What is our primary use case?
Our primary use case for this solution is for infrastructure services, specifically SFTP.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features of vCenter are its monitoring capabilities and operational tools for managing virtual machines. These tools help us efficiently monitor performance, manage networking, and handle provisioning tasks.
What needs improvement?
Enhancing the product's capabilities on the backend could be beneficial. We worry about potential changes in licensing costs and structures. They could work on the pricing models.
In the platform's next release, they could improve browser-based management capabilities, allowing full functionality without requiring a client agent. It would enable users to perform all management tasks using popular browsers like Mozilla Firefox and Safari.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using VMware vCenter in our environment since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The product's stability is generally satisfactory. However, ensuring compatibility with other components, such as the text server, is crucial to maintaining stability.
I rate the product stability as seven out of ten.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We have 200 VMware vCenter users in our organization. It is highly scalable. However, automation is needed to enhance scalability further. While we can manage scalability manually, automated capabilities would be more efficient.
I rate the scalability a seven out of ten.
How are customer service and support?
We contact VMware for support whenever we require assistance, and they promptly address our queries. The response time varies depending on the issue's complexity, but we typically receive a response within an hour.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before choosing VMware vCenter, we considered that if the licensing model was unsuitable, we might switch to alternatives like OpenStack or other virtualization solutions. However, ultimately, vCenter was the primary option we chose.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup can be straightforward, particularly with simplified configuration options. However, integration with other systems and services may require additional effort to ensure seamless operation. Depending on the complexity of the infrastructure, setup time can vary from a day to potentially more than a week, especially when extensive configuration and preparation are needed.
I rate the process a seven out of ten.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation typically involves coordination between networking teams, support teams, and potential vendors. Depending on the scale and complexity of the deployment, expertise from multiple domains may be required. For larger deployments with complex networking, storage, and VMware configurations, the involvement of experienced vendor teams or in-house experts is essential. It ensures efficient deployment and ongoing maintenance.
What was our ROI?
The ROI depends on deployment size, whether on-premises or in the public cloud. Moving to the cloud can save costs by reducing hardware investment, administrative overhead, and electricity expenses, particularly for larger deployments.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have purchased monthly licenses for the platform. There are additional costs involved. We pay per user, but we are still determining if the new licensing model will be more expensive or cheaper.
I rate the pricing a five out of ten.
What other advice do I have?
VMware vCenter has notably enhanced our virtual environment management by improving operational efficiency and troubleshooting various platform issues.
It has significantly impacted our organization by facilitating troubleshooting and monitoring processes. However, we seek a more equitable licensing model based on resource usage to better align with our needs. It would ensure fair pricing and optimize resource allocation, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Before installing VMware vCenter, users should consider the potential challenges of integrating new services and weigh the cost-effectiveness of on-premises versus cloud solutions. Evaluating pricing and scalability is crucial, as opting for public cloud alternatives may incur higher expenses. Therefore, assessing the overall price-performance ratio and scalability options is essential for making an informed decision about installing vCenter.
I rate the product a seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.