VMware vRealize Configuration Manager - 5.8 Administrator’s Guide

VMware vRealize Configuration Manager

Administration Guide

vRealize Configuration Manager 5.8

This document supports the version of each product listed and supports all subsequent versions until the document is replaced by a new edition. To check for more recent editions of this document, see

http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs.

EN-001817-00

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

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About This Book 9

Getting Started with VCM 11

Understanding User Access 11

Running VCM as Administrator on the Collector 12 Supported Browsers 12 Log In to VCM 12 Getting Familiar with the Portal 13

General Information Bar 14

Toolbar 14

Navigation Sliders 15 Customizing VCM for your Environment 16

Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools 19

Install the VCM Tools Only 19 VCM Import/Export and Content Wizard Tools 20

Run the Import/Export Tool 20

Run the Content Wizard to Access Additional Compliance Content 21 Run the Deployment Utility 21 Package Studio 21 Foundation Checker 22

Configuring VMware Cloud Infrastructure 23

Virtual Environments Configuration 23

Managing Agents Virtual Environments 24

Managing vCenter Server Instances, Hosts, and Guest Virtual Machines 24

Managing Instances of vCloud Director and vApp Virtual Machines 25

Managing vShield Manager Instances 25 Configure Virtual Environments Collections 25 Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environment Management 26

Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines 26

Set the Trust Status for Managing Agent Machines 27

Configure HTTPS Bypass Setting for Virtual Environments 28

Enable Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environments 28 Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint 29 Configure vCenter Server Data Collections 29

Add vCenter Server Instances 30

Configure the vCenter Server Settings 31

Collect vCenter Server Data 32

vCenter Custom Information Filter 33

vCenter Server Collection Results 34

Configure vCenter Server Scheduled Collections 35 Configure vCenter Server Virtual Machine Collections 36

Collect vCenter Server Virtual Machines Data 36

Manage vCenter Server Virtual Machines 37 Configure vCloud Director Collections 38

Add vCloud Director Instances 38

Configure the vCloud Director Settings 39

Collect vCloud Director Data 40

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vCloud Director Collection Results 41 Configure vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines Collections 42

Network Address Translation and vCloud Director vApp Discovery Rules 42

Discover vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines 44 Configure vShield Manager Collections 48 Configure ESX Service Console OS Collections 51

Configure the Collector as an Agent Proxy 52

Configure Virtual Machine Hosts 53

Copy Files to the ESX/ESXi Servers 55

Collect ESX Logs Data 56

Virtualization Collection Results 57 Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In 57

Configuring the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In Integration Settings 58

Manage Machines from the vSphere Client 59

Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure 61

Create and Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 61 Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups 62 Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules 63 Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters 64 Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups 64 Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 65 Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 66 Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions 67 Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results 68

Enforce Compliance Template Results Using Enforceable Compliance 68

Enforce Compliance Template Results by Using VCM Actions 69

Manually Enforce Compliance Template 70

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions 70 Configure Alerts and Schedule Virtual Environment Compliance Runs 71

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Alert Rules 72

Create Virtual Environments Compliance Alert Configurations 72

Schedule Virtual Environments Compliance Template Runs 73

Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration 75

VCM Registration in vRealize Operations Manager for Integration 75 Configure vRealize Operations Manager Change Events 75 Standards Compliance for vRealize Operations Manager 76

Configure vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance 76

Scoring Badges for vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance 82

Auditing Security Changes in Your Environment 87

Configuring Windows Machines 89

Configure Windows Machines 89

Verify Available Domains 90

Check the Network Authority 91

Assign Network Authority Accounts 91

Discover Windows Machines 92

License Windows Machines 92

Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Windows Machines 93

Collect Windows Data 95 Windows Collection Results 96 Getting Started with Windows Custom Information 97 Prerequisites to Collect Windows Custom Information 98 Using PowerShell Scripts for WCI Collections 99

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Contents

Guidelines in PowerShell Scripting for WCI 100

Challenges in PowerShell Scripting for WCI 100

PowerShell Script Signing Policies 103

Create an Example PowerShell Script for Scheduled Tasks 104 Windows Custom Information Change Management 109 Collecting Windows Custom Information 110 Create Your Own WCI PowerShell Collection Script 110 Verify that Your Custom PowerShell Script is Valid 111 Install PowerShell 112 Collect Windows Custom Information Data 112 Run the Script-Based Collection Filter 113 View Windows Custom Information Job Status Details 114 Windows Custom Information Collection Results 115 Run Windows Custom Information Reports 116 Troubleshooting Custom PowerShell Scripts 117

Configuring Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines 119

Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machine Management 119

Linux, UNIX, or Mac OS X Installation Credentials 121 Configure Collections from Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines 122

Configure Installation Delegate Machines to Install Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Agents 123

Configure the HTTPS Bypass Setting for Linux Agent Installations 125

Enable Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Agent Installation 125

Add and License Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines for Agent Installation 126

Install the VCM Agent on Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Operating Systems 127

Collect Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Data 134 Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Collection Results 135 Configure Scheduled Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Collections 135

Create a Dynamic Machine Group for Linux, UNIX, or Mac OS X Machines 136

Schedule Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Collections 137 Using Linux and UNIX Custom Information Types 138

File Types that VCM can Parse 138

Parsers for Supported File Types 138

Identification Expressions 139

Parser Directives 140

Parser Directives for Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X 140

Creating Custom Information Types for Linux and UNIX 145

Custom Information Types for Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X 149

Add, Edit, or Clone Custom Information Types for Linux and UNIX 152

UNIX Custom Information Data View in the Console 153

Path Panel in the VCM Collection Filter 154

Patching Managed Machines 157

Patch Assessment and Deployment 157 Prerequisite Tasks and Requirements 158

General Requirements 158

Requirements to Patch Solaris Machines in Single-User Mode 160

Requirements to Patch Managed Machines Without Changing the Run Level 160

Requirements to Patch AIX Machines 161 Manually Patching Managed Machines 161 Getting Started with VCM Manual Patching 163

Getting Started with VCM Manual Patching for Linux and UNIX Managed Machines 163

Getting Started with VCM Manual Patching for Windows Managed Machines 170 Configuring An Automated Patch Deployment Environment 176

Configuring the Patching Repository Machine 178

(Optional) Configuring the Alternate Location Patch Repository Machines 181

Configuring VCM to Work with the Patching Repository and Alternate Locations 182

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Deploying Patches with Automated Patch Assessment and Deployment 189

Configure VCMfor Automatic Event-Driven Patch Assessment and Deployment 190

Generate a Patch Assessment Template 191

Run a Patch Assessment on Managed Machines 192

Add Exceptions for Patching Managed Machines 192

Configure the VCMAdministration Settings 193

Generate a Patch Deployment Mapping 195

Configure VCM for Automatic Scheduled Patch Assessment and Deployment 196 How the Linux and UNIX Patch Staging Works 197 How the Linux and UNIX Patching Job Chain Works 198 How the Deploy Action Works 198 Patch Deployment Wizards 199 Running Patching Reports 200

Running and Enforcing Compliance 201

Running Machine Group Compliance 201 Getting Started with SCAP Compliance 214

Conduct SCAP Compliance Assessments 215

Configuring Active Directory Environments 219

Configure Domain Controllers 219

Verify Available Domains 220

Check the Network Authority Account 220

Assign Network Authority Accounts 221

Discover Domain Controllers 221

License Domain Controllers 222

Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Domain Controllers 223

Collect Domain Controller Data 224 Configure VCM for Active Directory as an Additional Product 225

Install VCM for Active Directory on the Domain Controllers 226

Run the Determine Forest Action 226

Run the Domain Controller Setup Action 227 Collect Active Directory Data 228 Active Directory Collection Results 228

Configuring Remote Machines 231

VCM Remote Management Workflow 231

Configuring VCMRemote Connection Types 231

Using Certificates With VCM Remote 232 Configure and Install the VCM Remote Client 232

Configure the VCM Remote Settings 232

Install the VCM Remote Client 235

Connect VCM Remote Client Machines to the Network 242

VCM Remote Collection Results 243

Tracking Unmanaged Hardware and Software Asset Data 245

Configure Asset Data Fields 245

Review Available Asset Data Fields 246

Add an Asset Data Field 246

Edit an Asset Data Field 247

Delete a VCM for Assets Data Field 248

Change the Order of Asset Data Columns 248

Refresh Dynamic Asset Data Fields 249 Configure Asset Data Values for VCM Machines 250 Configure Asset Data for Other Hardware Devices 250

Add Other Hardware Devices 251

Add Multiple Similar Other Hardware Devices 251

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Contents

Edit Asset Data for Other Hardware Devices 251

Edit Asset Data Values for Other Hardware Devices 252

Delete Other Hardware Devices 252 Configure Asset Data for Software 253

Add Software Assets 253

Add Multiple Similar Software Assets 254

Edit Asset Data for Software 255

Edit Asset Data Values for Software 256

Delete Software Data 256

Managing Changes with Service Desk Integration 257

Configure Service Desk Integration 257 View Service Desk Integration in the Console 257 View Service Desk Integration in Job Manager 258

Index 259

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About This Book

The VCM Administration Guide describes the steps required to configure VCM to collect and manage data from your virtual and physical environment.

Read this document and complete the associated procedures to prepare for a successful implementation of the components.

Intended Audience

This information is written for experienced Windows, Linux, UNIX, or Mac OS X, and virtual environments system administrators who are familiar with managing network users and resources and with performing system maintenance.

To use this information effectively, you must have a basic understanding of how to configure network resources, install software, and administer operating systems. You also need to fully understand your network topology and resource naming conventions.

Document Feedback

VMware welcomes your suggestions for improving our documentation. If you have comments, send your feedback to docfeedback@vmware.com.

VMware VCM Documentation

The vCenter Configuration Manager (VCM) documentation consists of the VCM Installation Guide, VCM Troubleshooting Guide, VCM online Help, and other associated documentation.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Technical Support and Education Resources

The following technical support resources are available to you. To access the current version of this book and other books, go to http://www.vmware.com/support/pubs.

