ESX and ESXi are two enterprise server virtualization platforms from VMware. The former precedes the latter and thus falls short on certain specifications. Both platforms have their dedicated utilities, strengths and a few weaknesses. Before we delve into the difference between ESX and ESXi, let us check out briefly what they are.
VMware ESX
VMware ESX, which is an acronym for Elastic Sky X, is an enterprise server virtualization platform with VMkernel as its virtualization kernel. The virtualization kernel is managed by Service Console, which is the console operating system based on Linux. The Service Console primarily supports a Management Interface, which is accessible to the host, management agents and third party agents. The service console caters to various functionalities including hardware management and monitoring of ESX hypervisor.
VMware ESXi
VMware ESXi, which is an acronym for Elastic Sky X Integrated, is an enterprise server virtualization that comes without the Service Console. The host, monitoring and management agents as well as third party agents are hooked directly to the VMkernel. This platform has an ultra-thin architecture is more reliable. The relatively small code base provides better security and there are fewer codes to patch as and when needed. ESXi comes with a Direct Console User Interface, also referred to as DCUI, in place of the service console that you would find in the ESX.
Difference Between ESX and ESXi
There’s substantial difference between ESX and ESXi. For start, you would notice that the installation of ESXi is much faster than the installation of ESX. You can choose up to ESX 4.1, which is the last available version. To go beyond vSphere 5, you will have to opt for ESXi.
There are many technical differences. ESX allows troubleshooting via the Service Console, ESXi allows it through the ESXi Shell. ESX doesn’t support Secure Syslog while ESXi does. Hardware monitoring using ESX happens through third party agents who are hooked to the Service Console. ESXi allows it via CIM Providers. ESX requires more software patches and updates than ESXi.
You would get limited vSphere Web Access while using ESX. ESXi provides full management capability via vSphere. ESX doesn’t have any locked down mode, rapid deployment or auto deploy and custom image creation. ESXi caters to all these three features. ESX uses VMkernel Network for vMotion, Fault Tolarance and Storage Connectivity whereas ESXi uses it for Management Network, vMotion, Fault Tolarance, Storage Connectivity and ISCSI port binding.
