VMUG Advantage features EVALExperience, now with the latest VMware vSphere 6.5 inside!
I was recently in touch with a VMware contact about the issue with VMUG Advantage's aging code, not offering folks the latest vSphere 6.5 version released on Nov 15, 2016. It appears that problem has now been solved, announced today actually, have a look!
Out with the old (now broken) URL:
and in with the new:
Not sure who fixed this or if I had anything to do with it, but doesn't matter, it's now ready, just in time for the many folks rebuilding their home labs during their holiday time off. While upgrading your ESXi and VCSA has gotten easier, it's still a lot nicer to get the latest bits in the first place. By the way, any 6.0 license keys you have work fine with 6.5 too.
Since I've headed more toward production use of my home lab gear, I've actually ponied up the bigger bucks for an academic edition of vSphere 6. It lets me download the very latest code the day it's released, including 6.5, helping me promptly bring you articles like this. But for most folks, the $200 USD to avoid those 60 day trial time bombs for a year is reason enough to get VMUG Advantage. Note that EVALExperience is just one of the many benefits:
- EVALExperience
365-day evaluation license for personal use in a non-production environment.
Click here to learn more about EVALExperience. - 20% Discount on VMware Training Classes
- 20% Discount on VMware Certification Exams
- $500 IBM SoftLayer Cloud Credit
- 35% Discount on VMware Lab Connect
- $100 Discount on VMworld Attendance
- 50% Discount on VMware Software Licenses
Details on how to register for EVALExperience found here. Keep in mind that attending a local VMUG for free can get you the opportunity to purchase your VMUG Member Plus Advantage at $20 off the regular pricing seen below.
For all those details about this offering that has made all the difference for so many folks, have a look at my original article here:
Jan 03 2017 Update
There have been some bumps in the road, see the constructive but concerned comments below. I've reached out to the VMUG organization, and they are working through these issues now, having returned to work today.
I have also confirmed my elibility for downloads through Jan 26 2017 using this site:
so I was able to do a test download, to see if I also encounter issues with trying to get to the least vSphere 6.5 downloads. Looks like it worked fine! I even ordered vSAN, which directs you to download the same 6.5 hypervisor, but also provides the required license key.
See also this popular, closely-related article, from 2 years ago:
- How to find and apply your VMUG Advantage EVALExperience 365 day VCSA and ESXi 6.0 license keys
Jan 04 2015
Jan 29 2017 Update
Despite my recent job move to VMware, I did something rather bold this week. A large demonstration of my committment to the virtualization community, ensuring I'll continue to know and experience exactly what everybody else does when working Eval Experience licenses, especially when it comes to All-Flash vSAN. That's right, I've gone ahead and placed my order for 3 more years of VMUG Advantage, and investment in myself, and my blog's dedicated readership.
Apr 02 2017 Update
Great new article!
- How to Signup for VMUG Advantage EVALExperience
Feb 27 2017 by Brandon Lee at VirtualizationHowto
See also at TinkerTry
- How to find and apply your VMUG Advantage EVALExperience 365 day VCSA and ESXi 6.0 license keys
Jan 04 2015
