A typical use case for vSphere would be general virtualization, primarily, where we're deploying either Linux or Windows-based workloads. We do have a lot of design-ready nodes we use for some of our clients. We also use Tanzu, from an application development container, microservices type of solution as well.
Technical Architect at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees
Offers a myriad of features
Pros and Cons
- "Once you have everything configured, it is relatively straightforward."
- "When we talk about the overall private cloud stack, I would prefer for it be a lot more seamless."
What is our primary use case?
What is most valuable?
VMware vSphere is replete with about a gazillion different features. In the context of vCenter, everything has been amalgamated into a single appliance. It's much more simplified at deployment. Because of that, immediately I would say the most useful feature is the Lifecycle Manager, VLCM, that is now available. So, what used to be the VMware of Data Manager has now changed to the Lifecycle Manager. Those changes are really, really useful.
What needs improvement?
I'm a big fan of vSphere; I have used it since the days of 3.5, all the way up to now. When you deploy it as a complete stack, from vSphere to vCenter to the vRealize Operations, Orchestrator, all the way up, you're into your NSX login site, the entire cloud stack. By the time you're done, you begin to feel, "do you really need so many different pieces that you need to connect? Could it not just be a single, unified product?" I'm not saying the integration is difficult. It is seamless. But it gets to you at a point. There are times where you really begin to think, "I got this." Not, " it should be much easier than this."
I can't think of anybody on the planet who would actually have issues with vSphere. vSphere is as stable as the word stable gets. When you do the entire stack scenario unless you're doing something like VMware Cloud Foundation on VxRail, wherein it becomes a much more seamless solution where you are using discrete hardware, you're creating the entire cloud platform. It gets a little tedious doing all those workflows at times.
From a management center, particularly referring to the private cloud stack, I would prefer for it to be a lot more seamless. There are competitors, Cloud Management Platform or Morpheus, for example. It's a product you deploy and you're good to go. With this, there are so many different pieces to connect. It grows on you.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using VMware for a long time. As as a DC architect, I use it day in and day out.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
If you're looking for any hypervisor, vSphere is not a gold standard, vSphere is the gold standard. There's no single other option. When it comes down to it, if I can afford it, vSphere is the only one that I'm going with.
How are customer service and support?
There have been cases with vSphere itself, but the fact is that VMware support is great.
I have had clients who have faced issues in the context of hyperconverged infrastructure. A problem in the networks assumes a lot more significance in the context of HCI, and VMware support is awesome.
How was the initial setup?
I have no complaints about the setup. The integration is seamless. When you put together all the various pieces, you build an entire private cloud stack. At that stage, once you have everything configured, it is relatively straightforward. But it is not a single homogenous unit.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing is perpetual licensing that you pay for once.
As far as the price of the license, I can't think of anyone who will say, "I'm happy with the pricing." There's always room for improvement. But, you get what you pay for. It's as simple as that. With vSphere, from my perspective, I don't want problems. I want it to be as seamless as possible. That's unfortunately why you've got to pay for it.
What other advice do I have?
Regarding this solution, vSphere is the gold standard. It has been there for 15 years, and you're not going to find people who are dissatisfied with vSphere. You're not going to find people complaining about vSphere. The only thing you will find is when we talk about things like VxRail, things like that, where issues can come. vSphere by itself, I can't think of anybody who's not happy with it.
I would rate vSphere a ten out of ten. You're not going to find anything better.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Hybrid Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
System Advisor IT at a non-profit with 201-500 employees
Reliable, user-friendly interface, easy to install, configure, and manage
Pros and Cons
- "There is the simplicity of management, accessibility, and availability."
- "The only concern that I have with VMware is the support. It is very limited and can be better."
What is our primary use case?
In the organization where I have worked for the past nine years, there are multiple virtualization platforms. Virtualization software includes Microsoft Hypervisor, Red Hat KVM, Oracle virtual machine, and Oracle virtual cloud.
vSphere is optimized for a specific type of virtualization.
What is most valuable?
There is the simplicity of management, accessibility, and availability.
The interface is really user-friendly.
What needs improvement?
The only concern that I have with VMware is the support. It is very limited and can be better.
When you get support from the VMware global team or support locations, customer complaints are not entertained or taken seriously by the VMware global team or support centers. Other OEMs, such as Microsoft and Oracle, would make you a priority.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware vSphere for three years.
We recently upgraded to the latest version.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It's a very stable solution. In fact, when it comes to virtualization, you can tell anyone to use the system.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
In our organization, we have 600 users.
My previous organization had a population of approximately 35,000 people.
How are customer service and support?
The support is the only negative feedback, they need improvements.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I'm familiar with all of the virtualization platforms that are now available on the market.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup and installation are straightforward. It is something that can be done by anyone.
In one hour, we can complete the installation and configuration.
Admins are only required to look after the VM portion of the new VM creation as well as the configuration or modification. Aside from that, we have a team of two or three admins to deploy and maintain this solution during their shift time, such as in the morning and afternoon shifts.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The organization pays the licensing fees.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We looked at a few alternatives and compared them to vSphere.
