table below highlights key differences between VMware Server and VMware ESXi.
| VMware Server | VMware ESXi | |
|---|---|---|
| Architecture | Hosted | Hypervisor |
| OS Requirements | Windows or Linux | None |
| Typical Use Cases | Test & Dev, Production | Production, Test & Dev | Dedicated Server Required | No | Yes |
| Centralized Management Option | No | Yes |
| Ease of Use | High | High |
| Performance | Good | Best |
| Scalable to VMware Infrastructure | Easy | Easiest |
- What is new in VMware Server 2?
New enhancements and functionality are listed below:
- New expanded operating system support
- 64-bit operating system support
- VMware Infrastructure (VI) Web Access management interface
- Independent virtual machine console
- More scalable virtual machines
- Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)
- Support for Virtual Machine Interface (VMI)
- Virtual Machine Communication Interface (VMCI)
- Support for VIX API 1.6
To learn more about these features view the VMware Server documentation.- What is VMware Remote Console?
The VMware Remote Console allows access to the virtual machine consoles independent of the VI Web Access management interface. A separate window is opened for every virtual machine console that is initiated and the window can be resized as required by the user. Finally, VMware Remote Console can be accessed directly from a desktop shortcut providing independent and instantaneous access to the virtual machine console.
- Can I import virtual appliances into VMware Server 2 hosts?
Yes, this is supported. In addition, VMware Server 2 provides a direct link to the Virtual Appliance Marketplace to easily access thousands of available virtual machines.
- Can I install VMware Server 2 on a Core installation of Windows Server 2008 host operating system?
No, VMware Server 2 can only be installed on a Full installation of Windows Server 2008 host operating system. However, both Core and Full installations of Windows Server 2008 are supported as guest operating systems.
- What does 64-bit operating system support mean?
It means that 64-bit guest operating systems will run on supported 64-bit hardware independent of the type of host operating system.
Refer to the following table for supported combinations.
(VMware Server 2 will also run natively on 64-bit Linux host operating systems.)
| Host OS | 32-bit Guest OS | 64-bit Guest OS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32-bit CPU | 32-bit Host OS | Supported | Unsupported |
| 64-bit Host OS | Unsupported | Unsupported | |
| 64-bit CPU | 32-bit Host OS | Supported | Supported | 64-bit Host OS | Supported | Supported |
- What browsers are supported for the VI Web Access management interface?
On both Windows and Linux, Mozilla Firefox 2 and 3 are supported. Additionally on Windows, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 and 7 are also supported, but Internet Explorer 7 is recommended.
- I am familiar with managing VMware Server using the VMware Server Console. Will I be able to manage VMware Server 2 with the same VMware Server 1.0.x Server Console?
The VI Web Access management interface in VMware Server 2 replaces the VMware Server Console in Server 1.0.x. The VI Web Access management interface provides a simple, flexible, intuitive and productive management experience for both local and remote management and monitoring.
- Can I manage VMware Server 2 release using an existing or new version of VMware vCenter Server?
No, VMware Server 2 cannot be managed by VMware vCenter Server 2.5. There are no centralized (multi-host) management options available for VMware Server 2.
- Should I run VMware Server 2 for production workloads?
Yes, VMware Server 2 can be used for production workloads. VMware also provides other virtualization solutions such as VMware ESXi and VMware Infrastructure that provider higher performance, better scalability and automation capabilities.
- Can I upgrade to VMware Server 2 and reuse my existing serial numbers from VMware Server 1.0.x installation?
Yes, you will be able to upgrade to VMware Server 2 and reuse existing serial numbers from VMware Server 1.0.x installations. This is true whether performing an upgrade on an existing VMware Server host or a new installation on a different host.
- How do I ensure that new virtual machines created in Server 2 hosts can be successfully migrate to VMware ESX hosts?
When creating new virtual machine in VI Web Access, expand the Product Compatibility option and select the setting to allow VMware ESX host compatibility. In addition, ensure that the virtual machine does not contain devices such as IDE hard disks and SCSI CD-ROM drive.
- Is VMware Server 2 available to customers worldwide?
Yes. However, the installer, VI Web Access management interface, and documentation for Server 2 are only available in English.
- What are the support options for VMware Server?
VMware Server customers receive free access to product documentation, and online knowledgebase. Customers who require e-mail and phone support can purchase a Support and Subscription contract. Gold and Platinum Support and Subscription services for VMware Server are available now. Along with access to the world’s largest virtualization support organization with the most experience supporting critical applications in a virtual infrastructure, both support offerings also include access to periodic fixes and enhancements to our products during the life of your support contract. These programs are offered on an annual or multi-year subscription basis. For details on VMware Server support options, refer to VMware Support Services.
- Will patches and new releases for VMware Server be provided for free in the future?
VMware Server patches, minor and major releases, new hardware and software support, will be provided by VMware immediately when available to customers that have purchased a VMware Server Support and Subscription contract. VMware will also periodically update the freely downloadable product with the functionality improvements contained in these patches, minor and major releases.
