Dell Vizioncore Administrator's Guide

This guide contains proprietary information protected by copyright. The software described in this guide is furnished under a software license or nondisclosure agreement. This software may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the applicable agreement. No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use without the written permission of Vizioncore, Inc.

If you have any questions regarding your potential use of this material, contact:

Vizioncore, Inc. 975 Weiland Road, Suite 200 Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

www.vizioncore.com

Email: info@vizioncore.com Refer to our Website for regional and international office information.

Trademarks

Vizioncore, the Vizioncore logo, and vReplicator are trademarks and registered trademarks of Vizioncore, Inc in the United States of America and other countries. Other trademarks and registered trademarks used in this guide are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer

The information in this document is provided in connection with Vizioncore products. No license, express or implied, by estoppel or otherwise, to any intellectual property right is granted by this document or in connection with the sale of Vizioncore products. EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN VIZIONCORE'S TERMS AND CONDITIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR THIS PRODUCT, VIZIONCORE ASSUMES NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER AND DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTY RELATING TO ITS PRODUCTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL VIZIONCORE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, SPECIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF INFORMATION) ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS DOCUMENT, EVEN IF VIZIONCORE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Vizioncore makes no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice. Vizioncore does not make any commitment to update the information contained in this document.

vReplicator User Manual 07/18/08 Version 2.5d

Document Revision History

Document Version Number

2.5a 04/09/08 Initial document

2.5b 05/23/08 Chapter 1

2.5c 06/12/08 Chapter 1

Issue Date Description of Change

• In the Snapshots and Hybrid Replication sections of vReplicator

Overview, added a warning against running a differential backup of a VM that is undergoing hybrid replication.

Chapter 2

• Updated list of OSs in the Location Requirements section.

• In the Interoperability Requirements section, updated lists and added

support policy statement.

• Added these sections: Installation Support, Guest VSS Support, and

Guest OS for Replication Support.

• In the vReplicator Overview section, included a description of the

encryption scheme used in the software.

• Updated the upgrade to new version information in the Installing

vReplicator section.

2.5d 07/18/08 Chapter 1

• Updated the vReplicator Licensing section.

Chapter 2

• Updated VSS Guest Support table: Windows 2000 SP4/SP5 for 32-bit

Chapter 4

• Updated the Status Bar section.

OSs is no longer supported.

Table of Contents

1INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................4

VirtualizationandVMwareOverview....................................................................................................5

vReplicatorOverview............................................................................................................................7

Snapshots...................................................................................................................................................7

VC...............................................................................................................................................................7

vzBoost......................................................................................................................................................8

DifferentialReplication..............................................................................................................................8

HybridReplication.....................................................................................................................................8

ReplicationtoMultipleDestinations.........................................................................................................9

SkippingVMDKs.........................................................................................................................................9

PerformanceMonitoring...........................................................................................................................9

Encryption..................................................................................................................................................9

UsingthisManual................................................................................................................................10

TermsandAcronyms...............................................................................................................................10

IconsandButtons....................................................................................................................................12

vReplicatorLicensing...........................................................................................................................12

Technical/CustomerSupport...............................................................................................................13

ContactingDell....................................................................................................................................13

2INSTALLATION....................................................................................................................25

SystemRequirements..........................................................................................................................26

LocationRequirements............................................................................................................................26

VMwareESXServerRequirements..........................................................................................................27

InteroperabilityRequirements................................................................................................................28

DatabaseRequirements..........................................................................................................................29

InstallationSupport.................................................................................................................................30

GuestOSforReplicationSupport............................................................................................................31

UninstallOldVersionofvReplicator........................................................................................................32

DatabaseSelection..................................................................................................................................33

InstallvReplicatorUsingSQLExpress2005(NewInstance)....................................................................34

UpgradetoNewVersionofvReplicator..................................................................................................43

GeneralPasswordSecurityGuidelines....................................................................................................49

3CONFIGURATION................................................................................................................50

GettingStarted....................................................................................................................................51

InitialConfiguration............................................................................................................................52

NotificationSetup....................................................................................................................................52

FirstTimeSetup............................................................................................................................... ........52

ConnectionsSetup...................................................................................................................................62

vReplicator v2.5 Table of Contents i

ConfigurevReplicator..............................................................................................................................67

4USINGVREPLICATOR........................................................................................................79

vReplicatorUserInterface...................................................................................................................80

MenuBar.................................................................................................................................................81

Toolbar.....................................................................................................................................................83

HostsandContainersPane......................................................................................................................84

VirtualMachinesPane.............................................................................................................................85

ReplicationManagementPane................................................................................................................86

ReplicationLog........................................................................................................................................90

StatusBar.................................................................................................................................................91

EmailNotification................................................................................................................................99

AddaNotificationRecipient....................................................................................................................99

RemoveEmailAddress..........................................................................................................................101

TestEmailNotification..........................................................................................................................102

VCandHostConfiguration.................................................................................................................103

ConfigureaVC.......................................................................................................................................103

ConnecttoVCs.......................................................................................................................................105

ConfigureaHost....................................................................................................................................107

ConnecttoHosts...................................................................................................................................109

Replication........................................................................................................................................111

ReplicateVMUsingtheWizard(HybridorDifferential,Fixed).............................................................111

ReplicateVMUsingtheWizard(HybridorDifferential,Sliding)...........................................................120

ReplicateaVMUsingDragandDrop.....................................................................................................125

ReplicateVMtoMultipleDestinations..................................................................................................126

ReplicateVM(SkippingVMDKs)............................................................................................................135

EditaReplicationJob............................................................................................................................. 140

StopaReplicationJob............................................................................................................................141

DisableaReplicationJob.......................................................................................................................142

EnableaReplicationJob........................................................................................................................144

TestFailover...........................................................................................................................................145

Failover..................................................................................................................................................147

RemoveReplicationJob.........................................................................................................................150

DatastoreSummaries............................................................................................................................152

ViewStorageSummary..........................................................................................................................154

VSSOptions............................................................................................................................................160

InstallVizioncoreVSSAgent..................................................................................................................162

Reports.............................................................................................................................................164

CompileReplicationHistoryReport.......................................................................................................169

PrintReplicationHistoryReport............................................................................................................171

ExportReplicationHistoryReporttoPDF..............................................................................................172

ExportReplicationHistoryReporttoXML.............................................................................................174

ExportReplicationHistoryReporttoExcel............................................................................................176

APPENDIX...............................................................................................................................177

vReplicator v2.5 Table of Contents ii

ErrorMessages..................................................................................................................................178

Installation.............................................................................................................................................178

Notification............................................................................................................................................179

Configuration............................................................................................................................... ..........180

Replication.............................................................................................................................................183

General..................................................................................................................................................185

vReplicator v2.5 Table of Contents iii

1 Introduction

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 4

vReplicator™ software is a powerful real-time replication solution for the VMware® ESX Server environment. vReplicator is designed to perform replication specifically for

virtual machines (VMs.)

In this manual, you will learn how to install and configure vReplicator. You will also learn how to use these components:

• Notification

• Alerts

• Hybrid and differential replication

• Reports

First, some background on the context in which vReplicator was developed.

Virtualization and VMware Overview

As companies and industries grow, their technology needs change. These changes are often implemented within complex systems running business-critical applications. Usually there is an increased demand for shared hardware and software resources. To manage this demand, many companies establish virtual environments. Doing so can increase an organization’s agility and efficiency while lowering its costs.

Most companies have a number of specialized physical servers and workstations that are underutilized. Virtualizing such an environment increases and balances utilization by consolidating the physical machines into a single physical host that runs multiple VMs. The VMs share the resources—processor, memory, network cards, and disks—of one physical host. The work that the physical machines did previously continues, but with greater efficiency. The host runs a layer of virtualization software that manages the environment. Each VM’s operating system (OS)—usually Windows or Linux—functions

as if the hardware were physical. Guest software can see only x processor, y memory, and

so forth.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 5

Multiple Physical Machines

Windows XP

Development

Development Test Machine

Test Machine

Machine 1

Hardware

Windows XP

Development

Development Test Machine

Test Machine

Windows

Windows Server

Server

Exchange

Exchange Server

Server

Machine 2

Hardware

Single ESX Server with Multiple VMs

Windows

Windows Server

Server

Exchange

Exchange Server

Server

Pooled hardware shared by all VMs.

Windows

Windows Server

Server

VPN

Machine 3

Hardware

Windows

Windows Server

Server

VPN

Linux

SQL Server

Machine 4

Hardware

Linux

SQL Server

…

A virtual infrastructure affords maximum flexibility, allowing you to treat VMs as if they were physical hardware and software. VMs can be moved easily between hosts. They can be run in isolation or in groups. Their workloads can be reconfigured as demand requires. This flexibility is supported by management tools. VMware VirtualCenter (VC) and ESX Server are, respectively, the management server and software components that lend order to flexibility in a virtual environment.

As a management server, VC orchestrates the configuring and provisioning of all VMs. VC’s database stores all of the shared information between the physical hosts and the VMs. Without compromising security, VC makes it possible to connect to a host remotely from a standard Windows computer.

As its own host OS, ESX Server allows you to establish VMs, configure and manage their shared resources, and make ongoing adjustments to increase performance. Each VM is configured with its own virtual hardware—for example, central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), and universal serial bus (USB) ports. The work of the VM’s physical counterpart is run in its native OS. Because VMs require neither redundant hardware nor physical space, virtualization can mean significant cost savings.

The transition from physical to virtual is seamless. To achieve optimum utilization in a virtualized environment, it must be maintained well. To do this, data and other assets must be monitored, protected, and preserved.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 6

vReplica tor Overview

Reliable business continuity and disaster recovery (DR) strategies deliver comprehensive and consistent results. Replication plays a key role in this process. If done well, replication can restore systems securely while enhancing performance and minimizing interruption.

VMware Infrastructure 3 (VI3) provides a solid platform for replication. vReplicator 2.5 was designed to be the definitive replication solution for VI3. vReplicator captures the complete VM image—OS, configuration settings, applications, and data. vReplicator’s Windows-based interface offers easy access and navigation. All potential source and destination machines display in a tree structure.

There are two replication methods and schedules from which to choose. Once a job is configured, you can run it at any time—even off-schedule. You can run jobs between hosts, VMs, or dissimilar hardware platforms. With the help of vzBoost, vReplicator does its work quickly—while the source machine is running—without compromising system resources. vReplicator monitors VM and host performance patterns. You can use this information to improve replication job scheduling.

