VMware updated vSphere to version 6.5 a little more than a year ago—and since a lot of customers tend to take a wait-and-see approach on software updates and new releases to ensure they really live up to the hype, it’s safe to say that vSphere 6.5 is stable, dependable, and built on infrastructure to keep up with new IT demands. If you haven’t upgraded yet, here are some reasons why you should consider making the move to vSphere 6.5.

While a changing IT landscape is exciting, it also comes with a new set of challenges such as combatting sophisticated cybersecurity threats. vSphere 6.5 offers comprehensive built-in security for protecting data, infrastructure, and network access more effectively. VM Encryption allows the encryption of a virtual machine, including disk and snapshots. Secure Boot for ESXi ensures that only digitally signed code runs on the hypervisor.

vSphere 6.5 also improved its ease of use. It now offers a more simplified experience for automation and management at scale and by having a universal app platform, the ability to run any app, anywhere has become that much better.

From an HA perspective, VMware’s vCenter High 6.5 has a new native high availability solution that is available exclusively for vCenter Server Appliance. This solution consists of active, passive, and witness nodes that are cloned from the existing vCenter Server instance. The VMware vCenter High Availability (vCenter HA) cluster can be enabled, disabled, or destroyed at any time. There is also a maintenance mode that prevents planned maintenance from causing an unwanted failover. This feature is a major improvement in HA configurations.

With ongoing new system requirements, it’s important to ask how up-to-date your environment is. VMware’s Wave Two technologies such as NSX, vSAN 6.5, VMware Cloud on AWS, or AppDefense, all require vSphere 6.5. If you’re considering any of those products, be sure to check all the system requirements. In addition, review the expanded hardware compatibility list as a hardware refresh may be required as well.

Last, vSphere (5.5.) is going end-of-support in September 2018 so if you’re on vSphere 5.5 and haven’t had a chance to upgrade, now’s a great time to do it. vSphere 6.5 was set as a major release so it has a five-year support cycle and will be supported until November 2021.

Upgrading your vSphere is not a simple process however; it’s not a point and click and call it a day procedure. It involves scoping out your environment, performing a health check, and applying the right set of rules to correctly and effectively ensure no loss of downtime while also maximizing the full potential of the software.

If you’re looking to perform an upgrade, GreenPages offers professional service engagements where we scope out your environment to ensure your upgrade is done correctly. You can certainly change the oil in your car, but why waste a good Saturday or worry if you’ve done it right when you can bring it to a mechanic who does hundreds of oil changes a day. Same with your VMware upgrade. Trust that your advisor will complete the upgrade correctly giving you peace of mind that your systems will see positive results.

For more information on how GreenPages can assist with your vSphere upgrade, please contact your Account Executive or sales@greenpages.com

By Rob O’Shaughnessy, Director of Software Sales and Renewals