If you'd like to get your mitts on the next vSphere bits, take 2 minutes to join the VMware vSphere Beta program

I don't usually cover news on TinkerTry, but this time the news is big enough for home virtualization lab enthusiasts that I just had to be sure you saw this. Did you know that VMware has opened up the beta testing of the next version of VMware vSphere to the public?

Yes, this is your chance to be given access to special forums, to communicate your findings directly with product development teams, and to help shape the next version of vSphere. It's also your chance to informally QA test the code, using your own gear and software. That's right, selfish, why not be sure things work the way they should, before it's too late and it becomes a bug report. Whatever issues you stumble upon, even just cosmetic UI stuff, this is your chance to get all those things documented, and put into the right hands.

Perhaps you only have a trial or no-free-support version of vSphere in your home lab, or perhaps the always improving VMUG Advantage EVALExperience program. Doesn't matter, you can still participate, of course. I'm not sure how long this opportunity will last.

So there you have it, your chance to make a difference! I know I did, when I signed up back in 2014, years before I started working at VMware this past January. I found things back then, and one of the reports was recognized, seen pictured above. Felt great, and nice and personal. VMware had an open beta again in early 2016 too.

Sign-up

I actually enjoy finding issues and documenting them, to save others the grief I go through. That's my logic. For some reason that gives me joy, even if the logic is flawed. If you're even just a little bit the same way, and enjoy a look at the future like I also do, then consider signing up today, using this simple form found at this announcement site:

• It’s Here! New VMware vSphere Beta: Indicate Your Interest!
  Oct 24 2017 by Himanshu Singh at VMware vSphere Blog

  

Best to use gear on the VCG (VMware Compatibility Guide)

One of the many benefits of the Supermicro SuperServer Bundles, they ship completely ready for ESXi, and they're on the VCG already. Note, the only listing currently on the VCG is for 6.0. I'm still working on convincing Supermicro to resubmit the paperwork for 6.5, and to update their own OS Certifications Matrix, since it works so very well on ESXi 6.5U1.

See also at TinkerTry

• Getting my mitts on the vSphere 6 bits including ESXi and VCSA, already enhancing my home lab
  Feb 02 2015

• VMware vSphere 6 Beta Program is now open to the public!
  Jul 02 2014

See also

• VMware vSphere Beta – Indicate your interest!
  Feb 05 2016