Snapshots

vReplicator uses VMware snapshots during replications to ensure that the entire VM image is captured. Snapshots keep each replication job current by allowing you to revert to a previous point in time, merging that data with the current data.

vReplicator does not support third party tools that use snapshots. vRanger Pro is an exception because it shares a file-locking mechanism with vReplicator that prevents failures and data loss, even when the applications are running concurrently against the same VM. When vReplicator attempts a replication, it needs access to the source VM’s disk files. For vRanger Pro to create a backup, it requires similar access. If a replication job is in process when vRanger Pro attempts a backup, vRanger Pro will pause until the replication pass has completed. Alternately, if a backup job is in process when vReplicator attempts a replication, the replication pass will pause to allow the backup to complete.

Warning: During hybrid replication, a snapshot remains open continuously. This can compromise vRanger Pro’s ability to complete differential backups of a VM being replicated. When you initiate a hybrid replication, you should not use vRanger Pro to perform a differential backup of that VM. In this case, it is best to complete a full backup of the machine.

vReplicator can connect with the source and destination machines directly or through VC. There are several advantages to integrating VC with vReplicator. VC serves as a host management interface, organizing data stores, hosts, VMs, and other objects in a tree structure. VC makes it possible for vReplicator to monitor the movement of VMs

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 7

between hosts. Even after a vMotion event occurs, replication activities can continue unabated.

VSS

The Microsoft® Volume Shadow Copy Service (MS VSS) driver in vReplicator works in conjunction with Vizioncore’s VSS agent to ensure reliable remote API call communication. By alternately freezing and thawing application writes, MS VSS and Vizioncore VSS provide consistent results during each replication process. VSS enables quiescing—or pausing—of application writes when database servers such as SQL and Oracle are being replicated.

vzBoost

In vReplicator, vzBoost is an optional driver that improves write speeds to the Virtual Machine File System (VMFS). vzBoost manages Service Console traffic; it has no input/output (I/O) impact on running VMs. The driver is enabled through Tools→Preferences→ESX Server and is installed on the destination ESX host. vReplicator activates the driver when a write to VMFS is initialized. The driver remains activated only for the duration of the write. As soon as the data transfer completes, the driver becomes inactive and no longer taxes system resources.

Differential Replication

In differential replication, the source Virtual Machine Disk Format (VMDK) is scanned. A data map is created during the first replication pass. When the first snapshot is taken, disk writes are suspended temporarily. The snapshot remains open. An empty virtual disk—called the delta file—is added. As data is replicated, this file grows. These changes are merged back into the VMDK and the snapshot is closed. During the second replication pass, a snapshot is opened. On the vReplicator box, the source VM’s current data is compared to the changed data stored in the data map. These changes are replicated, block by block, and committed to the destination machine. Then, the snapshot is closed and the VMDK is opened. The entire source VM image is replicated to the destination machine.

Hybrid Replication

Using the hybrid approach, replication is done as a function of change over time rather than change to data. Snapshots can be taken at shorter intervals with no loss of data. There is no need to scan during each replication pass. The differentials engine resynchronizes the source and destination VMs selectively. Therefore, there is no need to replicate the entire source image again, just to capture the data that changed between snapshots.

During hybrid replication, two snapshots are created. One snapshot remains open continuously. While the second snapshot is usually not visible to the user, it plays an important role in replication. As time passes, the second snapshot fills with data.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 8

Ultimately, this data is copied to the destination VM and then merged into the first snapshot.

This method allows for a very fast process, in part because no scanning is required. Nonetheless, the continuously open snapshot can decrease I/O temporarily. Because this method replicates as a function of change over time, snapshots can grow rather large and cumbersome. For this reason, it is important to confirm sufficient free disk space in advance of initiating a hybrid replication.

Replication to Multiple Destinations

vReplicator 2.5 offers replication from a single source to multiple destinations. Having this additional flexibility enhances your ability to recover from a disaster. You can schedule two jobs to execute in the same timeframe from one source VM to more than one destination. The first job that you create will execute as scheduled and the second job will be queued to run when the first job completes. Replication to multiple destinations can be done for either replication type—hybrid or differential.

Skipping VMDKs

Using vReplicator’s Job Wizard, you can specify which hard disks to replicate from a single source datastore. One benefit of excluding disks that do not need to be replicated is that in doing so you conserve resources—from time and effort to disk space and bandwidth.

Performance Monitoring

As you try to establish a replication schedule that does not compromise system performance, monitoring information becomes vital. To help you assess the impact of replication jobs on your environment, vReplicator provides real-time performance statistics that indicate the load on each host. These statistics— Service Console CPU, memory, disk, and network usage—display in the Replication Management pane.

Encryption

vReplicator 2.5 uses Triple Data Encryption Standard (Triple DES) cryptology to provide password and data protection functionality. All configuration settings such as User Name, Root, and SMTP are encrypted automatically and stored securely in a disk file.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 9

Using this Manual

Terms and Acronyms

These terms and acronyms are used in this manual.

Term or Acronym Definition

API Application Programming Interface

CPU Central Processing Unit

delta file An empty virtual disk file that is added during a replication

pass. As data is replicated, this file grows.

DNS Domain Name System

DR Disaster Recovery

FQDN Fully Qualified Domain Name

GB Gigabyte

Guest A VM that runs on an ESX Server.

Host A physical ESX Server that runs VMs.

Hot replication A replication that is performed while the source VM is

running.

I/O Input/Output

IP address Internet Protocol address

LUN Logical Unit Number

MB Megabyte

Mb Megabit

MMC Microsoft Management Console

MS VSS Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service works with

Vizioncore VSS to make remote API call communication possible. Works to freeze and thaw application writes during replication.

NIC Network Interface Card

OS Operating System

PDF Portable Document Format

Quiescing Pauses a running process. Disables the VMware Tools Sync

Driver when replicating database servers such as SQL, Exchange, Active Directory, Oracle, or any database that uses a service to write.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 10

Term or Acronym Definition

RAM Random Access Memory

SA System Administrator

SAN Storage Area Network

SCSI Small Computer System Interface

SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

SQL server A sequel server

SQL database Structured Query Language; an SQL database.

SSH Secure Shell Access; a network protocol used to exchange data

between CPUs across a secure channel.

Su switch user

Triple DES Triple Data Encryption Standard

USB Universal Serial Bus

vReplicator.msi Installer file for vReplicator.

VC VMware VirtualCenter; a management server within a

virtualized environment

VCB VMware Consolidated Backup

Vizioncore VSS An agent that works with MS VSS to make remote API call

communication possible in vReplicator.

vzBoost An optional driver installed on the destination ESX host;

improves write speeds to the VMFS.

VI3 VMware Infrastructure 3 (including ESX Server v3.x)

VM Virtual Machine

VMDK Virtual Machine Disk Format; a disk files that stores a VM’s

hard drive contents.

VMFS Virtual Machine File System; VMware’s cluster file system,

which stores VM disk images.

VPN Virtual Private Network

XML Extensible Markup Language

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 11

Icons and Buttons

Within the vReplicator interface, there are several icons and buttons that display repeatedly. They are described below.



Clicking this link displays a window containing additional information about the adjacent field.

A closed green checkmark icon displays to the right of a field to confirm that it has been populated with a valid value.

A closed red X icon displays to the right of a field to indicate that it contains an invalid value.



An open green checkmark icon displays on the Add VirtualCenter and Add Host dialogs to indicate progress in IP address and/or API connection resolution.



An open red X icon displays on the Add VirtualCenter and Add Host dialogs to indicate that IP address and/or API connection resolution could not be completed. To the right of the icon, a message displays indicating why the process failed.

vReplica tor Licensing

In vReplicator, licensing is job-based rather than CPU-based. Each vReplicator license allows for one replication job from one source to one target. For each job that is scheduled, you will need a license. For example, if you replicate one VM to two remote sites, you will need two licenses if one job is in process when you add the second job. If, instead, the first job completes before you add the second job, the first license will be available to apply to the second job. Licensing applies only to source VMs. Target VMs do not require licensing.

If you do not have a permanent license, a trial license will be generated automatically for you. Each trial license allows for four replication jobs; the license expires after 30 days.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 12

Technical/Customer Support Contacting Dell

Note: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog. Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer service issues:

1. Visit

2. Verify your country or region in the Choose A Country/Region drop-down menu at the

3. Click Contact Us on the left side of the page.Note: Toll-free numbers are for use within

4. Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.

5. Choose the method of contacting Dell that is convenient for you.

http://support.dell.com.

bottom of the page.

the country for which they are listed.

Country (City)

International Access Code Country Code City Code

Anguilla

Antigua and Barbuda

Aomen

Argentina (Buenos Aires)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 54 City Code: 11

Aruba

Australia (Sydney)

International Access Code: 0011 Country Code: 61 City Code: 2

Austria (Vienna)

Service Type Area Codes,

Local Numbers, and

Toll-Free Numbers

Web and E-Mail Addresses

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Technical Support

™

Dimension™, Dell Inspirion™, Dell Optiplex™, Dell

Dell Lattitude Servers and Storage Web Address E-Mail Address for Desktop and Portable Computers E-Mail Address for Servers and EMC Customer Service Technical Support Technical Support Services Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Web Address Contact Dell Web Address

Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Web Address Support.euro.dell.co

™

, and Dell Precision™

Storage Products

la-techsupport@dell.com

support.ap.dell.com/contactus

www.Dell.com/ai

toll-free: 800-335-0031

www.Dell.com.ag

1-800-805-5924

0800-105

www.dell.com.ar

la_enterprise@dell.com

toll-free: 0-800-444-0730 toll-free: 0-800-444-0733 toll-free: 0-800-444-0724

0-800-444-3355

www.Dell.com/aw

toll-free: 800-1578

support.ap.dell.com

13DELL-133355

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 13

International Access Code: 900 Country Code: 43 City Code: 1

Bahamas

Barbados

Belgium (Brussels)

Bolivia

Brazil

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 55 City Code: 51

British Virgin Islands Brunei

Country Code: 673

Canada (North York, Ontario)

International Access Code: 011

E-Mail Address Home/Small Business Sales Home/Small Business Fax Home/Small Business Customer Service Home/Small Business Support Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Service Preferred Accounts/Corporate Customer Switchboard Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Web Address General Support General Support Fax Customer Service Corporate Sales Fax Switchboard Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support., Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Customer Service and Tech Support Technical Support Fax Customer Service Fax Sales

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales toll-free: 1-866-278-6820

Technical Support (Penan Customer Service (Penang, Malaysia) Transaction Sales (Penang, Malaysia) Online Order Status Web Address AutoTech (automated Hardware and Warranty Support) Customer Service Home/Home Office Small Business Medium/Large Business, Government, Education