Online and Telephone Support

To use online support to submit technical support requests, view your product and contract information, and register your products, go to

http://www.vmware.com/support.

Customers with appropriate support contracts should use telephone support for priority 1 issues. Go to

http://www.vmware.com/support/phone_support.html.

Support Offerings To find out how VMware support offerings can help meet your business

needs, go to http://www.vmware.com/support/services.

VMware Professional Services

VMware Education Services courses offer extensive hands-on labs, case study examples, and course materials designed to be used as on-the-job reference tools. Courses are available onsite, in the classroom, and live online. For onsite pilot programs and implementation best practices, VMware Consulting

Services provides offerings to help you assess, plan, build, and manage your virtual environment. To access information about education classes, certification programs, and consulting services, go to

http://www.vmware.com/services.

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Getting Started with VCM

When you use VCM, you must understand user access and how to start VCM from any physical or virtual machine. You must also familiarize yourself with the VCM Web Console features.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Understanding User Access 11

Supported Browsers 12

Getting Familiar with the Portal 13

Customizing VCM for your Environment 16

Understanding User Access

User access determines who has access to VCM and with what roles. To manage your user access, create rules that are assigned to roles. VCM assigns the roles to each user login you create. User access is managed in the Administration User Manager node.

The user account that was used to install VCM is automatically granted access to VCM, placed in the roles of ADMIN and USER, and placed into the Admin role. This user can log in to VCM using the Admin role. The AD_Admin role allows full administration access to AD objects only.

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When a user is added to the Admin role in VCM or granted access to the Administration User Manager node, that user is placed in the fixed machine roles Security Administrators and Bulk Insert Administrators Groups. They are also added to the database roles of public, ADMIN, and User in the VCM Database.

Users who will not have access to the Administration User Manager node will be assigned to public. Depending on the functions granted to a user, they might need additional or fewer privileges for their role to function properly.

VCM provides a role named Change Restricted to limit users from making certain changes in your environment. With this role, users can discover machines, collect data from machines, assess machines, display bulletin and template details, check for updates, and view history. Users can add, edit, and delete reports, compliance rules and rule groups, and compliance and patch assessment templates.Users with the Change Restricted role can also install the VCM Agent, upgrade VCM, and uninstall VCM.

When you apply the Change Restricted role to a user’s VCM login, they cannot perform the following actions.

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n Remote command execution

n Change actions against target managed machines

n Change rollback

n Compliance enforcement

n Patch deployment

n Machine reboots

All VCM user accounts must have the following rights on the VCM Collector machine.

n Ability to log on locally to access IIS

n Read access to the System32 folder

n Write access to the CMFiles$\Exported_Reports folder to export reports

n If default permissions have been changed, read access to the C:\Program Files (x86)

\VMware\VCM\WebConsole directory and all subdirectories and files

Users who add machines to VCM using a file or the Available Machines Add Machines action must have write access to CMFiles$\Discovery_Files.

Running VCM as Administrator on the Collector

By default for localhost, Internet Explorer on Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, or 2012 R2 runs with Protected Mode enabled. If you are logged in to VCM as an Administrator, because Protected Mode is enabled, problems can occur with the SQLServer Reporting Service (SSRS) Web service interface components such as dashboards and node summaries.

CAUTION Although you should not access VCM on the Collector using a Web console, to restore

the SSRS functionality you can run Internet Explorer as administrator or disable Protected Mode for the zone of the Collector (localhost). If you perform this action, you must take additional precautions to protect the Collector because of the increased exposure to attacks on the Collector through the Web browser, such as cross-site scripting.

Supported Browsers

Verify that the target VCM Collector machine, and any other machines that will access the VCM Web console interface on the VCM Collector, have a compatible Web browser installed.

VCM supports the following browsers.

n Internet Explorer version 8 and 9.

n Internet Explorer version 10 in compatibility mode.

n Internet Explorer version 11 in compatibility mode.

n Mozilla Firefox version 34 or later with the Internet Explorer IE Tab add-on. This add-on requires

supported Internet Explorer to be installed on the machine.

Log In to VCM

Access VCM from any physical or virtual machine in your network. The level of access is determined by your VCM administrator.

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Getting Started with VCM

Prerequisites

n Verify that the physical or virtual machines from which you are accessing VCM have a supported

version of Internet Explorer installed. For supported platforms, see the VCM Installation Guide.

n Configure the Internet Explorer Pop-up Blocker settings to add your Collector to your list of allowed

Web sites, or disable Pop-up Blocker. Click Internet Explorer and select Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Popup Blocker Settings and then add the path for your Collector in the allowable address field.

Procedure

1. To connect to VCM from a physical or virtual machine on your network, open Internet Explorer and type http://<name-or-IP-address-of-Collector-machine>/VCM.

2. Type your user network credentials.

3. (Optional) Select Automatically log on using this role to have VCM log you in.

4. Click Log On.

Your VCM user account can have multiple roles. If you selected the Automatically log on using this role option, VCM will automatically log you on as the User Role displayed on the Logon screen. To change roles, you must use the Logoff button in the top right corner of the Console. This action will return you to the Logon screen so that you can use the drop-down menu to select a different role.

Getting Familiar with the Portal

The VCM Web Console provides access to all VCM features to manage your environment.

The Web Console uses a browser-based interface to run from any Windows machine that has access to the server on which VCM is installed. The Windows machine must be running Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox with the Internet Explorer tab plug-in installed.

The Web Console includes several major areas and controls.

Figure 1–1. VCM Portal

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General Information Bar

The general information bar displays the VCM Collector’s active SQL Server name, your VCM user name and active Role, and the following buttons.

n Log Out: Exits the Web Console. The Web Console closes and the VCM Logon screen appears.

n About: Displays information about how to contact VMware Technical Support and version information

for VCM and all of its components. This information may be important when you contact VMware Technical Support.

n Help: Opens the online Help for the currently-active display.

Toolbar

The global toolbar provides you with easily-accessible options to enhance control of your environment and data.

The left and right arrow buttons navigate to the previous or next page in the data area.

The Jobs button opens the Jobs Running status window. This button provides access to the Collector status and allows you to stop and restart the Collector service.

The Collect button opens a wizard that allows you to define and initiate data collections.

The Remote Commands button allows you to invoke the Remote Commands wizard from the toolbar without having to access the node.

The Refresh data grid view button refreshes the data grid. Press F5 on the keyboard as an alternative action.

The View row cells button displays a vertically scrolling view of a single row of data, rather than the table-based data grid view in a separate window, and allows you to move between records.

The Select all displayed data rows button selects all the rows in the data grid.

The Copy button copies information from the selected rows in the data grid to the clipboard.

The Copy link to clipboard button copies the link of the content on-screen to the clipboard.

The View data grid in separate window button displays the data grid in a separate window.

The Export displayed data button exports data to a CSV formatted file. This file is exported to

Reports

The Options button opens the User Options window. These settings pertain to the User who is logged in to VCM. All VCM users can configure these settings to their individual preferences.

\\<name_of_Collector_machine>\CMfiles$\Exported

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Getting Started with VCM

Navigation Sliders

The navigation sliders on the left side of the Web Console include the items listed and described in the following table. The individual items that you see in VCM vary depending on the components that you have licensed.

n Active Directory and AD objects based on your role.

n Patching options are available based on your role.

n Administration is visible only to users who have Administrative rights to VCM as part of their VCM

role.

For detailed instructions about any of these features, see the online Help.

Slider Actio n

Console n View, export, or print enterprise-wide, summary information.

n Review or acknowledge current alert notifications.

n Manage VCM discovered and non-VCM discovered hardware and software

assets.

n Review changes that occurred from one collection to the next.

n Create, edit, or run remote commands on a VCM managed Windows or UNIX

machine.

n View information about VCM discovered domains.

n Navigate and manage integrated service desk events.

n Manage virtual machines.

n View your Windows NT Domain and Active Directory related data.

n View information for enterprise-level applications.

n Review non-security related UNIX machine-specific information.

n Review UNIX security data to ensure consistent security configurations across

your environment.

Compliance n Create and manage Compliance rule groups and templates based on AD

objects or machine group data.

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Slider Actio n

Active Directory

n View, export, or print enterprise-wide, summary information for Active

Directory objects.

n Review alert notifications for the selected AD location.

n Review Active Directory-related changes that occurred from one collection to

the next.

n View collected information about Active Directory objects such as Users,

Groups, Contacts, Computers, Printers, Shares, and Organizational Units.

n Review Active Directory site lists, including Site Links, Site Link Bridges,

Subnets, Intersite Transports, Servers, Connections and Licensing.

n View Active Directory Group Policy Container Settings.

n View information about Active Directory Domains, DCs, and Trusts.

n Track and display access control entries and security descriptor data on all

collected objects.

n View Active Directory Schema information.

Reports n Run out-of-the-box reports against your collected data.

n Write your own SQL and SSRS reports using VCM’s report wizard.

Patching n Review a list of bulletins available to VCM.

n Create, run, or import VCM Patching templates to display the machines that

require the patches described in each bulletin.

n Monitor VCM Patching jobs.

n Deploy patches.

Administration n Manage basic configuration options for VCM.

n Establish filters to limit the data you collect from machines in your

environment.

n Review how your VCM licenses are being used.

n Identify and manage your physical and virtual machines.

n Manage VCM Logins and Roles.

n Set options for assessment and deployment.

n View the status of jobs that are currently running, scheduled to run, or

completed.

n Configure VCM to notify you of certain conditions in your environment.

Customizing VCM for your Environment

Customization of your environment is essential to fine-tune the visibility of configuration information so that the policies you develop and the actions you take are appropriate for your IT infrastructure.

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Getting Started with VCM

Create a machine group structure that matches the organization of the machines in your environment. With these machine groups, you can manage specific machines in your environment such as all SQL Servers in a particular location. You can apply specific changes or create roles and rules for those machines independently from other machines in your environment. This approach ensures that you can restrict access to critical machines to the appropriate users with rights to VCM.