What other advice do I have?
The freelance experience for the platform is excellent.
I would recommend this solution to other users.
I would rate VMware vSphere a ten 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.
Buyer's Guide
VMware vSphere
January 2026
Learn what your peers think about VMware vSphere. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: January 2026.
881,733 professionals have used our research since 2012.
IT Manager at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees
Feature rich, easy to use, and simple initial installation
Pros and Cons
- "The solution has many valuable features. Virtualization is flexible and it has simple clustering. However, the most important feature is the ability to move between VMs. The vMotion features are very good."
- "The monitoring is not good in vSphere, many times you have latency or you cannot find what you want. The events should be improved."
What is our primary use case?
We are using VMware vSphere on all of our servers in all environments.
What is most valuable?
The solution has many valuable features. Virtualization is flexible and it has simple clustering. However, the most important feature is the ability to move between VMs. The vMotion features are very good.
What needs improvement?
The monitoring is not good in vSphere, many times you have latency or you cannot find what you want. The events should be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware vSphere for more than five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good, but the performance is not good. If you have a large workload, you have to go to a physical service.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable, to add storage is easy.
We have approximately six administrators that use the solution in my organization.
How are customer service and support?
I have needed the support of VMware on one occasion. The first level of support is not good but the second level is better and overall the response times tend to be poor.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is easy.
What about the implementation team?
I did the implementation of the solution myself. We do the regular maintenance ourselves.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
I'm satisfied with the VMware vSphere price. They have a bundle that is priced well. However, any advantage feature is very costly.
What other advice do I have?
I would recommend this solution to others.
I rate VMware vSphere an eight 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.
Senior Software and Systems Engineer at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
Reliable, scalable, with good support and high availability
Pros and Cons
- "This solution's most valuable feature is its High Availability."
- "The support is good, but it's slow."
What is our primary use case?
We are an IT company and VMware partners.
VMware vSphere is used for virtualization in all situations and for all businesses.
What is most valuable?
This solution's most valuable feature is its High Availability.
What needs improvement?
The only concern I have with VMware vSphere is that the level of support is inadequate. It's not very fast. The support is good, but it's slow.
When we need help, we require someone to answer the phone quickly.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been selling VMware vSphere since it was launched.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We have no issues with the stability of VMware vSphere. It is very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware vSphere is a scalable product.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support is good but not very fast.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have customers who use Sangfor, as well as customers with VMware.
vSphere is used by all VMware customers.
How was the initial setup?
A small infrastructure installation can take up to eight hours.
The teams are always the same. We have five technicians, three of whom specialize in networking and virtualization, and one who is a management engineer.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our customers have the option of paying the licensing fee when they purchase the solution or renting it from us.
If a customer chooses to rent the solution, the customer pays us and we purchase the solution.
What other advice do I have?
The vSphere serves as the system's control center for managing virtual machines (VMs). VMware vSphere is present in all installations.
Our solutions are all deployed on-premises.
As a company, we advise, supply, and install products for our clients. We provide two solutions, one of which is Sangfor and the other is VMware.
As a reseller of vSphere, I would recommend this solution to anyone who is interested in using it.
I would rate VMware vSphere an eight out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Senior System & Security Administrator at a retailer with 51-200 employees
Good application and services
Pros and Cons
- "VMware vSphere has very good applications and services."
- "Here in Egypt, we would like everything free. So if you give us the license for free, we would be thrilled."
What is our primary use case?
We use vSphere to create virtual machines, connect them with centralized storage, and manage the vSphere servers. Many of our customers use vSphere. It's famous in Egypt.
What is most valuable?
VMware vSphere has very good applications and services.
For how long have I used the solution?
We've been working with vSphere for about three years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
VMware vSphere is scalable.
How are customer service and support?
VMware support is very helpful. Their team is very knowledgeable and useful.
How was the initial setup?
Setting up vSphere is very easy. It takes about three or four technicians to implement, including one manager and three admins.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We pay for an annual subscription. We recommend users pay for VMware support because you might need it. We cannot use it without the support license. Here in Egypt, we would like everything free. So if you give us the license for free, we would be thrilled.
What other advice do I have?
I rate vSphere 10 out of 10. I would recommend it to others.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
VMware Software Engineer at a insurance company with 10,001+ employees
Reliable with good performance and helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The pricing of the product is reasonable."
- "The latest version of the solution has a few bugs."
What is our primary use case?
We primarily use the solution for virtualization.
What is most valuable?
The solution offers a very stable performance.
It's a scalable product.
The solution is extremely reliable. It's an excellent product.
The initial setup is pretty straightforward.
Technical support has always been great.
The pricing of the product is reasonable.
What needs improvement?
The latest version of the solution has a few bugs. This may be due to the fact that they moved to web-based management. There are some problems in that web-based management, however, it's a minimal issue.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for seven or eight years at this point. I've used it for a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable and very reliable. The performance has been great. In the version we are using, there are no bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is very scalable. If a company needs to expand it, it can do so.
