So here is to clarify the different editions of vCenter from VMware and the features available and limitation. Do note some features is dependent on the vSphere editions.
Refer to this KB for some of vSphere 6.x features comparison. I have also previously illustrated in vCenter 5.x here which basically stays the same other than new features in vCenter 6.x. For vCenter Desktop that would be another article here.
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vCenter Edition
|
Essential
|
Foundation
|
Standard
|
Availability
|
Bundled in Essential/Plus Kit
|
Sold separately. Manage up to 4 hosts (3 prior to 6.5 U1)
|
Sold separately.
|
Manage
|
vSphere Essential/ Plus
|
vSphere Standard and above
|
vSphere Standard and above
|
vCenter HA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Enhanced Linked mode
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
vRealize Log Insight Lite
|
NA
|
NA
|
Yes
|
Fault Tolerance
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Backup Restore
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Appliance Migration Tool
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Lastly, what happens to your vCenter when license expire? Check out my past post.
Update 6th Mar 2018
Update vCenter Foundation Edition and remove vCenter ROBO edition.