Hardware Warranty Phone Support

Computers for Home/Home Office Computers for Small/Medium/Large Business Government Printers, Projectors, Televisions, Handheld, Digital Jukebox, and Wireless Sales

Home and Home Office Sales Small Business

, Malaysia)

Tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

0820 240 530 00 0820 240 530 49 0820 240 530 14 0820 240 530 17 0820 240 530 16 0820 240 530 17 0820 240 530 00

www.dell.com/bs

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-874-3038

www.dell.com/bb

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-800-534-3142

Support.euro.dell.co

02 481 92 88 02 481 92 95 02 713 15 65 02 481 91 00 02 481 91 99 02 481 91 00

www.dell.com/bo

la_techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 800-10-0238

www.dell.com/br

BR_TechSupport@dell.com

0800 970 3355

51 2104 5470 51 2104 5480

0800 722 3498

604 633 4966 604 633 4888 604 633 4955

www.dell.ca/ostatus

support.ca.dell.com toll-free:1-800-247-9362 toll-free:1-800-847-4096 toll-free:1-800-906-3355 toll-free:1-800-387-5757

toll-free:1-800-847-4096 toll-free:1-800-387-5757

1-877-335-5767

toll-free:1-800-999-3355 toll-free:1-800-387-5752 toll-free:1-800-387-5755

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 14

Cayman Islands

Chile (Santiago)

Country Code: 56 City Code: 2

China (Xiamen)

Country Code: 86 City Code: 592

Columbia

Costa Rica

Czech Republic (Prague)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 420

Denmark (Copenhagen)

International Access

Medium/Large Business, Government Spare Parts and Extended Service E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Sales and Customer Support

Technical Support Web Address Technical Support E-Mail Address Customer Service E-Mail Address Technical Support Fax Technical Support – Dimension and Inspiron Technical Support – OptiPlex, Lattitude and Dell Precision Technical Support – Servers and Storage Technical Support – Projectors, PDAs, Switches, Routers, etc Technical Support – Printers Customer Service Customer Service Fax Home and Small Business Preferred Accounts Division Large Corporate Accounts GCP Large Corporate Accounts Key Accounts Large Corporate Accounts North Large Corporate Accounts North Government and Education Large Corporate Accounts East Large Corporate Accounts East Government and Education Large Corporate Accounts Queue Team Large Corporate Accounts South Large Corporate Accounts West Large Corporate Accounts Spare Parts

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support Customer Service Fax Technical Fax Switchboard

Web Address

Technical Support

1 866 440 3355

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-877-262-5415

www.dell.com/cl

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1230-020-4823

support.dell.com.cn

support.dell.com.cn/email

customer_cn@dell.com

592 818 14350 toll-free: 800 858 2969 toll-free: 800 858 0950

toll-free: 800 858 0960 toll-free: 800 858 2920

toll-free: 800 858 2311 toll-free: 800 858 2060

592 818 1308 toll-free: 800 858 2222 toll-free: 800 858 2557 toll-free: 800 858 2055 toll-free: 800 858 2628 toll-free: 800 858 2999 toll-free: 800 858 2955

toll-free: 800 858 2020 toll-free: 800 858 2669

toll-free: 800 858 2572 toll-free: 800 858 2355 toll-free: 800 858 2811 toll-free: 800 858 2621

www.dell.com/co

la-techsupport@dell.com

01-800-915-4755

www.dell.com/cr

la-techsupport@dell.com

0800-012-0231

support.euro.dell.co

czech_dell@dell.com

22537 2727 22537 2707 22537 2714 22537 2728 22537 2711

Support.euro.dell.co

7023 0182

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 15

Code: 00 Country Code: 45

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Ecuador

El Salvador

Finland (Helsinki)

International Access Code: 990 Country Code: 358 City Code: 9

France (Paris) (Montpellier)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 33 City Codes: (1) (4)

Germany (Frankfurt)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49 City Code: 69

Customer Service – Relational Home/Small Business Customer Service Switchboard – Relational Switchboard Fax – Relational Switchboard – Home/Small Business Switchboard Fax – Home/Small Business Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales (Calling from Quito) Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales (Calling from Guayaquil)

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support Customer Service Switchboard Sales under 500 employees Fax Sales over 500 employees Fax

Web Address

Home and Small Business

Technical Support Customer Service Switchboard Switchboard (calls from outside of France) Sales Fax Fax (calls from outside of France)

Corporate

Technical Support Customer Service Switchboard Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support Home/Small Business Customer Service Global Segment Customer Service Preferred Accounts Customer Service

7023 0184 3287 5505 3287 1200 3287 1201 3287 5000 3287 5001

www.dell.com/dm

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-278-6821

www.dell.com/do

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-800-156-1588

www.dell.com/ec

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 999-119-877-655-3355

toll-free: 1800-999-119-877-655-

3355

www.dell.com/sv

la-techsupport@dell.com

800-6132

support@euro.dell.com

fi_support@dell.com

0207 533 555

0207 533 538

0207 533 533

0207 533 540

0207 533 530

0207 533 533

0207 533 530

Support.euro.dell.co

0825 387 270

0825 832 833

0825 004 700

04 99 75 40 00

0825 004 700

0825 004 701

04 99 75 40 01

0825 004 719

0825 338 339

01 55 94 71 00

support.euro.dell.co

tech_support_central_europe@dell.com

069 9792-7200

0180-5-224400

069 9792-7320 069 9792-7320

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 16

Greece

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 49

Grenada

Guatemala

Guyana

Hong Kong

International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 852

India

Large Accounts Customer Service Public Accounts Customer Service Switchboard Web Address Technical Support Gold Service Technical Support Switchboard Gold Service Switchboard Sales Fax Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

E-Mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address Technical Support E-mail Address Technical Support - Dimension and Inspiron Technical Support - OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision Technical Support - Servers and Storage Technical Support - Projectors, PDAs, Switches, Routers, etc .

Customer Service

Large Corporate Accounts Global Customer Programs Medium Business Division Home and Small Business Division Dell Support Website

Portable and Desktop Support

Desktop Support E-mail Address Portable Support E-mail Address Phone Numbers

Server Support

E-mail Address Phone Numbers

Gold Support Only

E-mail Address Phone Numbers

069 9792-7320 069 9792-7320 069 9792-7000

Support.euro.dell.co

00800-44 14 95 18 00800-44 14 00 83

2108129810 2108129811 2108129800 2108129812

www.dell.com/gd

la-techsuppo@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

www.dell.com/gt

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-800-999-0136

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-877-270-4609

support.ap.dell.com

support.dell.com.cn/email

00852-2969 3188 00852-2969 3191

00852-2969 3196 00852-3416 0906

00852-3416 0910 00852-3416 0907 00852-3416 0908 00852-3416 0912 00852-2969 3105

support.ap.dell.com

india_support_desktop@dell.

com

india_support_notebook@de

ll.com

080-25068032 or 080-25068034

your city STD code + 60003355

toll-free: 1-800-425-8045

india_support_Server@dell.c

080-25068032 or 080-25068034

your city STD code + 60003355

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 17

Ireland (Cherrywood)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 353 City Code: 1

Italy (Milan)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 39 City Code: 02

Customer Service

Home and Small Business

Large Corporate Accounts

Sales

Large Corporate Accounts Home and Small Business

Web Address

Technical Support

E-mail Address Business computers Home computers At Home Support

Sales

Home Small Business Medium Business Large Business E-mail Address Customer Service Home and Small Business Business (greater than 200 employees)

General

Fax/Sales fax Switchboard U.K. Customer Service (dealing with U.K.only) Corporate Customer Service (dial within U.K. only) U.K. Sales (dial within U.K. only)

Web Address

Home and Small Business

Technical Support Customer Service Fax Switchboard

Corporate

Technical Support Customer Service Fax Switchboard

toll-free: 1-800-425-8045

eec_ap@dell.com

080-25068033 or your city STD

code + 60003355 or

toll-free: 1-800-425-9045

India_care_HSB@dell.com

toll-free : 1800-4254051

India_care_REL@dell.com

toll free : 1800-4252067

1600 33 8044

1600 33 8046

Support.euro.dell.co

dell_direct_support@dell.c

1850 543 543

1850 200 889

1850 333 200

1850 664 656

1850 200 646

Dell_IRL_Outlet@dell.com

01 204 4014

1850 200 982

01 204 0103

01 204 4444

0870 906 0010 0870 907 4499 0870 907 4000

Support.euro.dell.co

02 577 826 90 02 696 821 14 02 696 821 13

02 696 821 12

02 577 826 90 02 577 825 55 02 575 035 30

02 577 821

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 18

Jamaica

Japan (Kawasaki)

International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 81 City Code: 44

Korea (Seoul)

International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 82 City Code: 2

Latin America

Luxemborg

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 352

E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales (dial from within Jamaica only) Web Address Technical Support - Dimension and Inspiron Technical Support outside of Japan - Dimension and Inspiron Technical Support - Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude Technical Support outside of Japan - Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and Latitude Technical Support - Dell PowerApp™, Dell PowerEdge™, Dell PowerConnect™, and Dell PowerVault™, Technical Support outside of Japan - PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault Technical Support - Projectors, PDAs, Printers, Routers Technical Support outside of Japan - Projectors, PDAs, Printers, Routers Faxbox Service 24-Hour Automated Order Status Service Customer Service Business Sales Division - up to 400 employees Preferred Accounts Division Sales - over 400 employees Public Sales - government agencies, educational institutions, and medical institutions Global Segment Japan Individual User Individual User Online Sales Individual User Real Site Sales Switchboard

Web Address Technical Support, Customer Service Technical Support - Dimension, PDA, Electronics, and Accessories Sales Fax Switchboard Customer Technical Support (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) Customer Service (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) Fax (Technical Support and Customer Service) (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) Sales (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) SalesFax (Austin, Texas, U.S.A.) Web Address Support Home/Small Business Sales Corporate Sales Customer Service

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-800-440-9205

support.jp.dell.co

toll-free: 0120-198-

81-44-520-1435

toll-free: 0120-198-

433

81-44-556-3894

toll-free: 0120-198-498

81-44-556-4162

toll-free: 0120-981-690

81-44-556-3468

044-556-3490 044-556-3801 044-556-4240 044-556-1465 044-556-3433 044-556-5963

044-556-3469 044-556-1657 044-556-2203 044-556-4649 044-556-4300

Support.ap.dell.com toll-free: 080-200-3800 toll-free: 080-200-3801

toll-free: 080-200-3600

2194-6202

2194-6000 512 728-4093 512 728-3619 512 728-3883

512 728-4397

512 728-4600 or 512 728-3772

Support.euro.dell.co

3420808075

+32 (0)2 713 15 96

26 25 77 81

+32 (0)2 481 91 19

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 19

Macao

Country Code: 83

Malaysia (Penang)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 60 City Code: 4

