All the capabilities of VMware Aria Operations for Networks are available with a purchase of VMware Cloud Foundation. With a purchase of VMware Cloud Foundation, you get VMware Aria Operations for Networks Enterprise edition.

Version 6.12

You can use VMware Aria Operations for Networks either with a valid license key or by adding a VMware vCenter that has VMware Cloud Foundation license entitlement as a data source.

The following VMware Aria Operations for Networks licenses are not available for purchase:
  • Perpetual
  • Support and Subscription (SnS)
  • Universal
  • SaaS/hosted and subscription
  • All other editions, suites, and pricing metrics
For more details, see this post.
Note: From version 6.12, you can not purchase any VMware Aria Operations for Networks standalone licenses. such as Advanced, Universal, SD-WAN, and Enterprise license.

You get VMware Aria Operations for Networks Enterprise edition with a purchase of VMware Cloud Foundation.

If you are upgrading to version 6.12 and have existing license key, you can use the license key to activate VMware Aria Operations for Networks.

VMware Aria Operations for Networks 6.12.1 License generated for VMware Cloud Foundation

From version 6.12.1, VMware Aria Operations for Networks supports VMware vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus license keys generated for VMware Cloud Foundation. Instead of using separate license keys for VMware Aria Operations for Networks, you can use vSphere keys to entitle VMware Aria Operations for Networks. You must apply the license keys to VMware vCenter, and VMware Aria Operations for Networks automatically fetches the entitlement after you add an entitled VMware vCenter as a data source.

New Installation of Version 6.12.1

If you are deploying a new VMware Aria Operations for Networks version 6.12.1 instance, by default, VMware Aria Operations for Networks starts in evaluation mode.

You do not need a license key to deploy VMware Aria Operations for Networks. You can use the product in evaluation mode for 60 days. During the evaluation period, you see a banner with the number of days remaining in the evaluation period.

During the evaluation period, you can either add a VMware vCenter Server with VMware Cloud Foundation license entitlement as a data source or enter a valid license key.

Upgrading to Version 6.12.1

If you are upgrading to VMware Aria Operations for Networks version 6.12.1, and you have a VMware vCenter Server with VMware Cloud Foundation license entitlement as a data source in VMware Aria Operations for Networks, the system automatically fetches license information.

FAQ

  • What is the duration of the evaluation mode?

    You can use VMware Aria Operations for Networks in evaluation mode for 60 days. After the evaluation period expires, the product enters a restricted mode. You must add a VMware vCenter Server with VMware Cloud Foundation license entitlement as a data source or enter a valid license key to use the full feature of VMware Aria Operations for Networks.

  • What happens if no license keys are added after the evaluation period is over?

    The product enters a restricted mode. During restricted mode, all data collections are stopped, and you can not add any data source except an entitled VMware vCenter.

  • What if I have multiple VMware vCenter Server with VMware Cloud Foundation license entitlement as a data source in VMware Aria Operations for Networks?

    VMware Aria Operations for Networks retains the license with the longest validity.

  • When my VMware Cloud Foundation license expires, do I get any grace period?

    Yes, you get a grace period of 90 days. During the grace period, you can use all the capabilities of the product. If you do not add a valid license during the grace period, VMware Aria Operations for Networks will enter restricted mode.