You can customize the following options for your environment.

n Alerts: Define the objects and types of changes that you are alerted to when they are detected in VCM.

For example, you can set an alert to notify you if a registry setting changes in your environment.

n Collection Filters and Filter Sets: Use collection filters to specify the data to collect from the VCM

managed machines. A default collection filter is provided for each data type. You can add custom collection filters that are specific to your enterprise. You can apply filters during instant collections and scheduled collections if the filters are included in a filter set. After you create collection filters, organize them into filter sets. You can create specific filter sets or filter set groups for different machine groups. You can apply filter sets during instant collections or scheduled collections.

n Compliance Templates and Rule Groups: Use compliance templates and rule groups to define specific

settings and verify whether the machines match those criteria. VCM provides prepackaged templates and rules to check the compliance of your machines with regulatory, industry, and vendor standards. VMware provides additional compliance packages that you can import into VCM.

n Reports: Create and print tailored reports of information that does not appear in VCM. VCM provides

prepackaged reports that you can run after you collect data from your VCM managed machines.

n Roles and Rules: VCM roles and access rules work together to control user access to VCM. For

example, you can create a role that allows a user to view all data, but not make changes to the environment. You can create a role to run certain reports or a role that allows unlimited access to a single machine group.

The VCM Change Restricted role limits users from making certain changes in your environment. See

"Understanding User Access" on page 11.

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Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools

VCM Installation Manager installs several VCM components and tools on the Collector machine during the installation.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Install the VCM Tools Only 19

VCM Import/Export and Content Wizard Tools 20

Run the Deployment Utility 21

Package Studio 21

Foundation Checker 22

Install the VCM Tools Only

You can install the VCM tools on a non-Collector Windows machine.

If you plan to install VCMon the non-Collector Windows machine later, you must uninstall the tools and then install VCM.

Prerequisites

Perform the installation requirements for each tool in the Advanced Installation selection. For example, you can install Import/Export (I/E) and Content Wizard only on a machine that is running VCM.

Procedure

1. On the non-Collector Windows machine on which you want to install the tools, insert the installation CD.

2. In Installation Manager, click Run Installation Manager.

During the installation, follow the installation requirements that Installation Manager reports when Foundation Checker runs.

3. Complete the initial installation pages, and click Next on subsequent pages to access the Select Installation Type page.

a. Clear the VMware vRealize Configuration Manager check box.

b. Select Tools.

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c. To install a subset of tools, clear the Tools check box and select only the individual tools to install.

4. Click Next.

5. Complete the remaining instructions and click Next.

6. On the Installation Complete page, click Finish.

7. On the Installation Manager page, click Exit.

VCM Import/Export and Content Wizard Tools

Use the Import/Export Tool and the Content Wizard Tool to move or update VCM business objects. These tools support the migration of any VCM Management Extension for Asset data that was added to VCM manually, but does not import or export any collected data.

The Import/Export Tool supports the following scenarios.

n Back up (export) and restore (import) business objects to the same machine.

n Back up (export) and import (if needed) business objects during a VCM upgrade.

n Export and migrate (import) business objects to additional machines in a multi-Collector environment

during setup or to move custom content.

n Use the Content Wizard to download current Compliance Content from VMware and import it into an

existing database.

n Using the Command Line Interface, automate the propagation of content to other machines in a multi-

collector environment with a “golden machine”.

n Aid in disaster recovery by using the Command Line Interface to automate and schedule the backup of

VCM content and configuration parameters.

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is a powerful extension of the Import/Export graphic user interface (GUI). In addition to supporting the scenarios noted above, the CLI allows content to be overwritten, as opposed to “rename only”, and provides for automation through scripting suitable for customizations.

IMPORTANT Use of the CLI should be restricted to advanced users who exercise caution when testing their scripts.

The Import/Export Tool and Content Wizard Tool were installed on your Collector machine during your VCM installation.

Run the Import/Export Tool

Use the Import/Export Tool to back up your VCM database business objects and import them into a new VCM database or into a recovered VCM database. This tool also supports the migration of any VCM Management Extension for Asset data that was manually added to VCM.

Prerequisites

Install the Import/Export Tool. See "Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools" on page 19.

Procedure

1. On the Collector, click Start.

2. Select All Programs > VMware vCenter Configuration Manager > Tools > Import Export Tool.

3. For importing and exporting procedures, click Help > Contents and use the online help.

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Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools

Run the Content Wizard to Access Additional Compliance Content

Use the Content Wizard to import additional VMware content such as VCM Compliance Content Packages. These packages are not available in VCM until you download and import them. Check the VCM Compliance Content Packages to determine if you need to import them.

Prerequisites

Install the Content Wizard. See "Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools" on page 19.

Procedure

1. On the Collector, click Start.

2. Select All Programs > VMware vCenter Configuration Manager > Tools > Content Wizard Tool.

3. In the Content Wizard, select Get Updates from the Internet and click Next.

4. After the wizard identifies available content, click Next.

5. Select the updates to install on your Collector and click Install.

When the installation is finished, the Event Log Results window appears.

6. On the Event Log Results window, click Save and specify a location to save the logs.

7. Click Close.

8. On the Content Wizard page, click Exit.

What to do next

View the imported data in VCM. For example, click Compliance and select Machine Group Compliance > Templates. You can now run any imported compliance template against your collected data.

Run the Deployment Utility

The Deployment Utility for UNIX/Linux and ESX/vSphere copies files to multiple target machines when you configure Linux, UNIX, and ESX/vSphere machines for management in VCM.

Procedure

1. On the Collector, navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\VMware\VCM\Tools.

2. Copy the DeployUtility-<version>.zip file from the Collector to your Windows machine.

3. Extract the files.

4. Double-click DeployUtil.exe to start the application.

What to do next

In the Deployment Utility, click Help and review the procedure for the type of machine you are configuring.

Package Studio

Use Package Studio to create software packages that can be installed by VCM. It is one component of VCM Software Provisioning that includes the Software Repository for Windows and the Package Manager.

For procedures to run the Package Studio, see the Software Provisioning Components Installation and User's Guide.

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Foundation Checker

Use the Foundation Checker tool to verify that a Windows machine designated as a VCM Collector meets all of the prerequisites necessary to install VCM.

Installation Manager uses VCM Foundation Checker to check a machine’s viability for a successful VCM deployment. Foundation Checker runs system checks that determine various conditions, settings, and requirements, and displays a results file that displays the system checks that passed, failed, or generated warnings.

If the checks run without error, you can install VCM. If the checks identify missing components or incorrect configurations, Foundation Checker instructs you where to verify the component or configuration and how to remedy the errors.

To run the Foundation Checker on a Windows machine on which you will install another instance of VCM, see the Foundation Checker User's Guide.

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Configuring VMware Cloud Infrastructure

VCM collects information from your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager so that you can then use the information to manage and maintain your virtual environment.

The collected data appears in the Console under the Virtual Environments node. The information is organized in logical groupings based on the information sources, including vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager.

Based on the collected virtual environments data, you can manage the objects and data at an enterprise and individual level, including running compliance rules and reports; running actions, such as changing settings and taking virtual machine snapshots; and managing the guest operating systems as fully managed VCM machines.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Virtual Environments Configuration 23

Configure Virtual Environments Collections 25

Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environment Management 26

Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint 29

Configure vCenter Server Data Collections 29

Configure vCenter Server Virtual Machine Collections 36

Configure vCloud Director Collections 38

Configure vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines Collections 42

Configure vShield Manager Collections 48

Configure ESX Service Console OS Collections 51

Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In 57

Virtual Environments Configuration

To manage your virtual environments, you collect vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager data. To collect the data, you use one or more Managing Agent machines.

After configuring your Managing Agent machines, you add and configure your vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager instances in VCMto use the Managing Agent for communication. For a diagram illustrating how the components are configured together, see Figure 3–1. Virtual Environments

Configuration Diagram.

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Figure 3–1. Virtual Environments Configuration Diagram

Managing Agents Virtual Environments

The Managing Agent machines must have the 5.5 Agent or later installed. They must also be configured to manage the secure communication between the vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager instances and the Collector. Depending on the size of your Cloud Infrastructure environment, you can use your Collector as a Managing Agent or you can use another Windows machine. If your individual vCenter Server instances manage no more than 1–30 hosts and a maximum of 1000 guests, then you can use the Collector as your Managing Agent. If any of your vCenter Server instances exceed this amount, you must use a Windows machine that is not your Collector as a Managing Agent.

CAUTION Do not use the Windows machines on which your vCenter Server instances are running

as Managing Agent machines.

Managing vCenter Server Instances, Hosts, and Guest Virtual Machines

You collect data from vCenter Server instances regarding resources managed by the vCenter Server, and to identify and manage the host and guest machines. The host and guest machines are managed based on configured vCenter Server instances. From VCM, you can run vCenter Server actions such as configuring settings, turning the power on and off, or taking a snapshot. To fully manage the guest machines, install the VCM Agent on the virtual machines and manage their operating system.

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Managing Instances of vCloud Director and vApp Virtual Machines

You collect data from vCloud Director instances regarding their configurations, resources managed by vCloud Director, and to identify and manage the vApp virtual machine guest operating systems. To fully manage the guest machines, you install the VCM Agent on the virtual machines and manage their operating system.

Managing vShield Manager Instances

You collect from vShield Manager instances to gather data regarding vShield App security groups. You can run reports on the collected data.

Configure Virtual Environments Collections

To manage your virtual environments, configure your Managing Agent and then implement the procedures that suit your environment.

Procedure

1. "Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environment Management" on page 26

The Managing Agents are one or more physical or virtual machines running a supported Windows operating system that manages the communication between the Collector and your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager.

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

2. "Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint" on page 29

When configuring the settings for your virtual environments systems, you can use an SSL certificate thumbprint file to ensure secure communication between the Collector and your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager.

3. "Configure vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 29

Collect data from your vCenter Server so that you can identify and manage your virtual environments, including ESX and ESXi hosts, and guest virtual machines.