Mexico

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 52

Montserrat

Netherlands Antilles

Netherlands (Amsterdam) International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 31 City Code: 20

New Zealand

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 64

Nicaragua

Norway (Lysaker)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 47

Panama

Fax 26 25 77 82 Technical Support Customer Service (Xiamen, China) Transaction Sales (Xiamen, China) Web Address Technical Support - Dell Precision, OptiPlex, and

toll-free: 0800 105

34 160 910 29 693 115

Support.ap.dell.com

toll-free: 1800 880 193 Latitude Technical Support - Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics

toll-free: 1800 881 306 and Accessories Technical Support - PowerApp, PowerEdge,

toll-free: 1800 881 386 PowerConnect, and PowerVault Customer Service Transaction Sales Corporate Sales Web Address E-mail Address Customer Technical Support Sales Customer Service Main

E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

E-mail Address Web Address Technical Support Technical Support Fax Home/Small Business Customer Service Relational Customer Service Home/Small Business Sales Relational Sales Home/Small Business Sales Fax Relational Sales Fax Switchboard Switchboard Fax Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address Technical Support Relational Customer Service Home/Small Business Customer Service Switchboard Fax Switchboard Web Address E-mail Address

toll-free: 1800 881 306 (option 6)

toll-free: 1800 888 202

toll-free: 1800 888 213

www.dell.com/mx

la-techsupport@dell.com

001-877-384-8979 or 001-877-269-

3383

50-81-8800 or 01-800-888-3355

001-877-384-8979 or 001-877-269-

3383

50-81-8800 or 01-800-888-3355

la-techsupport@dell.com

Toll-free: 1-866-278-6822

la-techsupport@dell.com

support.euro.dell.com

020 674 45 00 020 674 47 66 020 674 42 00 020 674 43 25 020 674 55 00 020 674 50 00 020 674 47 75 020 674 47 50 020 674 47 75 020 674 47 50 020 674 50 00 020 674 47 50

Support.ap.dell.com

Support.ap.dell.com/contactus

0800 441 567

www.dell.com/ni

la-techsupport@dell.com

001-800-220-1377

Support.euro.dell.co

671 16882 671 17575 231 62298 671 16800 671 16865

www.dell.com/pa

la-techsupport@dell.com

Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 20

Peru

Poland (Warsaw)

International Access Code: 011 Country Code: 48 City Code: 22

Portugal

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 351

Puerto Rico

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Lucia

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Singapore

International Access Code: 005 Country Code: 65

Slovakia (Prague)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 421

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Customer Service Phone Customer Service Sales Customer Service Fax Reception Desk Fax Switchboard

Web Address Technical Support Customer Service Sales

Fax Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

NOTE: The phone numbers in this section should be called from within Singapore or Malaysia only.

Web Address Technical Support - Dimension, Inspiron, and Electronics and Accessories Technical Support - OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell Precision Technical Support - PowerApp, PowerEdge, PowerConnect, and PowerVault Customer Service Transaction Sales Corporate Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support Customer Service Fax Tech Fax

011-800-507-1264

www.dell.com/pe

la-techsupport@dell.com

0800-50-669

support.euro.dell.co

pl_support_tech@dell.com

57 95 700 57 95 999 57 95 999 57 95 806 57 95 998 57 95 999

Support.euro.dell.co

707200149

800 300 413

800-300-410 or 800-300 -411 or

800-300-412 or 21-422-07-10

21-424-01-12

www.dell.com/pr

la-techsupport@dell.com

1-877-537-3355

www.dell.com/kn

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-540-3355

www.dell.com/lc

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-464-4352

www.dell.com/vc

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-866-464-4353

support.ap.dell.com

toll-free: 1 800 394 7430

toll-free: 1 800 394 7488

toll-free: 1 800 394 7478

toll-free: 1 800 394 7430 (option

6) toll-free: 1 800 394 7412 toll-free: 1 800 394 7419

support.euro.dell.com

czech_dell@dell.com

02 5441 5727

420 22537 2707

02 5441 8328 02 5441 8328

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 21

South Africa (Johannesburg)

International Access Code: 09/091 Country Code: 27 City Code: 11

Spain (Madrid)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 34 City Code: 91

Sweden (Upplands Vasby)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 46 City Code: 8

Switzerland (Geneva)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 41 City Code: 22

Taiwan

International Access Code: 002 Country Code: 886

Thailand

International Access Code: 001 Country Code: 66

Switchboard (Sales) 02 5441 8328

02 5441 7585 Web Address E-mail Address Gold Queue Technical Support Customer Service Sales

Web Address

Home and Small Business

Technical Support Customer Service Sales Switchboard Fax

support.euro.dell.co

dell_za_suppor@dell.com

011 709 7713

011 709 7710

011 709 7707

011 709 7700

Support.euro.com

902 100 130 902 118 540 902 118 541 902 118 541 902 118 539

Corporate

Technical Support Customer Service Switchboard Fax

Web Address Technical Support Relational Customer Service Home/Small Business Customer Service Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Support Technical Support Fax Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support – Home and Small Business Technical Support – Corporate Customer Service – Home and Small Business Customer Service – Corporate Fax Switchboard

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support - OptiPlex, Latitude, Inspiron,

support.euro.dell.co

Support.euro.dell.co

Tech_support_central_Europe@dell.co

support.ap.dell.com

support.dell.com.cn/email

toll-free: 0080 186 1011

902 100 130

902 115 236 91 722 92 00 91 722 95 83

08 590 05 199 08 590 05 642 08 587 70 527 020 140 14 44 08 590 05 594

0844 811 411 0844 822 844 0848 802 202

0848 821 721 022 799 01 90 022 799 01 01

Dimension, and Electronics and Accessories Technical Support - Servers and Storage Customer Service

toll-free: 0080 160 1250 (option

toll-free: 0080 160 1256

Transaction Sales Corporate Sales

toll-free: 0080 165 1228

toll-free: 0080 165 1227 Web Address Technical Support (OptiPlex, Latitude, and Dell

Support.ap.dell.com

toll-free: 1800 0060 07 Precision) Technical Support (PowerApp, PowerEdge,

toll-free: 1800 0600 09 PowerConnect, and PowerVault) Customer Service Corporate Sales Transaction Sales

toll-free: 1800 006 007 (option 7)

toll-free: 1800 006 009

toll-free: 1800 006 006

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 22

Trinidad/Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

U.K.(Bracknell)

International Access Code: 00 Country Code: 44 City Code: 1344

Uruguay

U.S.A. (Austin, Texas) International

Access Code: 011 Country Code: 1

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Web Address E-mail Address Customer Service Website

Sales

Home and Small Business Sales Corporate/Public Sector Sales

Customer Service

Home and Small Business Corporate Preferred Accounts (500-5000 employees) Global Accounts Central Government Local Government & Education Health

Technical Support

Corporate/Preferred Accounts/PCA (1000+ employees) Other Dell Products

General

Home and Small Business Fax

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

Automated Order-Status Service AutoTech (portable and desktop computers) Hardware and Warranty Support (Dell TV, Printers, and Projectors ) for Relationship customers Consumer (Home and Home Office) Support for Dell products Customer Service Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers Financial Services Web Address Financial Services (lease/loans) Financial Services (Dell Preferred Accounts [DPA])

Business

Customer Service Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customer s Support for printers, projectors, PDAs, and MP3 players

Public (government, education, and healthcare)

Customer Service and Support Employee Purchase Program (EPP) Customers Dell Sales

www.dell.com/tt

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-888-799-5908

www.dell.com/tc

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-877-441-4735

upport.euro.dell.co

dell_direct_support@dell.co

support.euro.dell.com/uk/en/

ECare/form/home.asp

0870 907 4000 01344 860 456

0870 906 0010 01344 373 185 0870 906 0010 01344 373 186 01344 373 196 01344 373 199 01344 373 194

0870 908 0500 0870 353 0800

0870 907 4006

www.dell.com/uy

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 000-413-598-2521

toll-free: 1-800-433-9014 toll-free: 1-800-247-9362 toll-free: 1-877-459-7298

toll-free: 1-800-624-9896

toll-free: 1-800-624-9897 toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

www.dellfinancialservices.com

toll-free: 1-877-577-3355 toll-free: 1-800-283-2210

toll-free: 1-800-624-9897 toll-free: 1-800-695-8133 toll-free: 1-877-459-7298

toll-free: 1-800-456-3355 toll-free: 1-800-695-8133

toll-free: 1-800-289-3355 or

toll-free: 1-800-879-3355

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 23

Dell Outlet Store (Dell refurbished computers) Software and Peripherals Sales Spare Parts Sales Extended Service and Warranty Sales Fax Dell Services for the Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, or SpeechImpaired

U.S. Virgin Islands

Venezuela

Web Address E-mail Address Technical Support, Customer Service, Sales

toll-free: 1-888-798-7561 toll-free: 1-800-671-3355 toll-free: 1-800-357-3355 toll-free: 1-800-247-4618 toll-free: 1-800-727-8320

toll-free: 1-877-DELLTTY

(1-877-335-5889)

www.dell.com/vi

la-techsupport@dell.com

toll-free: 1-877-702-4360

www.dell.com/ve

la-techsupport@dell.com

0800-100-4752

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 24

2 Installation

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 25

The vReplicator installation process is simple. After you confirm that all requirements and pre-requisites have been met, identify the following:

• VCs and/or hosts that you want to configure.

• Default settings for replication type and frequency.

• Default limits for simultaneous replications.

• Default recipients for replication job notification.

• Users who should receive alerts when storage is low.

System Requirements

This section describes the hardware and software requirements for vReplicator installation.

Location Requirements

vReplicator requires a physical or virtual machine running Windows 2000 SP4, Windows 2003 SP1 or SP2, and .NET Framework version 2.0. For optimal performance, it is best to install vReplicator on a physical machine. If you install the software on a VM, it is best to do so on one that is running Windows 2003 rather than XP. For the Vizioncore VSS agent to work, you must have MS VSS installed. For MS VSS to work, the machine must be running Windows 2003 R2, SP1, SP2, or SP4 and .NET 2.0.

You can confirm that you have .NET Framework v2.0 installed by accessing Start→Add or Remove Programs. You can install .NET Framework v2.0 through Internet Explorer→Tools→Windows Update. Alternately, you can download it from the Microsoft website.

