vC Ops is VMware’s cloud environment management solution, monitoring and managing VMware virtualization systems with insights into past, present, and future states of managed virtual machines. It tightly integrates with VMware vSphere, collecting data from physical components and management tools, displayed intuitively via dashboards.
Key Features and Installation Steps
Version and Trial: The latest vC Ops version 5.7 is available for a 60-day trial on VMware’s official website.
Management Scope: Manages vCenter Server, VMware ESXi or ESX Server hosts under its control, providing visibility into VM and storage usage across the data center.
Deployment: Deployed using the OVF template method, offering simplicity in installation.
In this installation example, there are three VMware ESXi 5.1 hosts managed by one vCenter Server 5.1. vC Ops is provided as an OVF template, making the installation and deployment very simple.
Installation Steps for VMware vCenter Operations Manager (vC Ops)
OVF Template Deployment
1. Login and Template Selection
Log in to vCenter Server using vSphere Client.
Select ”Deploy OVF Template” from the “File” menu.
2. Template Configuration
Browse and select “VMware-vcops-5.7.0.0-1073531-vapp.ova” (1.36GB).
Review details including product name, version, and disk requirements.
3. License Agreement and Setup
Accept the End User License Agreement.
Choose deployment name and location (default as vAPP).
4. Deployment Configuration
Select deployment size (Small, Medium, Large) based on VM capacity needs.
Specify resource pool (HA cluster) and target storage.
5. Disk and Network Settings
Choose disk format (thin or thick provisioned) and network mapping.
Allocate fixed IP addresses for deployed virtual machines.
6. Finalize and Licensing
Set time zone and configure UI VM and Analytics VM IP addresses.
Review settings in the “Ready to Complete” dialog and finish deployment.
Assign vC Ops license key in vSphere Client under “Home → Administration → Licensing”.
Post-Deployment Configuration
1. Virtual Machine Configuration
Adjust Analytics VM to 4GB memory and 2 vCPUs.
Configure UI VM to 4GB memory.
2. Start vAPP
Return to vC Ops interface and initiate “Start vAPP” for both virtual machines.
Initial Setup Wizard
1. Setup Initialization
Enter vCenter Server details, admin credentials, and Analytics VM address (e.g., 172.30.5.29).
Trust vCenter Server certificate and change administrator and root passwords.
2. Monitor Setup
Specify vCenter Server to monitor (e.g., 172.30.5.20) and establish connection.
3. Access Management Interface
Access vC Ops management interface via vSphere Client under “Home → Solutions and Applications”.
Monitor system health, view status, risks, and efficiency metrics.
Conclusion
vC Ops simplifies VMware data center management with intuitive deployment, robust monitoring capabilities, and integration with vSphere, enhancing operational visibility and efficiency.