Updated: PowerPath/VE Trial Software Download FAQ

Q. Where can I download PowerPath/VE?

A. You can download PowerPath/VE from the EMC Community Network (ECN).

Q. What versions of PowerPath/VE for VMware vSphere can I download?

A. There are two versions of PowerPath/VE for vSphere and one version for Hyper-V available on the download site.

• PowerPath/VE 5.4.0 for VMware vSphere – Install SW Bundle: contains all necessary files for PowerPath/VE support with VMware vSphere 4.0.
• PowerPath/VE 5.7 for VMware vSphere – Install SW Bundle: contains all necessary files for PowerPath/VE support with VMware vSphere 5.
• PowerPath 5.5 for Windows: contains all necessary files for PowerPath/VE support for Windows 32 Bit.
• PowerPath 5.5 for Windows 64 Bit: contains all necessary files for PowerPath/VE support for Windows 64 Bit.
• PowerPath 5.5 for Windows IA64 Bit: contains all necessary files for PowerPath/VE support for Windows IA64 Bit.

Q. How can I request a license key?

A. Email a request for a trial LAC file to licensing@emc.com.

Q. Can I install and run the trial version without a license?

A. No. You cannot run the software without a license. You will have to request a 45-day trial license.

Q. How long does it take to get a trial license?

A. It usually takes 48 to 72 hours to get a License Activation Code (LAC) for the trial license.

Q. How do I activate the LAC?

A. From the Powerlink home page, navigate to Support > Software Downloads and Licensing > License Management and click on PowerPath for VMware. 

Q. Do I need a new LAC for the purchased version or only a new license file?

A. You need a new LAC letter that represents the number of hosts and nodes you purchased for your entitlement.

Q. When does the trial license expires?

A. The trial license expires in 45 days.

Q. When the trial license expires, can I continue running the software?

A. Yes. You can continue running the software, but with reduced functionality. If you want access to all functions, please call your EMC sales representative to purchase a full license(s).

Q. I purchased more license entitlements than needed due to server consolidation; can I return my unused licenses for a refund or credit?

A. No.  Unused licenses do not qualify for a credit or refund. Please contact your EMC sales representative if you have any further questions.

Q. Why do I need a maintenance agreement for PowerPath/VE?

A. An EMC maintenance agreement qualifies you for product updates and upgrades at no-charge.

Q. I purchased PowerPath/VE through an EMC partner and I am experiencing issues; who should I contact?

A. Please contact EMC Customer Support at support@emc.com.

Q. What are the differences between PowerPath Multipathing and PowerPath/VE Multipathing?

A. PowerPath Multipathing and PowerPath/VE Multipathing provide the same functionality including automated data path management, failover and recovery, and optimized load balancing. Both products also support PowerPath Viewer for monitoring PowerPath-supported devices. Differences include supported operating systems and management integrations.

• Operating system support: PowerPath Multipathing supports AIX, HP-UX, Linux, Solaris, and Windows, while PowerPath/VE supports vSphere and Hyper-V virtual environments only.
• Management integration: Unlike PowerPath Multipathing, PowerPath/VE is integrated with VMware vCenter Server Update Manager for non-disruptive installations and upgrades and the EMC Virtual Storage Integrator (VSI) plug-in for viewing the status of PowerPath/VE-supported devices in the vCenter console.

Q. Is a site ID required to complete the trial license request form?

A. Yes. A site ID is required field to be filled up on the trial request form provided by licensing operations.

Q. I installed the trial license a longtime ago (e.g. over 45-days) but never got around to using PowerPath/VE until now. Do I now need to request a new trial license?

A. Yes. The trial license is valid for 45-consecutive calendar days, not for 45-days of random, cumulative use.

Q. Currently I am using PowerPath Multipathing for physical environments. Do I have to run both PowerPath and PowerPath/VE for path management/load balancing of my physical and virtual environments that include VSphere/Hyper-V?  Or, can PowerPath/VE alone handle both environments?

A. You need both PowerPath Multipathing (for physical environments) and PowerPath/VE (for vSphere and Hyper-V virtual environments) if looking to standardize on PowerPath for data path management across physical and virtual environments.

Q. I am planning to upgrade my data center. Can I purchase Powerpath/VE with my VMware ESX at the same time?

A. Yes. You can add PowerPath/VE onto your EMC VMware-related quote, if you purchase your VMware ESX license through EMC.

Q. Why do you need my site ID if I am only testing PowerPath/VE?

A. EMC needs your site ID because, though only a trial, each PowerPath/VE license, even a temporary license, is associated with a site ID along with a server UUID.

Q. Can I interchange PowerPath and PowerPath/VE licenses in my mixed physical and virtual environment?

A. No. You cannot interchange your licenses. Each license (e.g. PowerPath or PowerPath/VE) is licensed per host operating system.

Q. Can I transfer PowerPath licenses for my physical environment to PowePath/VE?

A. No. However, you can add-on PowerPath/VE licenses to existing PowerPath Multipathing for Linux and/or Windows licenses for a nominal charge.