The physical or virtual machine must also meet the following criteria:

• Pentium III class CPU or greater

• 256 MB RAM (512 MB recommended)

• 2 GB free hard disk space (4 GB or greater recommended)

• 1024x768 video resolution (1280x1024 or greater recommended)

• 100 Mb/sec or greater network adapter

• Unimpeded network secure shell access (SSH)—port 22—from vReplicator to

both the source and destination servers

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 26

VMware ESX Server Requirements

User Accounts and Passwords

For each replication source and destination VM, you must use a login with appropriate permissions. vReplicator requires the use of root, non-root, and system administrator (SA) IDs and non-root and SA passwords. This section contains information specific to

vReplicator password requirements. For additional information, see the General Password Security Guidelines section at the end of this chapter.

Switch User/Root Access

vReplicator requires root access. For security reasons, many ESX Servers are configured so that a root user cannot log in directly from another computer. To gain root access, vReplicator must connect with a non-root user ID and then switch user (su) to the root account. For the non-root ID and password, it is best to use the same ID and password that you selected for VC.

System Administrator Access

vReplicator also requires SA access; for example, when you install a new instance of MS SQL Express 2005. The SA password must meet SQL Server password policy requirements. In general, SA passwords should be complex but memorable. The passwords should be written down and adequately protected, but accessible to those who need them.

Password Security Setting Policy

Weak passwords compromise system security. The MS Windows security setting policy has been enabled and configured for vReplicator passwords. When you create and update passwords in vReplicator, follow as many of these guidelines as your environment allows:

• A password should not include a significant portion of a user or account name.

• Each password should be at least six characters long.

• Passwords should contain characters from several of these categories:

-Uppercase letters in English (A-Z)

-Lowercase letters in English (a-z)

-Digits 0-9

-Non-alphabetic characters (for example, $, !, #, %)

Source These are the requirements for the source machine:

• You do not need to complete any installations on the source VMFS.

• The source VMFS must be formatted for ESX 3.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 27

• To perform a hot replication, vReplicator requires 6 GB of free space on the

source VMFS.

Destination These are the requirements for the destination machine:

• You do not need to complete any installations on the destination VMFS.

• The destination VMFS must be formatted for ESX 3 and have enough free disk

space to store the replicated VM.

Note: For larger VMs (i.e., larger than 256 GB), confirm that the destination machine can support the file size.

Interoperability Requirements

vReplicator and vRanger Pro share a unique interoperability. For their snapshot file locking mechanism to function properly, certain environment requirements must be met. vRanger Pro 3.15-3.2.3 is compatible with vReplicator 2.0-2.5. If you are using vRanger Pro to enhance VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB), consult the list below as a general guideline.

vReplicator 2.5 works with the following:

• VMware ESX Server 3.5, Update 1

• VMware ESX Server 3.5

• VMware ESX Server 3.0.2

• VMware ESX Server 3.0.1

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.5, Update 1

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.5

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.2, Update 3

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.2, Update 2

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.2, Update 1

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.2

• VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.1

The following are not supported at this time:

• VMware ESX Server 2.5.4

• VMware ESX Server 2.5.3

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 28

• VMware ESX Server 2.5.2

• VMware ESX Server 2.5.1

• VMware ESX Server 2.5.0

• VMware ESX Server 2.1.3

• VMware ESX Server 2.1.2

• VMware ESX Server 2.0.2

Vizioncore Support Policy

Vizioncore attempts to support all .dot versions of ESX Server within 60-90 days of release. However, changes to the platform can create unforeseen circumstances, causing an unexpected delay in providing support.

Support for all major versions of ESX Server is to be determined. Vizioncore has the right to change this policy without prior notice or notification.

Database Requirements

vReplicator requires a SQL database to record replication job information. The process below describes installing a new instance of SQL Express 2005 to configure the product database.

Port Requirements

Before beginning the installation, confirm that the ports listed below are available. If your environment includes any component (e.g., a firewall) that might restrict communication between the machines involved in replication, make certain that these ports allow for unimpeded access.

Port Direction Function

22 TCP vReplicator: outgoing

Host servers: incoming and outgoing

443 TCP vReplicator: outgoing Used for VI3 host communications and

902 TCP vReplicator: outgoing Used for VI3 host communications and

Unimpeded network SSH access from vReplicator to both VI3 hosts.

Bidirectional access between source VI3 and destination VI3.

VC 2.x.

Note: Root SSH access is disabled by default in ESX Server 3.0. Setting up a non-root account and providing vReplicator with the root password allows for replication with root disabled over SSH. Otherwise, you can enable root over SSH by editing the PermitRootLogin value in sshd_config on this unit: vi /etc/ssh/sshd_config

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Installation Support

The following are supported:

OS Service Pack Bit Level

Windows 2000 SP4 32

Windows XP SP1 and SP2 32

Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 32

Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 32

The following are not supported at this time:

OS Service Pack Bit Level

Windows Vista N/A 32 and 64

Windows Vista SP1 32 and 64

Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 64

Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 64

Windows 2008 N/A 32 and 64

Guest VSS Support

The following are supported:

OS Service Pack Bit Level

Windows 2003 SP1 and SP2 32

The following are not supported at this time:

OS Service Pack Bit Level

Windows 2000 SP4 and SP5 32

Windows 2003 R2 SP1 and SP2 64

Windows XP Pro SP1 and SP2 32 and 64

Windows Vista N/A N/A

Windows 2008 N/A N/A

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 30

Guest OS for Replication Support

The software can replicate any guest OS that any VMware ESX Server supports as long as vReplicator supports that underlying version of ESX. Snapshots must be fully functional against the VM guest OS that the VM virtual server supports. That is, there must be no known VMware snapshot issues. Please refer any snapshot issues to VMware Customer Support.

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Installing vReplicator

This section will guide you through installing vReplicator on a workstation or server. Since network latency can compromise vReplicator performance, the software should not be installed on a network drive.

Pre-requisites:

• You must have administrator privileges on the workstation or server on which you

install the software.

• You must remove any previously installed version of vReplicator before

beginning a new installation. See the instructions below.

• You must have access to the installer file—vReplicator.msi.

• Internet Protocol (IP) addresses must be registered to a Domain Name System

(DNS) entry. Confirm that all host names are registered within DNS.

Uninstall Old Version of vReplicator

To uninstall any version of vReplicator, do the following:

1. Access Windows Control Panel→Add or Remove Programs.

2. Click Change/Remove in the Add or Remove Programs window.

This message displays:

3. Click Yes or No.

A confirmation message displays:

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 32

You will know that the process is complete when this desktop icon displays:

Database Selection

vReplicator requires an SQL database to record job information.

Install on new instance of SQL Express 2005 (radio button)

Install on an existing SQL Server 2000/2005 (radio button)

Install manually (not recommended) (radio button)

This method is preferred. If you select this option, a new instance of SQL Express 2005 will be installed on the vReplicator machine and all necessary product database configurations will be completed.

Note: This method is not recommended if you plan to install vReplicator on the same machine where VC is installed.

Select this option only if you have access to a SQL Server and have the necessary privileges to create a database on that server.

This method allows you to create the databases manually, if necessary. During the configuration process, sufficient guidance is provided.

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Install vReplicator Using SQL Express 2005 (New Instance)

1. From the desktop, double-click the installer file—vReplicator.msi—to run it.

The vReplicator Setup Wizard dialog displays.

2. Click Next.

The License Agreement dialog displays.

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3. Read the license agreement. If you agree to its terms, click I Agree. Then,

click Next. The Select Installation Folder dialog displays.

Note: Both the available and required disk space are indicated on the Select Installation Folder dialog.

4. In the Folder field, specify the location where vReplicator should be installed. The

default is C:\Program Files\Vizioncore\vReplicator\.

If you want to change the location, edit the path directly. Or, click Browse to select a path. Click to highlight the location and then click OK.

Warning: vReplicator cannot be installed on a network drive.

5. Click Install.

The file copy process begins.

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When the process is complete, the Completed dialog displays.

6. Click Next.

The Installation Complete dialog displays.

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7. Click Close.

The vReplicator icon displays on the desktop.

8. On the Database Setup Wizard dialog, click Next.

The Install Database dialog displays.

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9. On the Install Database dialog, select the Install on new instance of SQL

Express 2005 radio button. Then, click Next.

The Microsoft SQL Express Install dialog displays.

10. In the Password and Confirm Password fields, enter the password for the SA

account for this server. Click OK. The Setup Progress dialog displays.

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11. Click Next.

The Database user Credentials dialog displays. The system auto-populates the Database Server field with (existing SQL database name)\VIZIONCORE and the User Name field with vizioncoreuser. Enter the SA password in the Password field. Click Next.

Note: You can change the value in the User Name field.

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12. Click the Automatic Setup icon at the center of the Install Database dialog.

13. When the Next button is enabled, click it.

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14. Click Next.

A confirmation of completion dialog displays.

15. Click Finish.

The Completed dialog displays.

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16. Click Next.

The Installation Complete dialog displays.

17. Click Close.

Installation is complete.

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Upgrade to New Version of vReplicator

To upgrade to a new version of vReplicator, you must first uninstall any previous version of the software. complete a full uninstall. Since you are upgrading to a new version, it is best to click No to retain settings and data from the previous version.

Uninstall vReplicator

To uninstall any version of vReplicator, do the following:

1. Access Windows Control Panel→Add or Remove Programs.

During this process, you will be prompted about whether you want to

2. Click Change/Remove in the Add or Remove Programs window.

This message displays:

3. Click No. To the confirmation message, click OK.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 43

The application will no longer display in the Add or Remove Programs window.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 44

Upgrade to a New Version vReplicator

1. From the desktop, double-click the installer file—vReplicator.msi—to run it.

2. Click Run.

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 2 Installation 45

3. Click Next.

4. Read the license agreement. If you agree to its terms, click I Agree.

5. Click Install.

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6. Wait while the files are copied. Then, click Next.

Installation is complete.

7. Click Close.

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The vReplicator desktop icon displays.

8. Double-click the desktop icon.

The vReplicator window and Notification Recipients dialog display.

You are now ready to configure vReplicator. To continue, see the Initial

Configuration section in Chapter 3.

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General Password Security Guidelines

In general, it is best to make each password significantly different than previous passwords. A unique password that contains uppercase and lowercase characters as well as numerals and symbols is ideal. Never share passwords across applications—that is, a password that you use in vReplicator should be distinct from a vRanger Pro password. It is best to avoid incremental passwords. Do not create passwords that include user or company names. Avoid using complete words within passwords. Longer passwords tend to be more secure than shorter ones. Change the password often. Write down each password and store it in a secure place. Discard old passwords.

