Suppose that I am using an Intel x86-64 server that will boot 3i when it is powered up (or that I am just running ESX Server 3 on the same machine). My understanding is that there is effectively no cost for 3i, but you need VirtualCenter to do anything such as create and manage VMs. So I have to buy something from VMware. What do I need in the minimal, realistic case from VMware (that I would have to pay for) to do real work?

Also, if I want to run 10 Windows based VMs, I assume also that I have to pay for the OS licenses unless I already have the licenses. What about SLES and RHEL for the same situation on 3i.

Bill