Question: Starwind Vsan Free

[leroyhaywood]

Looking at the Starwind Vsan Free for a testing lab at work, for storage. I am not understanding their license a bit though.
Does it require a windows host as hypervisor? (eww) If not, does the VM itself run Linux? Management appears to be done solely via powershell in the free version, which is fine, but again makes me think the vm itself is Windows?

I just don't trust Windows with my storage, and would prefer linux based.

[yaroslav (staff)]

Welcome to StarWind Forum.

I just don't trust Windows with my storage, and would prefer linux based.

You do not use Windows for storage you use it for management only.

StarWind VSAN does not require a Windows hypervisor, You can go with a desktop Windows machine to run the StarWindX PowerShell module that can be downloaded from the Web UI.
The free version requires it. Trial and Paid do not. Please note though that you CANNOT convert from the Trial version to the Free one.

[bkdilse]

Can I ask a question related to the bare metal version now available as an ISO please?
Is the Web UI limited on the free license, just as the Windows GUI is?

I've recently installed the free version, and did everything through PowerShell. Just wondering what I need to use on the bare metal edition?

[yaroslav (staff)]

Greetings,

Please fill in the download form here https://www.starwindsoftware.com/#download. Web UI for the free license allows creating a storage pool, and a volume. LUN though should be still created with PowerShell.

[bkdilse]

Thanks

[yaroslav (staff)]

Will be excited to hear more feedback! Send it to support@starwind.com
Cheers.