Virtual Server VMWare Licenses Available at Greatly Reduced Cost
What is Virtualization?
Virtualization allows a single piece of computer hardware, specifically a server, to be partitioned into multiple "virtual" servers such that each has the appearance and capabilities of running as though it were a dedicated machine. Each virtual server can run its own operating system (Windows or Linux), is assigned its own hostname and may be independently administered, configured, and rebooted without impact on other VM servers.
How can I get virtual server software licenses?
In recognition of the value of this technology and its potential to save on multiple dimensions such as power, space and cost, NSIT has negotiated an Enterprise License Agreement with VMWare and Dell to allow persons at the University of Chicago to license the VMWare virtualization software components at a greatly reduced cost. From now until June 30, 2011, you can license VMWare through the centrally negotiated Enterprise License Agreement.
The VMWare components covered under this Enterprise License Agreement include the Virtual Center and/or the number of ESX Suites you desire. Together the Virtual Center and the ESX Suite(s) allow you to manage as many virtual servers as you need. This diagram depicts the relationships of the Virtual Center, the ESX Suite(s) and the Virtual Server(s), which are designated "VM."
What does it cost and who is eligible?
The table below compares the normal academic pricing of VMWare at this time with the discounted pricing available under the Enterprise License Agreement and illustrates the potential savings:
| Normal academic price | Enterprise License price | |
| Virtual Center and maintenance |
$8,505 (As of 9/2008: $2,997 for the license, plus $5,508 for five years of maintenance) |
$1,000 for license and maintenance. Maintenance ends June 30, 2013 regardless of when the license is purchased. |
| ESX Suite and maintenance |
$9,792 (As of 9/2008: $3,450 for the license, plus $6,342 for five years of maintenance) |
$1,500 for license and maintenance. Maintenance ends June 30, 2013 regardless of when the license is purchased. |
Under the current contract, NSIT can offer an unlimited number of VMWare Virtual Center and ESX Suite licenses from now until June 30, 2011, with maintenance extended to June 30, 2013, but all sales stop in June of 2011. All charges are one-time, with no pro-rating or monthly billing of any kind. This agreement applies to the whole University. BSD scholarly and research applications may use the software, but clinical data and patient care data and applications cannot be hosted on virtual servers obtained through this licensing agreement. The license server will be managed to the specifications of NSIT production services and thus can be expected to be robust and highly available.
Please note that the VMWare license simply entitles you to the software. You must install, configure, and monitor the software to take advantage of it. The agreement does not include support of any kind from NSIT. If, instead of purchasing a license and running a virtual server yourself, you would like to take advantage of NSIT's server hosting service (either physical or virtual), please see our Hosting Service.
For more information about the specific items included in the VMware license, please see our VMWare page.
How do I sign up?
To request to be added to the licensing agreement, fill out this form.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any questions, please send an email to licensing@uchicago.edu.
Last updated: 10/2/08