VMware vSphere 5.1 and vCloud Networking and Security 5.1: A New Era for vShield Endpoint Licensing

In late August, VMware launched its latest and greatest products at VMworld US – vSphere 5.1 and vCloud Networking and Security 5.1. One of the most significant changes in these new releases is the shift in licensing for vShield Endpoint, a security solution that provides advanced threat protection and endpoint compliance management. With this new licensing model, vShield Endpoint is now included in every vSphere edition, with the exception of the lowest tier vSphere Essentials package. However, there seems to be some confusion regarding the upgrade process and availability of licenses for vShield Endpoint. In this blog post, we will debunk the myths surrounding the licensing change and provide a clear understanding of how it works.

Myth #1: You need to upgrade to vSphere 5.1 to take advantage of the licensing change.

Fact: The licensing change for vShield Endpoint is applicable to all customers with an active Software Maintenance and Support (SnS) contract, regardless of the version of vSphere they are running. This means that customers with vSphere 5.0.x or vSphere 4.1 U3 can also take advantage of the new licensing model.

Myth #2: You need to purchase additional licenses for vShield Endpoint.

Fact: With the new licensing change, vShield Endpoint is included in every vSphere edition, except for vSphere Essentials. This means that customers with an active SnS contract can download and enable vShield Endpoint on their supported vSphere platforms without purchasing additional licenses.

According to a recent VMware Knowledgebase article (KB: 2036875), customers can download and enable vShield Endpoint on supported vSphere platforms, regardless of the version they are running. The article states that “the licensing change makes vShield Edge available for all customers with an active SnS, running vSphere 5.1.x, vSphere 5.0.x, or vSphere 4.1 U3.”

In summary, the new licensing model for vShield Endpoint is a game-changer for VMware customers. With this change, customers with an active SnS contract can enjoy advanced threat protection and endpoint compliance management without purchasing additional licenses. Whether you are running vSphere 5.1, 5.0.x, or 4.1 U3, you can take advantage of the new licensing model and enjoy the benefits of vShield Endpoint.

So, what are you waiting for? If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to upgrade your vSphere environment and experience the power of vShield Endpoint. Don’t forget to check out the VMware Knowledgebase article (KB: 2036875) for more information on how to download and enable vShield Endpoint on your supported vSphere platforms.

And, as always, we recommend consulting with our trusted advisors at vNinja.net – the digital home of Christian Mohn and Stine Elise Larsen – for expert guidance on all things VMware. With their extensive knowledge and experience, they can help you navigate the complex world of virtualization and ensure that your vSphere environment is secure, efficient, and always up-to-date.