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20 Solution Guide
Solution Licensing
Licensing Methods
VMware ESX Server 3i offers four methods for licensing your host. These
methods provide the flexibility needed to serve large and small organizations,
as well as the capability to test drive the enterprise-level features of ESX
Server 3i for a limited period of time. These methods are:
Evaluation Licensing
When operating without a purchased license, your system will have an
evaluation license allowing 60 days of enterprise-level feature usage. At the
end of the 60-day period, the system will continue to function, but the
enterprise-level features will disable allowing only basic one-to-one (VI
Client) host management. If you would like to continue using these features,
please contact Dell to purchase a license. The procedure below will help you
install your new license code once received.
Host-based Licensing (License Code) – Factory default
As shipped from Dell, your system will come pre-activated with a license code
entitling you to use the features entitled by the version you purchased. This
license will also allow you to try, for 60 days, the enterprise-level features if
you did not purchase the enterprise product. At the end of the 60-day period,
the system will continue to function at the level your purchased license
warrants. You may purchase an upgrade license from Dell if you would like to
continue using the trial features. The procedure below will help you install
your new license code once received.
Host-based Licensing (License File)
This method allows users to import a VMware-provided license file to enable
host-based licensing commonly used by other VI3 products; this licensing
method enables backward compatibility with other VI3 products.
License Server (Centralized Licensing)
This licensing method is for enterprise users who are using HA, DRS, etc.
This method is commonly referred to as centralized licensing because the VI3
features are licensed on demand from a central location when an ESX host
requests them. If a feature license is available when requested, the central