I'm not sure of the exact number of users, however, we do have the solution installed on 4,000 machines.
How are customer service and support?
Technical support has been excellent. They are helpful and responsive. We have no complaints. Their level of service is always good.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward and not overly complex. Although it took us a couple of weeks before we installed it, the deployment only took about one day or one and a half days.
We had three engineers that handled the deployment.
What about the implementation team?
We handled the initial setup ourselves. We did not need the assistance of an integrator or consultant.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
There's a yearly licensing fee, however, it isn't overly expensive.
What other advice do I have?
Up until now, we use the product on-premises, however, currently, we are developing a hybrid cloud. We are moving to the cloud solution and the base, the transition system is, VMware vSphere.
While we use the solution's 6.7 version, the latest version is version 7.
I'd rate the solution at a nine out of ten. I've been very happy with the capabilities of the product.
I would recommend the solution to other users and organizations.
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.
Senior Information Technology Consultant at a energy/utilities company with 501-1,000 employees
Stable, scalable, with good customer support and an easy initial setup
Pros and Cons
- "I definitely like the stability, performance and ease-of-use."
- "NSX is a product of VMware vSphere and it would be nice to see the solution have full integration capabilities with it."
What is our primary use case?
The solution acts as the basis for doing virtualization.
What is most valuable?
I definitely like the stability, performance and ease-of-use.
I have no issues with the solution's scalability or user-friendliness. I consider these to be perfect. We have had a fantastic, problem-free solution for the past 14 years when it comes to fault tolerance and disaster recovery. It has everything one needs.
What needs improvement?
VMware vSphere has a limited scope and necessitates the adding of additional products. This involves further complexity and expense. NSX is a product of VMware vSphere and it would be nice to see the solution have full integration capabilities with it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using VMware vSphere since 2007.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is certainly scalable.
How are customer service and support?
The customer support is nice. We are talking about a great organization, which offers much staff, support and white paper.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward, perfect.
This process for the initial server lasts ten minutes. There is also the console, which involves two parts, one being the server itself. This is where the CD-ROM goes, something which is now on a USB key and does not involve the undertaking of any activity.
Deployment lasts half a day, at which point everything is up and running.
The real question is whether the person wishes to have one server or a hundred. The use of 200 machines will take longer. What I am talking about is small, basic installations.
What about the implementation team?
If a person is trained, then he will be able handle the deployment and maintenance on his own. This is not complex.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Our customers incur a yearly licensing fee, one of three or five years, in fact.
What other advice do I have?
We consider the solution to be obligatory.
The solution's use can range from ten users to thousands.
I would definitely recommend the solution to others. I am a big fan of it.
I rate VMware vSphere as a twenty out of ten. I give it a perfect ten rating.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
Founder Director at a computer software company with 11-50 employees
A solid platform that's constantly innovating and has very helpful technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The latest innovation always comes from VMware."
- "The installation is complex and you need to have a good understanding in regards to what you are doing when you are setting it up."
What is our primary use case?
We provide basic VMware virtualization platforms basically for private clouds and hybrid clouds.
These are being used in the case of server consolidation for reducing the hardware sprawl and also, for a lot of the monitoring solutions now, so that companies can have their own virtual machines. For that, many of the clients need a virtualization platform. That's where we recommend vSphere.
What is most valuable?
It's the de facto leader in the virtualization market as of now and it's been the pioneer and it's got the maximum breadth of the features available across the virtualization sphere.
It has got almost all the features that one can expect to find in a solid platform. It has good features performance-wise and offers a very small footprint. They're top-class security-wise.
The latest innovation always comes from VMware.
The stability is very good.
The scalability is excellent.
What needs improvement?
While they have got enough integration as of now, they definitely need to get more cybersecurity integration as that is always beneficial.
The installation is complex and you need to have a good understanding in regards to what you are doing when you are setting it up.
The solution is relatively expensive. It's a big downside.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for six to seven years. It's been a while.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is excellent in terms of stability. There aren't issues around bugs or glitches. It doesn't crash or freeze. the performance is reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is top-notch. There is nothing to complain about. It scales quite well.
We have about 50 to 60 customers that use the solution.
How are customer service and technical support?
The tech support is world-class and we are very happy with their level of service.
How was the initial setup?
Virtualization is always a challenge. It's never a straightforward task as there are so many variables and parameters to consider. There's nothing straightforward about virtualization. Having said that, vSphere is so widespread and available, that you get access to the knowledge and the resources you need to implement it very easily. In that sense, you don't really have to struggle too much regarding the installation. You get a lot of help, however, you need to know what you're getting into and what you're doing.
We have about three to four engineers who support VMware and then a couple of guys managing customers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The biggest pain when it comes to VMware is that licensing costs are pretty high.
The product itself has been around for so many years, I'm sure they can offer much better terms.
The licensing is paid on a yearly basis.
What other advice do I have?
I'd rate the solution at a ten out of ten.
I'd recommend the solution. Most people cannnot ignore VMware unless they are looking for something very, very, very, very minimal. It's best in class.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
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