Dell’s customization of VMware ESXi image includes adding new or updated VMware IOVP certified drivers relevant for Dell hardware and specific third party CIM providers from IHVs into the VMware ESXi image. The Dell customized ESXi images are certified by Dell through VMware’s program for OEM customization. In addition to the drivers and providers, Dell’s technical support information is updated via OEM customization process. Currently, the Dell-customized VMware ESXi Embedded ISO images for ESXi 4.x and ESXi 5.0 do not include Dell OpenManage Server Administrator.
NOTE: CIM Providers integration is stopped from upcoming Dell Customized VMware ESXi images.
  • For detailed instructions to install and use Dell OpenManage Server Administrator, refer ‘Software ->Systems Management’ section @ Dell OpenManage documentation.
  • To know the specific details of the driver and provider versions integrated in different Dell customized images, Refer ‘Dell Customization of the ESXi image’ at Dell support website.
  • To download the Dell customized VMware ESXi 4.x and 5.0 images, go to Dell support website (Go tohttp://support.dell.com -> Select ‘Support for Enterprise IT’ -> Go to ‘Drivers and Downloads’-> ’Enter Service tag’ or select ‘Choose from a list of all Dell products’ option -> Select ‘Servers, Storage, & Networking’ option -> Select ‘PowerEdge’ -> Select the system as per your configuration ->Once the system is selected, Select the ‘Operating System’ as ESXi 4.x or ESXi 5.0 as per your requirement -> Click ‘Enterprise Solutions’ sub tab -> The ISO image is listed there ). The Dell customized VMware ESXi 4.x and Dell Customized VMware ESXi 5.0 images are also available @ VMware Support & Downloads page.
The main advantage of using the Dell customized image is that it carries the updated drivers as part of the Installation CD. However, customers can further update the driver versions based on the requirement and availability at the VMware website.