4. "Configure vCenter Server Virtual Machine Collections" on page 36

Configure virtual machine collections so that you can identify and manage the guest operating systems on the vCenter Server virtual machines.

5. "Configure vCloud Director Collections" on page 38

Configure collections from your vCloud Director instances so that you can run compliance and reports, and identify your vApp virtual machines.

6. "Configure vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines Collections" on page 42

Collect vCloud Director data so that you can identify and manage the guest operating systems of the vApp virtual machines.

7. "Configure vShield Manager Collections" on page 48

Configure collections from your vShield Manager instances so that you can run reports on the collected data.

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8. "Configure ESX Service Console OS Collections" on page 51

The ESX Service Console OS Linux data type data and the ESXlogs are collected directly from the ESX operating systems, not from vCenter Server. Configure the ESX servers so that you can collect the

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Linux data type and ESX log data from the ESX service console operating system.

9. "Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In" on page 57

The vSphere Client VCM Plug-In provides contextual access to VCM change, compliance, and management functions. It also provides direct access to collected vCenter Server, virtual machine host, and virtual machine guest data.

Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environment Management

CAUTION Do not use the Windows machines on which your vCenter Server instances are running

as Managing Agent machines.

Procedure

1. "Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines" on page 26

Collect data from your Managing Agent machines to ensure that VCM identifies the Windows machines as licensed and that the 5.5 Agent or later is installed.

2. "Set the Trust Status for Managing Agent Machines" on page 27

You can set the trusted status on machines where you have verified that the connection is legitimate. When you set the trust status, you are marking the Agent certificate as trusted.

3. "Configure HTTPS Bypass Setting for Virtual Environments " on page 28

If your Collector is not configured to use HTTPS, you must configure the Collector to allow HTTP communication when entering sensitive parameter values.

4. "Enable Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environments" on page 28

Managing Agent machines must be enabled to perform the necessary communication with your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager.

Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines

Collect data from your Managing Agent machines to ensure that VCM identifies the Windows machines as licensed and that the 5.5 Agent or later is installed.

The Managing Agent is the Agent used to collect data from your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director and vShield Manager.

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Prerequisites

Verify that the Windows machine that you designated as the Managing Agent is licensed and that it has the VCM Agent 5.6 or later installed. See "Configure Windows Machines" on page 89.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Windows Machines.

3. Select the target machines and click Collect on the VCM toolbar.

4. Select Machine Data and click OK.

5. Verify that the Selected list includes the target machines and click Next.

6. Expand the Windows tree, select Machines, and click Next.

7. Resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

What to do next

n When the job is finished, verify that the Agent Version value in the data grid is 5.6 or later.

n Configure the trust status for the Managing Agents. See "Set the Trust Status for Managing Agent

Machines" on page 27.

Set the Trust Status for Managing Agent Machines

You can set the trusted status on machines where you have verified that the connection is legitimate. When you set the trust status, you are marking the Agent certificate as trusted.

When you transmit sensitive information, such as credentials, between the Collector and virtual or physical machines on which the Managing Agent is installed, the Agent certificate, including the Agent certificate on the Collector, must be trusted.

If you do not use this level of security, you can set the Allow sensitive parameters to be passed to agents not verified as Trusted option to Yes. To override the setting, click Administration and select Settings > General Settings > Collector.

Prerequisites

Ensure that you collected the Machines data type from the Windows machines you are using as Managing Agents. See "Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines" on page 26.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Certificates.

3. Select the target machines and click Change Trust Status.

4. Add any additional machines to trust to the lower data grid.

5. Select Check to trust or uncheck to untrust the selected machines and click Next.

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6. Review the number of machines affected and click Finish.

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What to do next

n If your Collector is not configured to use HTTPS, set the HTTPS bypass. See "Configure HTTPS Bypass

Setting for Virtual Environments " on page 28.

n Identify the Windows machines as Managing Agents. See "Enable Managing Agent Machines for

Virtual Environments" on page 28.

Configure HTTPS Bypass Setting for Virtual Environments

If your Collector is not configured to use HTTPS, you must configure the Collector to allow HTTP communication when entering sensitive parameter values.

If your Collector is configured to use HTTPS, you do not need to modify this setting.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Settings > General Settings > Collector.

3. Select Allow HTTP communication (HTTPS bypass) when entering sensitive parameter values and click Edit Settings.

4. Select Yes and click Next.

5. Review the summary and click Finish.

What to do next

Identify the Windows machines as Managing Agents. See "Enable Managing Agent Machines for Virtual

Environments" on page 28.

Enable Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environments

Managing Agent machines must be enabled to perform the necessary communication with your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager.

Prerequisites

n Ensure that the Managing Agent machines are trusted machines. See "Set the Trust Status for Managing

Agent Machines" on page 27.

n If your Collector is not configured to use HTTPS, set the HTTPS bypass. See "Configure HTTPS Bypass

Setting for Virtual Environments " on page 28.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Administration > Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Windows Machines.

3. Select the Managing Agent machines and click Change Managing Agent Status.

4. Add any additional machines to the lower data grid.

5. Select Enable - allow the selected machines to be used as managing agents and click Next.

6. Review the number of machines affected and click Finish.

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What to do next

n To maintain secure communication, you need the SSLcertificates from your instances of vCenter

Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint" on page 29.

n Configure the collections from your instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield

Manager.

n See "Configure vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 29.

n See "Configure vCloud Director Collections" on page 38.

n See "Configure vShield Manager Collections" on page 48.

Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint

You can use this procedure to copy and save the thumbprint in advance of configuring the settings, or you can follow the process while you are using the wizard.

This procedure applies when your certificates are not properly trusted. If your certificates are configured and trusted, you must log onto the target machine to retrieve the thumbprint from the certificate store.

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

Prerequisites

Ensure that you have network access to the target instances of vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager from which you need the thumbprint string.

Procedure

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. In the address bar, type https://<your vcenter server, vcloud director, or vshield manager instance>.

3. On the certificate error page, click Continue to this website.

4. On the address bar, click Certificate Error and select View Certificates.

5. Click the Details tab.

6. In the list, select Thumbprint.

7. Copy the thumbprint string to your clipboard or to a file so that you can access it when needed.

Configure vCenter Server Data Collections

Collect data from your vCenter Server so that you can identify and manage your virtual environments, including ESX and ESXi hosts, and guest virtual machines.

Prerequisites

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n Configure your Managing Agent machines. See "Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual

Environment Management" on page 26.

n To maintain secure communication, you need the SSLcertificates from your instances of vCenter

Server. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint" on page 29.

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Procedure

1. "Add vCenter Server Instances" on page 30

Add the vCenter Server instances to VCM so that you can license and collect vCenter Server data using the Managing Agent.

2. "Configure the vCenter Server Settings" on page 31

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vCenter Server access options so that VCM can collect host and guest data from the vCenter Server instances.

3. "Collect vCenter Server Data" on page 32

Collect the vCenter Server, host, and guest data from the vCenter Server instances. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

The collectedvCenter Server data appears in the Console in the Virtual Environments node. The collected vCenter Server data helps you identify and manage vCenter Server, host, and guest objects. See " vCenter

Server Collection Results" on page 34.

Add vCenter Server Instances

Add the vCenter Server instances to VCM so that you can license and collect vCenter Server data using the Managing Agent.

In addition to adding the vCenter Server instances, and you can also add the Windows machine on which the vCenter Server is installed and manage the underlying Windows operating system.

Prerequisites

Know the names and domain information for the vCenter Server instances in your environment.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines.

3. Click Add Machines.

4. On the Add Machines page, select Basic: Name, Domain, Type, Automatically license machines, and click Next.

5. On the Manually Add Machines - Basic page, configure these options to identify the vCenter Server instances.

Option Description

Machine Name of the vCenter Server.

Domain Domain to which the vCenter Server belongs.

Type Domain type.

Machine Type Select vCenter (Windows).

6. Click Add.

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The machine information is added to the list.

7. (Optional) Add other vCenter Server instances as needed.

8. When all your vCenter Server are added to the list, click Next.

9. On the Information page, review the summary and click Finish.

What to do next

n Configure the vCenter Server settings. See "Configure the vCenter Server Settings" on page 31.

n Manage the Windows operating systems on which vCenter Server instances are running. See

"Configure Windows Machines" on page 89.

Configure the vCenter Server Settings

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vCenter Server access options so that VCM can collect host and guest data from the vCenter Server instances.

Prerequisites

n Collect Machines data from the Windows machine that you designated as your Managing Agent. See

"Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines" on page 26.

n If you are using SSL Certificates to maintain secure communication, you must provide the certificate

thumbprint from the target system when configuring the settings. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate

Thumbprint" on page 29.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vCenter Server instances and click Configure Settings.

4. On the Virtual Environment page, verify that the vCenter Server instances appear in the lower pane and click Next.

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5. On the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, configure the settings that are applied to all selected vCenter Server instances and click Next.

Option Description

Managing Agent Select the Windows machine to manage

Port Type the port used by the VMware Infrastructure

User ID Type a vCenter Server instance user name.

communication between the Collector and the vCenter Server instances.

This Windows machine must have the 5.5 Agent or later installed.

You can use the Collector as your managing agent.

SDK on the vCenter Server instances.

The default value is 443.

The user must have a vCenter Server administrative role or a read only role. However, you cannot run actions with a read only role.

Password Type the password for the vCenter Server

instance user ID.

Confirm Password Type the password again.

Ignore untrusted SSL Certificate Select one of the following certificate options.

n Yes: Ignores the requirement for a valid signed

certificate.

n No: Requires a valid signed certificate.

6. If you selected No on the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, you must type or paste the thumbprint string in the text box and click Next.

7. On the Important page, click Finish.

What to do next

Collect vCenter Server data. See "Collect vCenter Server Data" on page 32.

Collect vCenter Server Data

Collect the vCenter Server, host, and guest data from the vCenter Server instances. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

Prerequisites

Configure the vCenter Server settings. See "Configure the vCenter Server Settings" on page 31.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vCenter Server instances and click Collect on the VCM toolbar.