Before you create a password that includes ASCII characters, confirm that they are compatible with vReplicator. The following ASCII characters are not compatible with vReplicator:

“ ‘ ~ { } [ ] -

The following ASCII characters may not be compatible with vReplicator:

! @ # $ % ^ * | \ / ?

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3 Configuration

vReplicator v2.5 Chapter 3 Configuration 50

There are a few configurations that you can make when you access vReplicator for the first time. It can be useful to complete this process so that your default settings are in place for your first replication jobs. The initial configuration process includes:

• Adding notification recipients.

• Selecting interface preferences.

• Defining alerts.

• Establishing replication job defaults.

• Adding and connecting to VCs and hosts.

Getting Started

Now that vReplicator is installed, you can launch it by double-clicking the desktop icon or by accessing the software through the Start menu. When you first access vReplicator, this window might display for up to 60 seconds. Then, the vReplicator window and the Notification Recipients dialog display.

To bypass the initial configuration process, click OK on the Notification Recipients and First Time Setup dialogs upon start up. If you defer the initial configuration process, you can complete all of the tasks associated with configuring the software by following the instructions in Chapter 4.

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Initial Configuration

Notification Setup

The configuration process begins with setting up an email notification list. The users on this list can be notified when a replication job is completed or when errors are encountered during replication. One recipient on the list will be designated to receive all notifications by default. For each replication job, you can override this recipient by entering another email address. Notifications contain information about the replication jobs, such as the names of the source and destination servers and the VMs. Each replication job’s notification emails can be sent to a different list of addresses, but every potential recipient must be added through the Notification Recipients dialog. On the Email tab, both Default Recipients Email and From Email Address are required fields.

After you set up email notification, vReplicator requires that at least one email address is

retained in the system. To read more about this, see the Remove Email Address section in

Chapter 4.

Email Enter an email address in this field to include the recipient in the

notifications list. One address on the list—which you will select on the Email tab of the Options dialog—will be the default recipient for all notifications.

Email Address (text box)

This text box displays all of the email addresses of the recipients currently configured to receive notifications.

First Time Setup

The First Time setup dialog features several tabs that allow you to establish default settings for replication jobs. If you use the drag and drop replication method, these settings will be triggered automatically. If you use the Replication Job Wizard, the system will prompt you to override these settings from job to job. If you decide to skip the initial configuration, you can define default settings later through the Options dialog by selecting Tools→Options from the Menu Bar or by clicking Options in the Toolbar. The First Time Setup and the Options dialogs are identical. See Chapter 4 for specific instructions.

The First Time Setup/Options dialog features these tabs, all of which are described in more detail below.

• Email—Use the fields on this tab to configure mail servers, email notification

recipients, and to test email transmission.

• View—Use these fields to define interface preferences such as tree structure

expansion level and menu labels for the Toolbar icons.

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• Alerts—Configure storage alert options using the fields on this tab.

• Job—On this tab, you can set default replication job options that include

replication type and frequency.

• Resources—This tab features several fields that allow you to manage

simultaneous replication jobs.

Email Tab

SMTP Name or IP The name or IP address of the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

(SMTP) server used to send the email.

Default Recipients Email

(dropdown)

This field is auto-populated with the email addresses that you entered in the Notification Recipients dialog. The address that you select in this field will receive notifications pertaining to all replication jobs.

Edit List Click this button to access the Notification Recipients dialog,

where you can update existing email address information and add recipients.

From Email Address This email address displays in the From line of the

notifications sent to the address selected in the Default Recipients Email field.

Click here to send a test email.

(link)

Clicking this link initiates a required process that tests the connection to the address selected in the Default Recipients Email field. When you click the link, a confirmation message displays, indicating that the email was sent and requesting that you confirm receipt.

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View Tab

VC Tree Expand Level

(spin box)

Show Menu Text Labels

(checkmark button)



The value in this field indicates the level of expansion for the VC tree in the Hosts and Containers pane. You can select a value between 2 and 100. By default, the expansion level is 2.

The icon adjacent to the field indicates that the value is

valid. If a displays, the value is invalid.

This field controls whether the text labels in the Toolbar of the vReplicator window display. By default, this field is selected. If you do not want to display the Toolbar text that corresponds to the icons, clear this field.

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Alerts Tab



Inform me on low storage? (checkmark button)

Warn me when storage has gone below_______ (% or GB) (spin box and radio buttons)

Inform me only on new alerts? (checkmark button)

Send me a email if there low storage? (checkmark button)

Email to (dropdown)

If this field is selected, an alert displays in the Replication Management pane when storage space goes below the setting defined on this tab—as a percentage (%) or in gigabytes (GB). In addition, an email notification is sent to the user selected in the Default Recipients Email field.

In this field, you define the storage level threshold for the alert. Using the spin box, enter a numerical value up to 100 (%) or between 0 and 9999 (GB). Select a threshold type to measure storage levels—% or GB. The default values for this field are set at 10 and %.

By default, this field is selected. The user who is currently logged in will receive alerts via the interface.

Use this checkmark button to indicate whether an email notification should be sent when storage is low. If this field is selected, the Email to field will become enabled. The notification can be sent only if an email address has been added through the Notification Recipients dialog.

This field is auto-populated with the email addresses entered through the Notification Recipients dialog. The field becomes enabled only if the Send me a email if there low storage field is selected.

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vReplicator can be configured to display an alert or send an email notification when a defined storage threshold has been crossed. The software pulls storage data from VC to create a datastore summary. No manual entry is required. For additional information on datastore summaries, see Chapter 4.

If you request an interface-based alert, this message displays in the Replication Management pane:

If you request an email notification to trigger when storage is low, a message similar to this one is sent to the address selected in the Email to field on the Alerts tab:

Job Tab

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VM DisplayName Template Need space between display and name.

Default Replication Type (radio buttons)

This is the template that vReplicator uses to name destination VMs. When you view a VC environment, the value in this field is appended to the VC display name of the replicated VM. For example, a replicated VM named TestVM2 will display as TestVM2_VzReplicate on the destination host.

This field is pre-populated with %VMNAME%_VzReplicate.

A icon displays next to the field when the value is valid.

Warning: %VMNAME% is a variable that should not be altered or deleted. If you attempt to do either, your settings will not be retained until you restore the variable. In this case, the

icon adjacent to the field will change to a icon.

You can change this portion of the template name: _VzReplicate.

Using this field, you can set a default replication type. For each job initiated through the Replication Job Wizard, you can override this setting.

Hybrid (the default): This replication type combines snapshots and differential replication without initiating a scan of the source VM. The snapshot is sent to the destination and committed. The source and destination VMs are resynchronized using a method that does not require the entire VM image to be resent. During hybrid replication, a snapshot is always left open on the source VM. During a pass, a snapshot count is taken to confirm that the source VM has only one snapshot open and the destination VM has none. If there is a loss of connection during a pass, any open snapshots will remain so. Until the connection is restored, all future replications will fail—due either to the host being down or the number of open snapshots surpassing the maximum. For a source VM, the maximum is two; for the destination VM, the maximum is one.

Differential: During this type of replication, the source VMDK is scanned for changes. The changes are recorded, transferred to the destination, and then committed. A snapshot is left open only during the replication pass.

Adjacent to this field, there is a Help link. Click it to access a

window that contains additional information about the replication types.

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Default Job Frequency (radio buttons and spin boxes)

Use these options to set the default replication job schedule. For each job initiated through the Replication Job Wizard, you can override this setting.

Fixed: This frequency type defines a set interval between the time the first job starts and the time the next job starts. For example, if a VM requires 10 minutes to replicate and you set the fixed interval to 1 hour, the first job will begin at 7:00 and complete at 7:10. The next job will begin at 8:00. If a VM takes 70 minutes to replicate and you set the interval to 1 hour, the first job begins at 7:00 and finishes at 8:10. The next job will begin at the next scheduled interval (10:00).

Sliding: This frequency type defines a set interval between the time the first job ends and the time the next job starts. For example, if a VM requires 10 minutes to replicate and you set the sliding interval to 1 hour, the first job will begin at 7:00 and complete at 7:10. The next job will begin an hour later, at 8:10.

In this field, there are three spin boxes—Days, Hours, and

Minutes. A icon displays next to the spin boxes to indicate that the values are valid. By default, Fixed is selected at 0 Days, 1 Hours, and 0 Minutes.

When you drag and drop a VM to a host this is the default replication frequency given to that job. (link)

Adjacent to the field, there is a Help link. Click it to access a window that contains additional information about the replication frequency types.

Clicking this link accesses a window that describes the options for initiating a replication job. You can initiate a job through the Replication Job Wizard or you can drag and drop VMs between hosts.

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Help Windows

There are several help windows that can be accessed through the Job tab.

Default Replication Type Help Window

Default Job Frequency Help Window

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Drag and Drop Replication Jobs Help Window

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Resources Tab

Limit total simultaneous replications to: _________ at a time. (spin box)

Limit per host simultaneous replications to: ________ at a time. (spin box)

Limit per LUN simultaneous replications to: ________ at a time. (spin box)

The value in this field indicates the maximum number of total simultaneous replication jobs that are allowed to run at once. A value between 1 and 100 is acceptable. Default is 10.

The value in this field indicates the maximum number of total simultaneous replication jobs per host that are allowed to run at once. A value between 1 and 100 is acceptable. Default is 4.

The value in this field indicates the maximum number of total simultaneous replication jobs per Logical Unit Number (LUN) that are allowed to run at once. A value between 1 and 100 is acceptable. Default is 2.

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Connections Setup

After you define your settings on the First Time Setup dialog, you can add a VC or host, connect to it, or remove it through the Connection Setup dialog. You can also set a default VC or host to load automatically upon startup. If you skip the initial configuration process when you first access vReplicator, you can define these settings later through Connect on the Menu Bar of the vReplicator window. For instructions on configuring a VC or host, see Chapter 4.

VirtualCenter(s) Tab

In vReplicator, you must configure each VC that manages source or destination servers. That is, you must add each VC individually and connect to it.

Default Start Up Connection

When vReplicator boots, it will automatically attempt to connect to configured VCs or hosts. vReplicator can only connect to one at a time—VCs or hosts—not to both simultaneously. This field indicates the default VC to which vReplicator will connect.

You will know that the VC default has been set if this message displays below the field: Load VirtualCenter(s) on start up.

