Adding a new VMware license -centralised licensing model

VMware Licensing

VMware infrastructure environments can be managed using a single host or a centralised licensing model. For vmware functionality that requires virtualcentre or vcenter, the centralised model must be used (ie vmotion)

In the centralised mode, all licences are installed on the licensing server.

Without installing additional licenses new ESX servers cannot be brought into the Virtual datacentre.

Process to add a new VMware license.

Create a licence file from VMware serial number
Amend licence file for use within the environment.
Test new combined licence file
Install licence file.
Add ESX server to environment.

Create a new licence.lic file.

Logon to VMware support centre at http://www.vmware.com

>Manage Product Licences

>Manage VI3 Licences

Select the unassigned serial number and click Create New Licence File

Once created, download the new licence file.

NB: Following the release of vSphere, new VMware esx licences will need to be downgraded to version 3.5. This can be completed within the vmware.com support centre.

Amend licence file for use within the environment.

Logon to virtual centre

Open VMware licence server tools

Click config services tab and note the current location of the licence file

i.e. C:\Program Files\VMware\VMware License Server\vmware01102009.lic

Copy the licence file and rename to Vmware_combined.lic

Open the newly downloaded licence file with notepad

Copy all un-commented data from the new licence file and paste into the end of the Vmware_combined.lic file.

Save all changes.

Test new combined licence file

Using the licence file checker at http://www.vmware.com/checklicense/

Copy and paste the contents of the Vmware_combined.lic file into the test form and ensure the licence requirements are met for the infrastructure (i.e. Compare to previous licence file and ensure current running systems will remain licenced).

The licence file checker will also check for inconsistencies and syntax error. It is therefore recommended to test the file before installation even if provided by a 3rd party licensing provider.

Add Licences to the licensing server

Logon to Virtual centre/Licensing server

Go to start > program > VMware > VMware License Server > VMware License Server Tools.
On the Service/License File, ensure you are using Configuration using services.
Click the Config Services tab and choose the from path to the license file option.
Browse and point to the newly created file.
Click Save Services and click yes.
Click the Start/Stop/Re-Read tab.
Click Stop Server.
Click Start Server.
Click Re-Read License File. After the file has been read, close License Manager.
Restart the windows service – VMware License Server.
Restart the windows service – VirtualCenter Server.
Login to the VI client and connect to the new Virtual host.