Hello, I'm an expert in virtualization technologies, and I'm here to provide you with accurate and helpful information regarding your question about the cost of VMware hypervisor.
VMware is a well-known company in the field of virtualization, and they offer a variety of products that enable the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs). One of their key offerings is the VMware hypervisor, also known as VMware ESXi, which is a type-1 hypervisor. This means that it operates directly on the host system's hardware to allow multiple VMs to run concurrently on a single physical machine. This is particularly useful for server virtualization, as it allows for more efficient use of hardware resources and can simplify the management of IT infrastructure.
Now, let's address the question of whether VMware ESXi is free. The answer is yes, VMware ESXi is available as a free download from VMware's website. However, it's important to note that while the hypervisor itself is free, there are other components and services that may come with additional costs. For example, vCenter Server is a centralized platform for managing VMware environments, and while it is not strictly required to use ESXi, it can greatly enhance the functionality and manageability of your virtualized infrastructure. vCenter Server is not free and requires a separate license.
Another thing to consider is that while the ESXi hypervisor is free to download and use, there may be indirect costs associated with its deployment and operation. For instance, you'll need compatible hardware to run ESXi, and you may need to purchase additional hardware or make upgrades to your existing systems to support the virtualization requirements of your environment. Additionally, there may be costs associated with maintaining and supporting the hypervisor, such as obtaining technical support or subscribing to a support and subscription (SNS) service from VMware.
It's also worth mentioning that VMware offers different editions of ESXi, and while the basic hypervisor is free, there may be premium features or capabilities in the paid editions that are not available in the free version. These could include advanced management tools, enhanced security features, or support for larger numbers of VMs or more complex configurations.
In summary, while VMware ESXi is indeed a free hypervisor, it's important to be aware of the potential costs associated with its use, such as the need for compatible hardware, potential licensing costs for additional VMware products like vCenter Server, and the indirect costs of maintenance and support. However, for many users, the benefits of server virtualization and the ability to run multiple VMs on a single physical machine can outweigh these costs, making ESXi a valuable tool for managing virtualized environments.

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