Configured VC List

(text box)

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Each VC that has been configured in this instance of vReplicator is listed in this text box.

Add New VC When you click this button, the Add VirtualCenter dialog

displays. From this dialog, you can add a VC.

Remove VC When you click this button, you can delete any VC that

displays in the Configured VC List.

Set As Default Sets the Default Start Up Connection to the selected VC.

Connect to VCs Click this button to connect to any VC that displays on the

Configured VC List. If vReplicator is connected to a host when you click this button, the host connection will be closed before vReplicator connects to the VC.

When you click Add New VC on the VirtualCenter(s) tab, the Add VirtualCenter dialog displays.

Add VirtualCenter Dialog

Host Name or IP This field contains the host name or IP address of the server used

to connect to the VC. The icon adjacent to the field will

change to a icon when a valid value is entered in this field.

Port The default value in this field is 443. The field is enabled, so you

can change this value if, for example, you have configured your VC server to communicate through a different port.

User This field should contain the ID of the user who is currently

logged into vReplicator. The icon adjacent to the field will

change to a icon when a valid ID is entered in this field.

User Password This field should contain the password that corresponds to the ID

entered in the User field.

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When you click Connect on the Add VirtualCenter dialog, text displays in the lower-left to indicate progress in processing.

Host(s) Tab

You can configure hosts to connect directly to vReplicator. If you are not using VC, you must add and connect to each host that might serve as a source or destination.

Warning: If you connect to hosts directly, and a VM is moved through a vMotion event, you must initiate a new replication job for that VM. Otherwise, the VM will not replicate correctly.

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Default Start Up Connection

When vReplicator boots, it will automatically attempt to connect to any configured VCs or hosts. vReplicator can only connect to one at a time—VCs or hosts—not to both simultaneously. This field indicates the default host to which vReplicator will connect.

You will know that the host default has been set if this message displays below the field: Load Host(s) on start up.

Configured Host List (text box)

Each host that has been configured in this instance of vReplicator is listed in this text box.

Add New Host When you click this button, the Add Host dialog displays.

From this dialog, you can add a host.

Remove Host When you click this button, you can remove any host that

displays in the Configured Host List.

Set As Default Sets the Default Start Up Connection to the selected host.

Connect to Hosts Click this button to connect to any host that displays in the

Configured Host List. If vReplicator is connected to a VC when you click this button, the VC connection will be closed before vReplicator connects to the host.

Enable vzBoost (checkmark button)

What is vzBoost? (link)

Select this checkmark button to improve write speeds to VMFS. When you enable vzBoost, a driver is installed on the ESX host. This driver is only active during a vReplicator write and can be removed without rebooting the server.

Click this link to access a window that contains a general definition of vzBoost.

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Add Host Dialog

Host Name or IP This field contains the host name or IP address of the server used

to connect to the host. The icon adjacent to the field will

change to a icon when a valid value is entered in this field.

Port This is the SSH port on the host that will be used to

communicate with vReplicator. The default value in this field is

22. The field is enabled, so you can change this value.

User This field should contain the ID of the user who is currently

logged into vReplicator. The icon adjacent to the field will

change to a icon when a valid value is entered in this field.

Add user? (checkmark button)

This field, selected by default, is adjacent to the User field. Unless you clear this field, any ID entered in the User field will be added to the database. If you do not want an SSH user created with the credentials that you provided, it is best to clear this field.

User Password In this field, enter the password that corresponds to the ID listed

in the User field.

Root Password Root user access to the host server is required to perform a

replication. To gain root access to the host, vReplicator connects using another ID and then performs a switch user to the root account.

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Configure vReplicator

1. Double-click the vReplicator icon on the desktop.

The vReplicator window and Notification Recipients dialog display.

2. In the Email field on the Notification Recipients dialog, enter an email address.

Click Add. The address is copied to the Email Address text box.

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3. Clear the Email field.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for every email address that you want to include. Then,

click OK. The First Time Setup dialog displays. The email addresses that you entered display in the Default Recipients Email field.

5. On the Email tab, populate these fields:

-In the SMTP Name or IP field, enter the name or IP address of the mail server.

-From the Default Recipients Email dropdown, select the address of the user who should be the default recipient.

-In the From Email Address field, enter the address that should display in the From field on each notification.

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6. Click the Click here to send a test email link.

A confirmation message displays.

7. Click OK. Without closing the First Time Setup dialog, access the mailbox to

which the email was sent. Confirm receipt of the test message.

8. On the First Time Setup dialog, click the View tab.

-In the VC Tree Expand Level spin box, enter a value between 2 and 100 or leave the default (2) as is.

-By default, the Show Menu Text Labels field is selected. Clear the field if you do not want the icon text labels to display in the Toolbar.

9. Click the Alerts tab.

-Select the Inform me on low storage checkmark button if you want an alert to display in the Replication Management pane when storage is low.

-In the Warn me when storage has gone below field, select % or GB and enter a numerical value in the adjacent spin box.

-By default, the Inform me only on new alerts field is selected.

-If you want notification alerts to be sent via email, select the Send me a email if there low storage checkmark button.

-In the Email to dropdown, select the address to which the alerts should be sent.

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Note: To enter a new address, click the Email tab and add the address before returning to the Alerts tab to select it.

10. Click the Job tab.

-By default, the VM DisplayName Template field is populated. Do not alter the

%VMNAME% variable. You can alter _VzReplicate. The icon remains displayed next to the field if the value is valid.

-In the Default Replication Type field, select a radio button—Hybrid or Differential.

-In the Default Job Frequency field, select a radio button—Fixed or Sliding.

-In the Days, Hours, and Minutes spin boxes, set the timeframe for the replication job.

A icon displays next to the spin boxes if the values are valid.

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11. Click the Resources tab.

-In the Limit total simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (10) as is.

-In the Limit per host simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (4) as is.

-In the Limit per LUN simultaneous replications to _______at a time field, use the spin boxes to define a limit or leave the default (2) as is.

12. Click OK.

The Connections Setup dialog displays.

13. To add a VC and connect to it, continue in this sequence. To add a host and

connect to it, proceed to step 20.

Warning: You can configure vReplicator to connect to both VCs and hosts, but you can only connect using one method at a time.

14. To connect to a VC: On the Virtual Center(s) tab, click Add New VC.

The Add VirtualCenter dialog displays.

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15. Enter a value in the Host Name or IP field. In the User and User Password fields,

enter the account information for the user currently logged in.

The icons that display adjacent to these fields will change to icons if the values are valid.

16. Leave the default value—443—in the Port field as is. Click Connect.

When processing is complete, the VC that you added displays in the Configured VC List on the VirtualCenter(s) tab.

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17. If you would like this VC to load upon startup, click Set As Default.

The field label just above the text box changes to Load VirtualCenter(s) on start up.

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18. Click Connect to VCs.

The VC that you added displays in the Hosts and Containers pane.

19. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click to highlight an object within the VC that

you added. Data for that VC loads into the Virtual Machines and Replication Management panes.

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20. To add a host and connect to it, click the Host(s) tab on the Connections

Setup dialog.

21. Click Add New Host.

The Add Host dialog displays.

22. In the Host Name or IP field, enter a value. In the User field, enter the su ID.

Deselect the Add user checkmark button if you do not want this ID added to the database.

The icons that display adjacent to these fields will change to icons if the values are valid.

23. Leave the default (22) in the Port field as is.

24. In the User Password field, enter the password for the su ID.

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25. In the Root Password field, enter the password for the root account.

26. Click Connect.

When processing is complete, the host that you added displays in the Configured Host List on the Host(s) tab.

27. To enable vzBoost, select the checkmark button of the same name.

28. If you would like this host to load upon startup, click Set As Default.

The field label just above the text box changes to Load Host(s) on start up.

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29. Click Connect to Hosts.

The host that you added displays in the Hosts and Containers pane of the vReplicator window.

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30. In the Hosts and Containers pane, click to highlight the host that you added.

Data for that host loads into the Virtual Machines and Replication Management panes.

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4 Using vReplicator

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vReplica tor User Interface

The vReplicator window is the central navigational area of the software. This is where you can view the components of the system, such as VCs, hosts, and VMs. It is through this window that you can access the commands that allow you to configure and execute replication jobs and monitor their progress. The vReplicator window features these areas:

• Menu Bar

• Toolbar

• Hosts and Containers Pane

• Virtual Machines Pane

• Replication Management Pane

• Replication Log

• Status Bar

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Menu Bar

At the top of the vReplicator window there is a Menu Bar. The commands available through the Menu Bar are described below.

File Menu

Exit Select this command to close the window and exit vReplicator.

Edit Menu

Search Opens a search window at the top of the Replication Management pane. Use

this window to search for VMs, hosts, and VC objects.

Connect Menu

to VC Accesses the VirtualCenter(s) tab of the Connections Setup dialog. Use this

dialog to add, configure, and connect to VCs.

to Host Select this command to access the Host(s) tab of the Connections Setup

dialog. On this tab you can add, configure, and connect to hosts.

Tools Menu

There is additional information about the Datastore Summary, Event Viewer, and VSS Options commands later in this chapter. You will find information about the Options

dialog in the First Time Setup section in Chapter 2.

Datastore Summary

Use this command to access the Datastore Summary dialog, which features information about the datastores—hosts and VCs—configured in vReplicator. The data includes the total disk space available (in GB), the amount of free space (in GB), and the percentage of free space. You can make changes to the threshold level (in % or GB) and refresh the screen for a real-time update.

Event Viewer

Selecting Event Viewer from the Tools menu accesses the Event Viewer dialog, where you can monitor events using application, system, and security logs. You can complete administrative tasks as well—from customizing the view to exporting data.

VSS Options

The VSS Command accesses the VSS Summary window, which features these columns: Enabled, Host, VM Name, IP Address, Status, and Service. Use the fields on this dialog to install the Vizioncore VSS agent.

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Options Opens the Options window through which you can change notification

and interface settings, configure alerts, and set job defaults and limits.

Reports Menu

There is only one command in the Reports menu—Replication History. The Replication History window gives you access to general information about the replication jobs that have been run, both those that succeeded and failed. From this window, you can print reports as well as export data to Portable Document Format (PDF), Extensible Markup Language (XML), and MS Excel. There is additional information about reports later in this chapter.

Help Menu

About Displays data about vReplicator, including version number and

licensing information.

Documentation Provides a link to access the vReplicator User Manual on the

Vizioncore site.

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Toolbar

On the vReplicator window just below the Menu Bar there is a Toolbar. All Toolbar commands are described below. Some of them are duplicates of those found on the Menu Bar.

