Solution Guide 9
Figure 1. VMware Infrastructure Components Using Dell PowerEdge Systems and
Storage Systems
• ESX Server — allows multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on
a single PowerEdge system.
• VirtualCenter Server — manages multiple ESX Servers and runs on
Windows Server 2003. VirtualCenter is optional and is required for
advanced management capabilities such as VMotion, DRS, and HA.
• VirtualCenter Database — stores all of the configuration data about a
VMware Infrastr ucture. It is reco mmended that you use a professional
database such as Microsoft SQL Server™ or Oracle™ for the VirtualCenter
database.
• License Server — authorizes ESX Server hosts and the VirtualCenter
server per the purchased license keys and licensing agreement. It is
recommended to install the license server on the VirtualCenter host. This
can also reside on a separate host. License server is required when using a
centralized licensing model, but is not required for host-based licensing.
For more information on the different licensing configurations, see the