4. On the Collection Type page, select Machine Data and click OK.

5. On the Machines page, verify that the Selected list includes all the vCenter Server instances from which you are collecting and click Next.

6. On the Data Types page, select the Virtualization vCenter Server data types that you want to collect from the vCenter Server instances and click Next.

7. On the Important page, resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

What to do next

n Review the collected virtualization data. Click Console and select Virtual Environments > vCenter.

n (Optional) Schedule vCenter Server collections. See "Configure vCenter Server Scheduled Collections"

on page 35.

vCenter Custom Information Filter

Use the collection filter wizard and the Custom Information data type to collect vCenter Custom Information (VCI) data from your VCM managed machines. You include your PowerShell or Python script in the vCenter Custom Information script-based collection filter, which extends the data that VCM collects.

CAUTION Be careful when you use CDATA in scripts. Because VCM uses CDATA to encode the

filters, do not include the literal strings for the CDATA open and close tags in your script and do not include nested CDATA. Instead, use the following commands and concatenate the $cdstart and

$cdend variables to the data to map into a CDATA block in the results. For example:

[string]$cdstart = ("<!" + "[CDATA" + "[")

[string]$cdend = ("]" + "]" + ">")

Additional information applicable to vCenter Custom Information Filters

The PowerCLI boiler plate code inherently deserializes parameters into power shell object and connects to vCenter during VCI filter execution in the Managing Agent when Script Type POWERCLI PowerShell v2.0 Text Output is selected while creating VCI filters.

Write an appropriate PowerCLI script in the required format to fetch the data. You can see already existing canned filter for information on how to fetch data from vCenter and format it. The existing functions (for example,ToCMBase64String) that are being used in the canned scripts but not defined in the scripts, are part of the boiler plate code. These functions can be used while creating other filters, if the selected script type is POWERCLI PowerShell v2.0 Text Output.

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The python boiler plate code inherently deserializes parameters into python object and connects to the vCenter during VCI filter execution in the Managing Agent when Script Type Python 2.7.2 Text Output is selected while creating VCI filters.

Useful Points to Python Script Writers:

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

1. Creating a new python sub-class from VciFilter class would yield the auto-connection to work.

2. Incorporate custom collection logic by implementing runDataCollection method in the new sub-class.

3. For more information refer the canned filter code "Principles and Roles - Python". This filter is selfexplanatory.

Useful information about the data that is being collected

1. Scripts (python/PowerCLI) can include the cm_object_name property to tag results at each level that they belong to a particular VI object. The value of the cm_object_name should be encoded in CMBase64 format. See the canned filter script for information on how to use this function in PowerCLI and python scripts.

2. If this property is not provided, results are associated with vCenter itself.

3. This value is displayed in the UI as the Object Name column.

4. If a value is provided and the value does not match any of the objects in ecm_dat_machine_group_ vsphere_objects_xref, these non-matching rows will not be available to compliance, but will still be displayed in the UI and accessible through the ecmVM_view.

vCenter Server Collection Results

The collectedvCenter Server data appears in the Console in the Virtual Environments node. The collected vCenter Server data helps you identify and manage vCenter Server, host, and guest objects.

Option Description

Console View the Virtual Environments dashboards. Click Click Console and select

Dashboards > Virtual Environments.

View the collected vCenter Server data. Click Console and select Virtual Environments > vCenter to access the collected data.

View the change logs for the virtual environments. Click Console and select Change Management to access the collected data.

Compliance Access compliance rules that you create based on the collected vCenter Server

data using the Virtual Environment Compliance node.

The compliance rules for the virtual machines you license and on which you install the Agent are managed in the Machine Group Compliance node.

Reports Run configured Virtual Environments reports, including a vCenter Summary

report. Click Reports and select Machine Group Reports > Virtual Environments.

Create reports based collected vCloud Director objects. Click Reports and select Virtual Object Reports.

Administration Displays managed vCenter Server instances from which you are collecting

data.

Click Administration and select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments to view licensed vCenter Server instances.

Administration > Machine Groups

Dynamic machine groups based on vCenter Server objects. These objects include instances, hosts, and guest machines, and are used to limit the displayed data.

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Configure vCenter Server Scheduled Collections

Configure VCM to regularly collect vCenter Server data from your vCenter Server machine groups to ensure that you are using current results when you are viewing the data and when running reports or compliance.

This action is not required, but scheduling your collections improves your configuration management efficiency.

Procedure

1. "Create vCenter Server Machine Groups" on page 35

Create a Windows machine group that contains your vCenter Server instances so that you can run collections on the member machines.

2. "Schedule vCenter Server Collections" on page 35

Schedule the collection job to run against your vCenter Server machine group with the the Default filter set applied so that you regularly collect the vCenter Server and Windows data from the vCenter Server instances.

Create vCenter Server Machine Groups

Create a Windows machine group that contains your vCenter Server instances so that you can run collections on the member machines.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Machine/Virtual Object Groups > All Windows Machines.

3. Click Add Group.

4. Type the name and description of the machine group and click Next.

For example, type the name vCenter Server Instances.

5. Select Static and click Next.

6. Add the Windows machines that are running vCenter Server to the Selected list and click Next.

7. Click Finish.

The group is added to the All Windows Machines list.

What to do next

Schedule the collection of the vCenter Server data types from the vCenter Server instances. See "Schedule

vCenter Server Collections" on page 35.

Schedule vCenter Server Collections

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Prerequisites

Create a Windows machine groups that includes the machines that are running vCenter Server. See

"Create vCenter Server Machine Groups" on page 35.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Job Manager > Scheduled.

3. Click Add.

4. Select Collection and click Next.

5. Type a job name and description and click Next.

For example, vCenter Server Collections.

6. Select Default filter set and click Next.

7. Select your vCenter Server machine group and click Next.

For example, vCenter Server Instances.

8. Configure when the collection job runs and click Next.

For example, every four hours starting today.

9. Resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

The collection job is added to your Scheduled Jobs list.

What to do next

After a scheduled run time, verify that the job ran. The information is available in Job Manager history for scheduled collections. Select the time and review the general status and success. View the machine detail status if the collection was not 100% successful.

Configure vCenter Server Virtual Machine Collections

Configure virtual machine collections so that you can identify and manage the guest operating systems on the vCenter Server virtual machines.

VCM manages virtual machines as guest machines and as Windows, Linux, or UNIX machines. To manage the virtual machines as guest machines, you collect vCenter Guests data from your vCenter Server. To manage the virtual machines based on operating system, you license, install the VCM Agent, and collect data directly from the managed machines.

You can identify the virtual machines in your environment two ways.

n Collect vCenter Guests data from you vCenter Servers and manage the virtual Windows, Linux, or

UNIX machines. See "Collect vCenter Server Virtual Machines Data" on page 36.

n Manually discover Windows Machines or add Linux or UNIX machines. For Windows machines, see

"Discover Windows Machines" on page 92. For Linux or UNIX machines, see "Configure Collections from Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines" on page 122.

Collect vCenter Server Virtual Machines Data

Identify and license your virtual machines that are identified based on collected vCenter Guests data.

Prerequisites

Manage your vCenter Servers in VCM. See "Configure vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 29.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vCenter Servers and click Collect on the VCM toolbar.

4. On the Collection Type page, select Machine Data and click OK.

5. On the Machines page, verify that the Selected list includes all the vCenter Servers from which you are collecting and click Next.

6. On the Data Types page select Virtualization > vCenter Guests and click Next.

7. On the Important page, resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

What to do next

License your virtual machines. See "Manage vCenter Server Virtual Machines " on page 37.

Manage vCenter Server Virtual Machines

Add and license the virtual machines identified based on a vCenter Guests collection from your vCenter Servers. If you are managing Windows virtual machines, you can also install the VCM Agent.

Using the Manage Guests wizard, you can add the virtual machines to the appropriate Available Machines data grid based on operating system, license the virtual machine based on operating system, or, for Windows machines, license and install the Agent.

Prerequisites

Collect vCenter Guests data from your vCenter Servers. See "Collect vCenter Server Virtual Machines

Data" on page 36.

Procedure

1. Click Console.

2. Select Virtual Environments > vCenter > Guests > Summary.

3. Select either your Windows virtual machines or your Linux or UNIX virtual machines and click Manage Guests.

4. On the Default Domain page, configure the options and click Next.

a. Specify the Domain in which the machines are running.

b. Select the Domain Type.

5. On the Edit VMGuest Machine Info page, review the list and update or remove virtual machines, and click Next.

6. On the License VMGuests page, configure the options and click Next.

a. Select License the selected machines.

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b. (Windows machines only) Select Install VCMagents for the selected Windows machines, and

click Next.

7. On the Confirm Your Changes page, review the changes and click Finish.

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What to do next

n For Windows operating system guest machines on which you installed the Agent, collect from the

Windows virtual machines. See "Collect Windows Data" on page 95. If you did not install the Agent, see

"Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Windows Machines" on page 93.

n For Linux or UNIX operating system guest machines you must install the Agent. See "Configure

Collections from Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines" on page 122.

Configure vCloud Director Collections

Configure collections from your vCloud Director instances so that you can run compliance and reports, and identify your vApp virtual machines.

Prerequisites

n Configure your Managing Agent machines. See "Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual

Environment Management" on page 26.

n To maintain secure communication, you need the SSLcertificates from your instances of vCloud

Director. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint" on page 29.

Procedure

1. "Add vCloud Director Instances" on page 38

Add the instances of vCloud Director to VCM so that you can license and collect vCloud Director data using the Managing Agent.

2. "Configure the vCloud Director Settings" on page 39

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vCloud Director access options so that VCM can collect virtual machine data from your instances of vCloud Director.

3. "Collect vCloud Director Data" on page 40

Collect the data from the instances of vCloud Director. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

The collected vCloud Director data appears in the Console in the Virtual Environments node. The data helps you identify and manage vApp virtual machines. See "vCloud Director Collection Results" on page

41.