Note: You can configure vReplicator to display only icons—without text—in the Toolbar. To do this, clear the Show Menu Text Labels checkmark button on the View tab of the Options dialog.

Configure VirtualCenter(s): Accesses the VirtualCenter(s) tab of the Connections Setup dialog, from which you can add, delete, and connect to VCs. On this dialog, you can also set a default VC to load on start up.

Configure Host(s): Accesses the Host(s) tab of the Connections Setup dialog, from which you can add, delete, and connect to hosts. On this dialog, you can set a default host to load when you access the software.

Refresh Hosts and Containers (F5): When you click this icon, the entire vReplicator window refreshes.

Options: Click this icon to access the Options dialog. Using the Email, View, Alerts, Job, and Resources tabs, you can configure interface settings, notifications, and alerts. In addition, you can define replication type, frequency, and limits for replication jobs.

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Hosts and Containers Pane

On the left of the vReplicator window there is a Hosts and Containers pane. If you are not using VC, this pane displays all of the hosts to which you are connecting directly through your environment. If you are using VC, this pane features a tree structure that includes these objects:

Folder

Expanded Folder

Datacenter

Cluster

Host

All of the hosts whose VMs are available for replication are listed in this pane. Each node with a corresponding plus sign (+) can be expanded to display subfolders and other objects.

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When you first access vReplicator, a Select Service button displays in the Hosts and Containers pane. Click it to open the Connections Setup dialog. Using the tabs on this dialog, you can connect to any VC or host that you configured. Once the connection is established, the Select Service button no longer displays.

Virtual Machines Pane

At the center of the vReplicator window there is a Virtual Machines pane. When you select a host in the Hosts and Containers pane, all of the VMs residing on that host display in the Virtual Machines pane. In addition, all of the available templates are listed. A VM that is running features a green arrow icon. A VM that is not running has a corresponding red box icon. You can replicate to or from any VM, whether or not it is running.

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Replication Management Pane

On the right of the vReplicator window, there is a Replication Management pane. It features detailed information about replication jobs. During a replication, this pane displays a tree structure of tasks associated with the process. You can monitor replication jobs based on the progress bars that display for each task.

On the left side of the pane there is status information for the selected host, including host name, the number of VMs residing on the host, and the number of replication jobs currently running. On the right side, there are several icons that capture performance statistics for the host—CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. You can hover over these icons to identify them. In addition, there are two icons that correspond to VM activity (running and not running) and a button and link that you can use to initiate replication jobs. They are all described below.

Service Console CPU Usage: Measured as a percentage of overall capacity, this value indicates CPU usage.

Service Console Memory Usage: Measured as a percentage of overall capacity, this value indicates memory usage.

Service Console Disk Usage: The value in this field indicates the disk usage in MBs.

Service Console Network Usage: The value in this field indicates the network usage in Mbs.

Click this button to access the Replication Job Wizard dialog to initiate a job.

This icon displays next to a VM name. It indicates that the VM is running.

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This icon displays next to a VM name. It indicates that the VM is not running.

Located below the Toolbar, this link accesses the Replication Job Wizard dialog, where you can initiate a replication job.

This link displays below the Toolbar. Click it to access the Replication Job Wizard for the job that is currently displayed in the Replication Management pane.

When you select a VM in the Virtual Machines pane, this view displays in the Replication Management pane:

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When you select a template in the VMs pane, this view displays in the Replication Management pane:

When disk space is low, an alert message displays in red on the right side of the vReplicator Management pane.

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Replication Management Pane: Job Views

Before a replication starts, details about the job display in the Replication Management pane. Several additional icons display as well.

When you click this icon, the Replication Job Wizard dialog displays. Using this wizard, you can add a new replication job. vReplicator automatically assumes that the source machine is the VM currently selected in the VMs pane.

This icon allows you to initiate a replication job at any time, even if the job is not scheduled to run. The job can complete even if the source and destination VMs are not running. When you click this icon, a message displays, asking you to confirm that you want to run the job now.

When you click the Edit icon, the Replication Job Wizard dialog displays. It features all of the settings that were defined for the selected job. Using the wizard, you can make configuration changes to the job.

If you want to stop a job from running but not delete it, use the Disable command. It suspends current activity and prevents future replication passes from running. This command must be executed prior to initiating Test Failover, Failover, and Remove.

When you click Disable, this confirmation message displays: “Are you sure you would like to Disable this job? Disabling this job will remove any vReplicator snapshots.”

Failover testing powers on the destination replica with the Network Interface Card (NIC) disabled to prevent conflicts. You can analyze the VM and then shut it off. On the next replication pass, changes to the destination VM are reverted. After you complete the DR test, you must enable the VM. When you click Test Failover, a message displays that instructs you to disable the job before proceeding.

Initiating the Failover command brings up the destination VM in an operational state. A message displays, instructing you to disable the job before proceeding. A second message displays, offering you the option of synchronizing before failing over.

When you use this command, you delete the job that currently displays in the Replication Management pane. When you click Remove, two messages display. The first instructs you to disable the job that you intend to delete. The second informs you that in removing the job, you delete all snapshots that were generated during previous runs.

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While a replication job is in process, job progress details display as well as two additional icons:

As an alternative to removing a job, you might decide to disable it instead. Doing this prevents current and future replications but allows you to retain the job. A confirmation message displays, indicating that if you disable the job, all snapshots that were generated during previous jobs will be removed.

If you click this icon, the job will pause temporarily and this confirmation message will display:

“Are you sure you want to stop this process? (Note: This procedure can take a few minutes.)”

Replication Log

The lower horizontal pane of the vReplicator window is called the Replication Log. It features a complete list of all replication jobs, including summarized information on job progress. You can monitor multiple replication jobs easily through this pane. You can sort the data by clicking column headings. These columns are featured in the Replication Log:

Source VM This is the name of the VM that is being replicated.

Job Name This field is auto-populated with the value that you entered in the

Name field of the Replication Job Wizard dialog.

Scheduled Interval

This field is auto-populated with the value that you entered in the Perform this job every field of the Replication Job Wizard dialog.

Last Result This column contains status information about the last replication job

completed. Statuses include Failed, Cancelled, Successful, and

Unknown. If the replication job is running for the first time, None

displays in this column.

Next Run Time

Last Start Time

Last Completed Time

This field is auto-populated with the value that you entered in the Next Start Time field of the Replication Job Wizard dialog.

This column features the date and time that the last replicated job was initiated. Format is yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm.

In this field, the date and time that the last replicated job was completed are listed. If the replication job is running for the first time,

Never displays in this column. Format is yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm.

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Source The Source field contains the name of the host on which the source

VM resides.

Target This field is populated with the name of the host on which the

destination VM resides.

Description This field is auto-populated with the information that you entered in

the Description field of the Replication Job Wizard dialog.

When a replication job is in process, the column headings in the Replication Log update. An additional column displays:

Job Progress The data in this field indicates the stage to which a replication job has

progressed. Statuses include Failed, Queued, and Replicating.

Status Bar

Below the Replication Log there is a Status Bar. This area of the interface displays the type of license issued for that machine, the number of replication jobs (VMs) allowed by that license, and a link to the Vizioncore site.

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Replication Job Wizard

Through the Replication Job Wizard dialog you can configure replication jobs by defining type, frequency, notifications, alerts, timeframes, source machines, and destination machines. Some of the defaults that you set during the initial configuration will populate the corresponding fields in this dialog. For each replication job that you initiate, you can leave the default settings in place or you can override them.

Replication Job Wizard Step 1

Name This field is auto-populated with the name of the VM that you

selected in the Virtual Machines pane, followed by the word Job.

You can alter the value in this field.

Description Populating this field makes it easier to distinguish between

replication jobs. This description is included in email notifications for this job.

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Replication Type (radio buttons)

Perform this job every (radio buttons)

There are two replication types—Hybrid and Differential.

Hybrid: A faster method of replication, hybrid replicates as a function of change over time. No scanning is needed and snapshots can be taken at shorter intervals. Using this method, a snapshot remains open continuously.

Differential: Using this method, two replication passes are completed. The source VM’s current data is compared to the changed data that is stored on the data map. These changes are replicated block by block and committed to the destination machine. During differential replication, a snapshot is left open only during a replication pass.

Fixed replication refers to jobs that are executed at specified points on a timeline.

Sliding replication refers to jobs that are executed at a sliding frequency.

Use the Days, Hours, and Minutes spin boxes to set a timeframe for the job. These values refer to the period between replications. The shorter the timeframe, the more up-to-date the VM will be as a result of the replication. A shorter timeframe requires more host resources, which can compromise VM performance temporarily.

Note: The replication job will start automatically as soon as the initial copying completes.

Next Start Time

Refers to the time that the replication job will begin.

(spin box)

Next Start Date

Refers to the date that the replication job will begin.

(dropdown)

Exit Setup Click this button to cancel the replication job and close the wizard.

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Replication Job Wizard Step 2

Unlabeled (text box)

This text box is populated with the email addresses that were added through the Email tab on the Options dialog. Any address that is displayed in this text box can be moved to the Notify text box for individual jobs. This field is disabled.

Notify list (text box)

This text box contains the default email address that was added to vReplicator during initial configuration.

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Replication Job Wizard Step 3

Target VM

This field is auto-populated with: (source VM name)_VzReplicate.

Name

Disable Guest Quiescing (checkbox)

Quiescing pauses or alters running processes during replication to ensure consistency in results. When you disable quiescing, the VMware Tools Sync driver is disabled during replication. It is important to do this when you replicate a database server that uses a service to write. This includes SQL Exchange, Active Directory, and Oracle. Selected by default.

What is Guest Quiescing?

Click this link to access a help file that clarifies when you should disable quiescing.

(link)

Target Host (dropdown)

Add New Host

This field is auto-populated with the names of each host available to be the destination for this replication job.

Click this button to initiate the process of adding a new host to vReplicator. Opens the Add Host dialog.

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Replication Job Wizard Step 4

Source

The virtualized NIC adapter configured for the VM.

Adapter

Source

Virtualized network for the source VM.

Network

Target Network

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Virtualized network for the destination VM. Right-click this column to select another value.

Replication Job Wizard Step 5

Primary Datastore (dropdown)

This field is auto-populated with data from the ESX host. This dropdown includes the following information about the primary datastore listed:

Datastore Name: The name of the primary target datastore is listed in this column.

Total Space: The total amount of space (in GB) that the target datastore requires.

Free Space: The total amount of free space remaining (in GB) on the target disk destination.

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Dell Vizioncore Administrator's Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual