A number of VMware updates were released last night.  This includes the highly anticipated Update 1 for vSphere 6.5.  This will allow upgrades from vSphere 6.0 Update 3.

Lets get right to the details…

vSphere 6.5 Update 1

This is the much awaited release that will allow anyone running vSphere 6.0 Update 3 to get onto vSphere 6.5.  Some of the other new additions include:

• The ability to use vSphere Update Manager to enable vSAN upgrades
• Driver updates to a number of I/O devices

For the full list, read the release notes.

vSAN 6.6.1

This build of vSAN includes the follow new features and enhancements:

• VMware Update Manager integration – This is a more consistent workflow for  managing updates, patches, and extensions.  It can also validate support status from the vSAN HCL.
• Performance diagnostics – This requires participation in the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP); but can detect issues and suggest remeditation steps
• Increased Support for locator LEDs on vSAN drives – This adds support for Gen-9 HPE controllers operating in pass-through mode

Review the release notes for the full details.

Site Recovery Manager 6.5.1

This version of SRM includes compatibility with vSphere 6.5 Update 1.  It also extends support for guest operating systems and external databases

Additional Guest OS Support

• Windows Server 2016
• CentOS 6.9
• RHEL 7.3.5
• Ubuntu 17.04 – non LTS

External Databases

• SQL Server 2014 SP2
• SQL Server 2016 SP1

Review the release notes for the full details.

vSphere Replication 6.5.1

This version of vSphere Replication includes compatibility with vSphere 6.5 Update 1.  It also extends support for guest operating systems and external databases

Additional Guest OS Support

• Windows Server 2016
• CentOS 6.9
• RHEL 7.3.5
• Ubuntu 17.04 – non LTS

External Databases

• SQL Server 2014 SP2
• SQL Server 2016 SP1

Review the release notes for the full details.

As with any upgrade, make sure to check the Hardware Compatibility List and Upgrade Path documentation to ensure a successful upgrade.  You can find links to both on vSphere Quick Docs.