Add vCloud Director Instances

Add the instances of vCloud Director to VCM so that you can license and collect vCloud Director data using the Managing Agent.

In addition to adding the instances of vCloud Director, and you can also add the Red Hat machine on which the vCloud Director instance is installed and manage the underlying Red Hat operating system.

Prerequisites

Know the names and domain information for the instances of vCloud Director in your environment.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines.

3. Click Add Machines.

4. On the Add Machines page, select Basic: Name, Domain, Type, Automatically license machines, and click Next.

5. On the Manually Add Machines - Basic page, configure these options to identify the instances of vCloud Director.

Option Description

Machine Name of the vCloud Director instance.

Domain Domain to which the vCloud Director instance belongs.

Type Domain type.

Machine Type Select vCloud Director.

6. Click Add.

The machine information is added to the list.

7. (Optional) Add other instances of vCloud Director as needed.

8. When all your instances of vCloud Director are added to the list, click Next.

9. On the Information page, review the summary and click Finish.

What to do next

n Configure the vCloud Director settings. See "Configure the vCloud Director Settings" on page 39.

n Manage the Red Hat operating systems on which your vCloud Director instances are running. See

"Configure Collections from Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines" on page 122.

Configure the vCloud Director Settings

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vCloud Director access options so that VCM can collect virtual machine data from your instances of vCloud Director.

Prerequisites

n Collect Machines data from the Windows machine that you designated as your Managing Agent. See

"Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines" on page 26.

n If you are using SSL Certificates to maintain secure communication, you must provide the certificate

thumbprint from the target system when configuring the settings. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate

Thumbprint" on page 29.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vCloud Director instances and click Configure Settings.

4. On the Virtual Environment page, verify that the vCloud Director instances appear in the lower pane and click Next.

5. On the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, configure the settings that are applied to all selected vCloud Director instances and click Next.

Option Description

Managing Agent Select the Windows machine to manage

communication between the Collector and the vCloud Director instances.

This Windows machine must have the 5.5 Agent or later installed.

You can use the Collector as your managing agent.

Port Type the port used by the API on the vCloud

Director instance.

The default value is 443.

User ID Type a vCloud Director instance user name.

The user must have a vCloud Director administrative role or an unrestricted read only role. Use a full vCloud Director administrative user, such as administrator@system.

Password Type the password for the vCloud Director

instance user ID.

Confirm Password Type the password again.

Ignore untrusted SSL Certificate Select one of the following certificate options.

n Yes: Ignores the requirement for a valid signed

certificate.

n No: Requires a valid signed certificate.

6. If you selected No on the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, you must type or paste the thumbprint string in the text box and click Next.

7. On the Important page, click Finish.

What to do next

Collect vCloud Director data. See "Collect vCloud Director Data" on page 40.

Collect vCloud Director Data

Collect the data from the instances of vCloud Director. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

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Prerequisites

Configure the vCloud Director settings. See "Configure the vCloud Director Settings" on page 39.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vCloud Director instances and click Collect on the VCM toolbar.

4. On the Collection Type page, select Machine Data and click OK.

5. On the Machines page, verify that the Selected list includes all the vCloud Director instances from which you are collecting and click Next.

6. On the Data Types page, select the Virtualization vCloud Director data type that you want to collect from the vCloud Director instances and click Next.

7. On the Important page, resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

What to do next

Review the collected virtualization data. Click Console and select Virtual Environments > vCloud Director.

Discover the vApp virtual machines created by the vCloud Director and make them available in VCM. See

"Discover vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines" on page 44.

vCloud Director Collection Results

The collected vCloud Director data appears in the Console. The discovered virtual machines appear on Administration. After you license the virtual machines and install the Agent, you manage them based on their operating system.

The displayed data is only as current as the last time you collected data from your vCloud Director instances and from your managed machines.

Option Descriptio n

Console View collected vCloud Director instance data. Click Console and

selectVirtual Environments > vCloud Director.

View the change logs for the virtual environments. Click Console and select Change Management to access the collected data.

Compliance Access compliance rules that you create based on the collected vCloud

Director data using the Virtual Environment Compliance node. You cannot create enforceable compliance rules for vCloud Director data.

The compliance rules for the virtual machines that you license and on which you install the Agent are managed in the Machine Group Compliance node.

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Option Descriptio n

Reports Run a configured vCloud Director report. Click Reports and select

Machine Group Reports > Virtual Environments > vCloud Director Managed VMs. The report includes the vCloud Director Instance,

Organization, Organization virtual datacenter, vApp Name, the VC Machine Name, and the related networking data.

Create reports based collected vCloud Director objects. Click Reports and select Virtual Object Reports.

Administration Displays managed vCloud Director instances from which you are

collecting data. Click Administration and select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

Displays the discovered virtual machines with a machine name that is based on your configuration options in the discovery rule.

For example, OrgName:vAppName:VirtualMachineName.

Click Administration and select Machines Manager.

n If the machines are not licensed and the Agent is not installed, the

machines appear in the Available Machines data grid based on the operating system.

n If the machines are licensed and the Agent is installed, the machines

appear in the Licensed Machines data grid based on the operating system.

Administration > Machine Groups

Dynamic machine groups based on vCloud Director objects, including instances and guest machines, are used to limit the displayed data.

Configure vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines Collections

Collect vCloud Director data so that you can identify and manage the guest operating systems of the vApp virtual machines.

To accommodate how vCloud Director manages vApps, which can include duplicate names, IP addresses, and MAC addresses, VCM collects and displays internal and external IP address information, internal machine name information, and vCenter machine name information collected directly from vCloud Director. Based on the collected data, you determine how VCM constructs a unique virtual machine name and specify which IP address to use based on the network address translation (NAT) mapping level.

To identify the vCloud Director virtual machines, you configure discovery rules that analyze data collected from the vCloud Director REST API and use the vApp virtual machine information to add new virtual machines to VCM. After installing the Agent and licensing the virtual machines, you manage the new machines based on their operating systems. The machines appear in VCM based on your configured naming convention.

Network Address Translation and vCloud Director vApp Discovery Rules

To configure the connection string when creating a vCloud Director virtual machines discovery rule, you must know how network address translation (NAT) is implemented in your vCloud Director instances.

The vCloud Director administrator configures the NATmapping. How the virtual machines are configured with NATand where VCM is in the network determines the connection string that VCM uses to communicate with the virtual machines.

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vCloud Director 1.0 and 1.5 support a variety of vApp network configurations. VCM supports these scenarios.

n VCM is located in the vApp with the virtual machines that it is managing.

n The vApp has a direct connection to the org network.

n The vApp has a direct connection to the external network.

n The vApp has a one-to-one IP address NAT connection to the organization network with direct

connection to the external network.

n The vApp has a one-to-one IP address NAT connection to the organization network with a one one-to-

one IP address NAT connection to the external network.

n The vApp has a direct connection to the organization network with one IP address to one IP address

NAT connection to the external network.

VCM does not support one to many IP addresses NAT mapping for vCloud Director vApp virtual machines.

To determine the connection string to use when discovering the vCloud Director virtual machines, you must know where VCM is located in the network and how NAT is implemented.

Table 3–1. Determining the Connection String Based on Network Configuration

Location o f VCM or the Proxy Server on the Network

External Network Organization Network Discovery

Rule Con nection String

In the

NA NA Internal IP managed vApp

On Org Network

NA Direct connection. None (use

DNS) or Internal IP

On Org Network

On External

NA NATat vApp level. vApp

External IP

Direct Connection Not connected or direct connection. Internal IP Network

On External Network

Direct from

NAT at vApp level. vApp

Organization

NAT at Org level The vApp level IPis collected from

vCloud Director, but it is not used for

External IP

Org External IP

the VCM connection.

After you collect the vCloud Director data, you can view the internal and external IP addresses in network information for the virtual machines.

Best Practice

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VCM cannot use DCOM to communicate with vCloud Director vApp virtual machines across NAT mapped networks.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

In a NATmapped network environment, your best practice is to install the Agent on the vApp template machines. You must manually install the Agent with the HTTP mode enabled, but you must not collect data from these template machines. Collecting from the template machines generates machine-specific information that will cause the virtual machines created from the template to run incomplete collections.

If you discovered NAT mapped vApp virtual machines that do not have the Agent preinstalled on the templates from which they were created, you must manually install the Agent. The Agent must be installed with the HTTP protocol enabled. See Manually Install the Windows Agent in the online Help.

Discover vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines

To begin managing the vCloud Director vApp virtual machines, create and run a VCM discovery rule. The rule runs against the collected vCloud Director data in the VCM database.

Prerequisites

n Collect vCloud Director data. You can run the discovery only on the collected data. See "Collect vCloud

Director Data" on page 40.

n Determine how NATis used in your vCloud Director network and where VCM is located in

relationship to the network. See "Network Address Translation and vCloud Director vApp Discovery

Rules" on page 42.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Discovery Rules.

3. On the data grid toolbar, click Add.

4. On the Discovery Rules page, type a Name and Description, and click Next.

5. On the Discovery Method page, select By DB Discovery and click Next.

6. On the Discovery Query page, in the Discovery Query drop-down menu, select vCloud Director Managed VMs and click Next.

7. On the Discovery Query Parameters page, configure the options to use when discovering and adding the data to VCM and click Next.

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Option Description

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

Machine Name Format

Select the format used to display the virtual machine name.

You can select the vCenter name for the virtual machine or select a combination of names for the virtual machine that includes the vApp that contains the virtual machine, the vCloud Director organization, and the vCloud Director instance. With these formats, you can easily sort, group, and display the data in VCM.

