Hello.
The first thing is to verify up to which version of VMware vSphere your server (Hardware) is compatible. Attached link: http://partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide2/search.php
Normal VMware vShpere licenses do not expire, they are perpetual. Years ago VMware started selling licenses with expiration date, whose price is significantly lower.
Together with the licenses they sell a SnS (software and subscription) contract which is what actually expires, this contract has a duration of 1 or 3 years and can be renewed.
The SnS contract entitles you to updates and patches, and also includes VMware support for the duration of the contract.
You can validate the status of your licenses and if your SnS contract is active by logging into the My VMware website with the user and password with which you registered your licenses.
https://my.vmware.com/
If your SnS contract is not active your reactivation will include values for the time it was not active, a % penalty and a renewal value, which depending on the time it was inactive can result in a value equal or higher than buying a new license (which will also include a new SnS contract).
License 6 can only be used for VMware vSphere versions 6.0, 6.5 and 6.7.
License 7 can only be used for VMware vSphere versions 7.X.
Enrique Espinel
Senior Technical Support on IBM, Lenovo, Veeam Backup and VMware vSphere.
VSP-SV, VTSP-SV, VTSP-HCI, VTSP
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