This week, a big release for NAKIVO, even though they make no claims such tinkering is supported. It's how I learn, and they'll be fully vSphere 6.0 compatible soon [*see updates below]. Listen in to what NAKIVO said during this recent webinar:
which is extremely easy to get started with, since it's a largely pre-configured appliance that you can deploy and configure and begin your first test backup, in minutes. So far, based on some preliminary tests I did throughout last year, NAKIVO has managed to stay much simpler to set up and configure (initially) than Veeam, so this potential solution may be well suited for your home lab. I need more time and testing and test backups and recovery tests under vSphere 6.0 before I can draw any conclusions. But given this NFR offer ends at the end of this month, I didn't want to wait to get this article out there for you, since the lack of any time bomb sure has some appeal. So far, my basic testing has gone well, seems to work fine with ESXi 6.0, pictured after a VCSA backup job was completed, and before I had obtained a newer release.
Of course, NAKIVO knows that IT Professionals who tinker in their home labs might also recommend licensed versions of those same solutions for their employer and/or customers. It's a logical "carrot on the stick" for the IT Pro who has made the effort to get certified, or join a VMUG, details below.
Full Disclosure: "TinkerTry.com, LLC" is registered as a NAKIVO Bronze Partner, mostly to help get notified of latest news and code releases. I get no special early-access, anybody can sign up for the betas. All TinkerTry site advertising goes through middle-man BuySellAds. NAKIVO does know if you found their affiliate link from my site, which means the possibility of reseller commissions if you eventually upgrade to one of their paid offerings. Here's their pricing.
NAKIVO Gives Away v5.5 NFR Licenses to VMware Professionals
NAKIVO Inc., the fastest-growing provider of virtualization data protection software, has announced today that it provides free Not for Resale (NFR) licenses to VMware professionals: current VMUG members, VMware vExperts, VCIs, VCPs, VTSPs, and VSPs can receive an NFR license of NAKIVO Backup & Replication v5.5. The NFR license keys are available for non-production use only, including educational, lab testing, evaluation, training, and demonstration purposes. NFR licenses are available at nakivo.com/en/0724-NFR-TINKE.htm.
...
“We are excited provide VMware professionals with a new powerful solution for their test labs,” said Bruce Talley, CEO and Founder of NAKIVO. “NAKIVO Backup & Replication further improves object recovery capabilities of NAKIVO Backup & Replication and enables VMware administrators to speed up data recovery and reduce downtime.”
Folks, I have word today on the NFR versus trial download options that the screenshot above brought up, as well as a statement about the intended vSphere 6.0 release schedule: [some email addresses removed]
From: NAKIVO Support [mailto:support@nakivo.com]
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2015 7:41 AM
To:
Cc: support@nakivo.com
Subject: RE: SUP-4333
Hi Paul,
Please download an update and run it – your NFR license still will be active after it is complete.
Full support for vSphere 6 will be available in Q2 of this year.
We are still waiting for vSphere 6.0 support, with the latest download called: NAKIVO_Backup_Replication_VA_v5.6.0.8933_Full_Solution_NFR.ova
but 2Q2015 ain't quite over yet!
These systems still work great for many even 9+ years later, mine included, even with (unsupported) vSphere 8 and Windows 11 Version 21H2. But unless you added the optional TPM module, it may be the end of the line as far as repurposing them for running the latest Windows 11 Version 24H2 and beyond.
After 6 successful years testing then shipping well over 1,000 Xeon D Bundles, Wiredzone had to stop SuperServer bundles in mid-2021 due to cost, supply, and logistics challenges. Bare bones system sales continued for years longer.
What's next in 2025? I don't yet have my answer for my home lab, especially now that VCF certification is required to keep non-production home lab licenses going, even as a vExpert and VMUG Advantage EVALExperience customer.
As for a SuperServer follow-on, the Xeon D-1700/2700 (Ice Lake D) was a minor refresh for 2023, with Xeon D-1800/2800 (Granite Rapids D) refresh slightly better in 2024, and hopefully Xeon 6 (Granite Rapids-D) much better in 2025 featuring PCIe Gen5, MCRDIMMs, and 100GbE networking, wow! Feb. 27 2025 update update looks promising, but pricey. Infortunately, it's become clear to me that Supermicro is less focuses on the mini-tower form factor these days.
As for the CPU industry, it's unfortunate that Pat Gelsinger was apparently ousted from Intel's helm in these challenging times, but I'm also grateful to have had the honor of working at VMware when he was the CIO there. I'll leave it at that, given the whole Broadcom thing.
These systems still work great for many even 9+ years later, mine included, even with (unsupported) vSphere 8 and Windows 11 Version 21H2. But unless you added the optional TPM module, it may be the end of the line as far as repurposing them for running the latest Windows 11 Version 24H2 and beyond.