The composite name is limited to 128 characters.

n VCName: Name of the virtual machinein vCenter. vCloud Director creates the

virtual machine and generates the name of the virtual machine, which includes the machine's host name and the 10-digit identification number of the virtual machinein vCenter. This name is unique in a single vCloud Director instance.

n vApp:VCName: Name of the vApp that contains the virtual machine and the

name of the virtual machinein vCenter.

n vDC:vApp:VCName: Name of the virtual datacenter with the vApp name and

the name of the virtual machinein vCenter.

n Org:vDC:vApp:VCName: Name of the vCloud Director organization with the

virtual datacenter name, the name of the vApp that contains the virtual machine, and the name of the virtual machinein vCenter.

n Cloud:Org:vDC:vApp:VCName: Name of the vCloud Director instance with

the name of the vCloud Director organization, the virtual datacenter name, the name of the vApp that contains the virtual machine, and the name of the virtual machinein vCenter.

Machine Name

Select a character to separate the elements of the vCloud Director hierarchy that you use as the machine name.

Delimiter

Domain

Type or select the domain in which you are managing the virtual machines.

Name

Domain

Select the type of domain to which you are adding the virtual machines.

Type

Protocol Select the protocol by which the Collector will communicate with the Agent.

If the virtual machines in the vApp uses NAT mapping, you must select HTTP. If the virtual machines do not use NAT, you can use HTTP or DCOM.

HTTPPort If you selected the HTTP protocol, you must specify the port used to communicate

with the Collector.

Uses the HTTP Listener on the target machine. The listener is configured to listen on the designated port. Port 26542 is the default setting. Accepted port values range from 1–65535. Other applications should not use this port.

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Option Description

Use a proxy server

Connection String

Select Yes if you use a proxy server for communication between the Collector and the Agents on the virtual Windows machines.

Select No if you do not use a proxy server or if you are managing Linux or UNIX machines.

If the machines you add are Windows machines, you can select a proxy server for communication between the Collector and the Agents on managed machines that are located on the other side of a proxy server. The proxy server routes requests from the Collector to the Agents on managed machines. A proxy server can only be used with Windows HTTP agents.

Select the IP address to use when communicating with the virtual machines.

This address can differ from the address that resolves by machine name from DNS or other name resolution systems. Use this address when VCM must contact a vApp virtual machine through a Network Address Translation (NAT) address, or when DNS available to the Collector cannot resolve the vApp virtual machines.

If the virtual machines that appear in the console as part of your vCloud Director collections are not added as part of your database discovery of vCloud Director data, ensure that the internal or external connection string is valid for the virtual machines. If the connection string is set to External IP, you will discover only machines with external IP addresses.

The connection string depends on the type and level at which NAT mapping is configured.

Cloud Name Filter

Org Name Filter

n None (use DNS): The Collector resolves the IP address to the virtual machine

based on the configured name resolution mechanisms. For example, DNS or Hosts.

n Internal IP: The IP address that the virtual machine has in the vApp.

n vApp External IP: The IP address external to the vApp addresses of the virtual

machines that are configured with NAT at the vApp level.

n Org External IP: The IP address external to the organization addresses of the

virtual machines that are configured with NAT at the organization level or at the organization and vApp level. If NATis implemented at the vApp and organization level, select this option.

To run the query against all system resources in a vCloud Director instance, type the name of the vCloud Director instance.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines managed by the vCloud Director instance.

To run the query against an organization in a vCloud Director instance, type the name of the organization.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines in the organization.

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Option Description

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

vDC Name Filter

vApp Name Filter

VM Name Filter

Network Name Filter

IP Address Filter

Include rule in post collection IPupdate

To run the query against a virtual datacenter in a vCloud Director instance, type the name of the virtual datacenter.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines in the virtual datacenter.

To run the query against a vApp, type the name of the vApp.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines in the vApp.

To run the query to add a specific virtual machine, type the name of the machine.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers the virtual machine.

To run the query against resources on a particular network, type the name of the network.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines on the network.

To run the query to add virtual machines with a particular IP address, type the address.

SQL wildcard expressions are allowed.

Discovers all virtual machines with that IPaddress.

Select Yes to include the properties of this discovery rule to update the connection string information for the discovered machines when new vCloud Director data is collected.

Select No to not update the connection string information.

8. On the Important page, select the options and click Finish.

Option Description

Would you like to run this

Select Yes.

Discovery Rule now?

License and Install Agent on Discovered Machines

If you do not use NAT mapping, select the option to install the Agent.

If you use NATmapping, you must manually install the Agent on the discovered machines.

What to do next

n Review the discovery jobs to determine if your job finished. Click Administration and select Job

Manager > History > Other Jobs.

n Review the collected vCloud Director vApp virtual machine data. Click Administration and select

Machines Manager. In Available Machines and Licensed Machines, select the operating system type

and review the list for the added virtual machines.

n If the discovered machines are listed only in the Available Machines list and the virtual machines use

NAT mapping, you must manually install the Agent appropriate for the operating system. See the online Help for the manual installation procedures.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Configure vShield Manager Collections

Configure collections from your vShield Manager instances so that you can run reports on the collected data.

Prerequisites

n Configure your Managing Agent machines. See "Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual

Environment Management" on page 26.

n To maintain secure communication, you need the SSLcertificates from your instances of vShield

Manager. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint" on page 29.

Procedure

1. "Add vShield Manager Instances" on page 48

Add the instances of vShield Manager to VCM so that you can license and collect vShield Manager data using the Managing Agent.

2. "Configure the vShield Manager Settings" on page 49

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vShield Manager access options so that VCM can collect group and group member data from your instances of vShield Manager.

"Collect vShield Manager Data" on page 50

Collect the data from the instances of vShield Manager. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

The collected vShield Manager data appears in the Console in the Virtual Environments node. See "vShield

Manager Collection Results" on page 51.

Add vShield Manager Instances

Add the instances of vShield Manager to VCM so that you can license and collect vShield Manager data using the Managing Agent.

Most vShield Manager instances are discovered, added, and licensed. Use this procedure if they are not added to VCM.

Prerequisites

n Ensure that the vCenter Server that each instance of vShield Manager is managing is added to VCM.

See "Add vCenter Server Instances" on page 30.

n Know the names and domain information for the instances of vShield Manager in your environment.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines.

3. Click Add Machines.

4. On the Add Machines page, select Basic: Name, Domain, Type, Automatically license machines, and click Next.

5. On the Manually Add Machines - Basic page, configure these options to identify the instances of vShield Manager.

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Option Description

Machine Name of the instance of vShield Manager.

Domain Domain to which the instance of vShield Manager belongs.

Type Domain type.

Machine Type Select vShield.

6. Click Add.

The machine information is added to the list.

7. (Optional) Add other instances of vShield Manager as needed.

8. When all your instances of vShield Manager are added to the list, click Next.

9. On the Information page, review the summary and click Finish.

What to do next

Configure the vShield Manager settings. See "Configure the vShield Manager Settings" on page 49.

Configure the vShield Manager Settings

Configure the Managing Agent, communication, and vShield Manager access options so that VCM can collect group and group member data from your instances of vShield Manager.

Prerequisites

n Collect Machines data from the Windows machine that you designated as your Managing Agent. See

"Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines" on page 26.

n If you are using SSL Certificates to maintain secure communication, you must provide the certificate

thumbprint from the target system when configuring the settings. See "Obtain the SSL Certificate

Thumbprint" on page 29.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the instances of vShield Manager and click Configure Settings.

4. On the Virtual Environment page, verify that the vShield Manager instances appear in the lower pane and click Next.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

5. On the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, configure the settings that are applied to all selected vShield Manager instances and click Next.

Option Description

Managing Agent Select the Windows machine to manage

Port Type the port used by the API on the vShield

User ID Type a vShield Manager instance user name.

communication between the Collector and the vShield Manager instances.

This Windows machine must have the 5.5 Agent or later installed.

You can use the Collector as your managing agent.

Manager instances.

The default value is 443.

The user must have a vShield Manager administrative role or an unrestricted read only role.

Password Type the password for the vShield Manager

instance user ID.

Confirm Password Type the password again.

Ignore untrusted SSL Certificate Select one of the following certificate options.

n Yes: Ignores the requirement for a valid signed

certificate.

n No: Requires a valid signed certificate.

Select vCenter for vShield Select the vCenter Server instance managed by this

vShield Manager instance.

6. If you selected No on the Managing Agent and Communication Settings page, you must type or paste the thumbprint string in the text box and click Next.

7. On the Important page, click Finish.

What to do next

Collect vCloud Director data. See "Collect vShield Manager Data" on page 50.

Collect vShield Manager Data

Collect the data from the instances of vShield Manager. The data is displayed by detailed data type and appears in the VCM Console.

Prerequisites

Configure the vShield Manager settings. See "Configure the vShield Manager Settings" on page 49.

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Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments.

3. Select the vShield Manager instances and click Collect on the VCM toolbar.

4. On the Collection Type page, select Machine Data and click OK.

5. On the Machines page, verify that the Selected list includes all the vShield Manager instances from which you are collecting and click Next.

6. On the Data Types page, select the Virtualization that you want to collect from the vShield Manager instances and click Next.

7. On the Important page, resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

What to do next

Review the collected virtualization data. Click Console and select Virtual Environments > vCloud Director.

Discover the vApp virtual machines created by the vCloud Director and make them available in VCM. See

"Discover vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines" on page 44.

vShield Manager Collection Results

The collected vShield Manager data appears in the Console and is available to generate reports.

The displayed data is only as current as the last time you collected data from your vShield Manager instances.

Option Descriptio n

Console Displays collected vShield Manager instance data.

Click Console and selectVirtual Environments > vCloud Director.

Reports Create and run configured vShield Manager reports.

Administration Displays managed vShield Manager instances from which you are

collecting data.

Click Administration and select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Virtual Environments to view licensed vShield Manager instances.

Administration > Machine Groups

Dynamic machine groups based on vShield App instances security group membership and are used to limit the displayed data.

Configure ESX Service Console OS Collections

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To collect the data, VCM uses an Agent Proxy rather than a VCM Agent installed directly on the ESX and ESXi machines. To support the Agent Proxy, you must copy required files and certificates on the ESX and ESXi servers to manage the data collection from those machines.

Perform the required tasks first for ESX servers, and then for ESXi servers.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

1. "Configure the Collector as an Agent Proxy" on page 52

The Agent Proxy machine is a Windows machine configured to communicate with ESX and ESXi servers and to remotely collect data from those servers. The Collector automatically meets the Agent Proxy requirements. You license the Collector and then collect the Machines data type.

2. "Configure Virtual Machine Hosts" on page 53

License virtual machine hosts to generate a file containing machine names and settings. You use the generated file to configure the ESX machines for management in VCM.

3. "Copy Files to the ESX/ESXi Servers" on page 55

To import target machine information and copy the required files from VCM, you use the UNIX/ESX/vSphere Deployment Utility on your Agent Proxy machines.

4. "Collect ESX Logs Data" on page 56

An initial collection of Virtual Environments data identifies your virtual machine hosts and their guest machines.

You have several options for reviewing and using ESX Logs data in VCM. The data used is only as current as the last collection, and the amount of time it takes for the data to display is based on the volume or complexity of the data requested. See "Virtualization Collection Results" on page 57.

Configure the Collector as an Agent Proxy

NOTE If you manage more than fifty host machines, you must use a separate Windows machine as your Agent Proxy. Moving the Agent Proxy activity to the separate machine optimizes performance. See "Configuring Standalone Agent Proxy Machines" in the online Help.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Windows Machines.

3. Determine whether the Collector machine name appears in the data grid.

If it is listed in the data grid, the machine is licensed. If it is not listed, continue with the licensing process.

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4. License the Collector.

a. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines.

b. Select the Collector in the data grid and click License

c. On the Machines page of the Available Machines License wizard, verify that the Collector machine

name appears in the Selected list and click Next.

d. Review the Product License Details page and click Next.

e. Review the Important page and click Finish.

f. Select Administration > Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Windows Machines

to verify that the Collector is now licensed.

g. Click Refresh on the Console toolbar to update the data.

5. Run a collection for machines data to identify the Collector as an available Windows machine.

a. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Windows Machines, select the Collector in the data grid, and

click Collect on the Console toolbar.

b. On the Collection Type page, click Machine Data and click OK.

c. On the Machines page, verify that the Collector machine name appears in the Selected list.

d. Click Select Data Types to collect from these machines and click Next.

e. On the Data Types page, expand the Windows tree and select Machines.

f. Select Use default filters and click Next.

g. Review the Important page and click Finish.

The collection job starts. You can use the Job Manager to determine when the collection is finished.

What to do next

n When the collection is completed, verify that the Collector machine Agent Proxy State equals Current

Agent. Click Administration and select Machines Manager > Agent Proxies and review the data grid.

n License and configure the target virtual machine hosts. See "Configure Virtual Machine Hosts" on page

53.

Configure Virtual Machine Hosts

License virtual machine hosts to generate a file containing machine names and settings. You use the generated file to configure the ESX machines for management in VCM.

All Virtualization data types are collected through Web Services communication except for the VM Logs, which are collected through SSH and only from ESX machines.

Prerequisites

Verify that at least one Agent Proxy machine is configured. See "Configure the Collector as an Agent

Proxy" on page 52.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed ESX/ESXi Hosts.

3. Select the ESX host and click Configure Settings.

4. Add the machines to be configured to the lower grid and click Next.

The selected machines will use the same Agent Proxy and the same SSHand Web Services settings.

5. Configure the settings on the Agent Proxy and Communication Setting page.

Option Description

Agent Proxy

SSH Settings

Web Services Settings

The configured Agent Proxy used to manage the selected virtual machine host machines.

This option is required when you are licensing host machines, but it is optional if you are modifying the settings.

Select the check box to configure the settings for your ESX machines. Configure these settings so that you can collect ESX Logs data from the managed host machines.

n Port: Used by VMware Web Services SDK for the ESX server on which SSH

listening. The Agent Proxy communicates with the ESX server using this port. The default port (22) is set to the default value for SSH on ESX.

n User ID: Used by the Agent Proxy to communicate with the ESX server through

SSH. This account must have certain permissions, for example, sudoers, defined in the installation process. Authentication for this account uses public key cryptography that was setup during the installation process.

(Optional) Select the check box to configure the settings for your ESX and ESXi machines. Configure the settings to collect virtual environment data from a host machine.

n Port: The port on the ESXserver used by the Agent Proxy to communicate with

the VMware web services interface.

n User ID: The account that has access to the VMware Web services interface. If you

are using ESX, this account must have Administrator access to Web services on the ESX server. This user ID may be different from the user ID for SSH communication, depending on whether you created different accounts during the ESX installation process.

n Password: The password for the Web services User ID specified above. This

password is encrypted in the VCM database.

n Confirm Password: Retype the password.

n Ignore untrusted SSL Certificate: Connection allowed even when certificates are

not verified as trusted.

6. On the Important page, record the .xml file name.

The file is saved to the location configured for CMFiles$\VMHosts_Config. The default location is \Program Files (x86)\VMware\VCM\WebConsole\L1033\Files\VMHosts_Config.

7. Click Finish.

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What to do next

Copy the copy SSH public key file, the csiprep.py file, and the csiprep.config file to the target ESX machines. See "Copy Files to the ESX/ESXi Servers" on page 55.

Copy Files to the ESX/ESXi Servers

To import target machine information and copy the required files from VCM, you use the UNIX/ESX/vSphere Deployment Utility on your Agent Proxy machines.

For ESX machines, you import target machine information from VCM and copy the SSH public key file, the csiprep.py file, and the csiprep.config file to the target ESX machines.

For ESXi machines, you import machine information and copy the necessary Web Services settings to the target machines.

Prerequisites

n License the ESX and ESXi machines. See "Configure Virtual Machine Hosts" on page 53.

n Locate the UNIX/ESX/vSphere Deployment Utility file in C:\Program Files (x86)

\VMware\VCM\Tools\DeployUtility-<version number>. Consult the Deployment Utility online help when using the tool.

Procedure

1. Copy the UNIX/ESX/vSphere Deployment Utility file to the Agent Proxy machine, either a standalone Windows machine or the Collector, and unzip the file.

2. Double-click DeployUtil.exe to start the Deployment Utility.

3. Click the ESX/vSphere Configuration tab.

4. Click File > Open.

5. Browse to the location of the virtual machine hosts configuration file generated when you licensed and configured the virtual machine hosts.

The default location on the Collector is \Program Files (x86) \VMware\VCM\WebConsole\L1033\Files\VMHosts_Config.

6. Select the .xml file and click Open.

The machine information in the .xml file is imported into the ESX Server Settings table on the ESX/vSphere Configuration tab with the settings that you defined in VCM.

7. Select a configuration option.

Option Description

Configure ESX 3.x Servers

Configures the SSH certificate, the csiprep.py file, the csiprep.config file, and passes the SSH and Web Services user information to the target ESX machines.

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Configure ESXiServers

Passes the Web Services to the target ESXmachines

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

8. (Optional) Configure the default server location.

The following settings are automatically configured to the default server locations. If you need to change the paths, click the ellipsis button.

n SSH Public Key file (ESX 3.x only)

n Log Files Location

n csiprep.py File (ESX 3.x only)

n csiprep.config File (ESX 3.x only)

9. (Optional) Configure the VCM user name and password.

To modify the settings in VCM, use the following options or manually change the values in the ESX Server Settings table. For more information about the settings, see the Deployment Utility online Help.

n Use the same user name for both SSH and Web Services collections (ESX 3.x only).

n Use the same password for all WebServices users.

n Apply the same user names and passwords to all ESX servers.

10. Click Configure.

All the machines where the Configure check box is selected now have the same version of the files copied to the location specified in the Remote Path field in the table. If no path is specified, the files are copied to the /tmp directory.

What to do next

Collect data from the target virtual machine hosts. See "Collect ESX Logs Data" on page 56.

Collect ESX Logs Data

An initial collection of Virtual Environments data identifies your virtual machine hosts and their guest machines.

Procedure

1. On the Portal toolbar, click Collect.

2. Select your ESX Servers.

To avoid configuration conflicts, do not select both for one action. The selected machines appear in the Selected list.

3. Click Select Data Types to collect from these machines and click Next.

4. Expand the UNIX node and select the Machines - General data type.

5. Expand the Virtualization node and select the ESX Logs data types.

6. Click Use default filters and click Next.

7. Click Finish.

Monitor the collection job in Job Manager. When the collection is completed, the data appears is available for reports and compliance assessments.

What to do next

Review the collected data in the Console, run reports, configure alerts, and use the machine groups. See

"Virtualization Collection Results" on page 57.

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Virtualization Collection Results

Option Description

Console View ESX logs.

Click Console and select Virtual Environments > ESX Logs.

Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In

When using the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In, the virtual machine host name in vCenter must match the virtual machine host name in VCM.

CAUTION Anyone accessing VCM and the vSphere Client must have a unique login. Do not share

vSphere Client logins between VCM users. Do not share vSphere Client logins between VCM users and non-VCM users.

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

Procedure

1. "Register the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In" on page 57

The registration process configures the URL in the VMware vSphere Client to the VCM Collector and makes the VCM Summary and VCM Actions tabs available in the vSphere Client.

2. "Configuring the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In Integration Settings" on page 58

Configure integration settings in VCM for your vSphere Client VCM Plug-In users. The settings enable users to view the VCM reports.

3. "Manage Machines from the vSphere Client" on page 59

vSphere Client-managed machines are available in the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In when they licensed and have the VCM Agent installed. The available actions include collecting new data and running compliance, patching, and reports for the selected machines.

Register the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In

The registration process configures the URL in the VMware vSphere Client to the VCM Collector and makes the VCM Summary and VCM Actions tabs available in the vSphere Client.

The plug-in is installed with VCM. To unregister a previous version of the plug-in, see the online Help.

IMPORTANT The account that you use to register the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In should be a local administrator on the vSphere instance. The account must connect to a machine that has a valid SSL certificate or must register an invalid certificate (for example, a development certificate) when that user logs into the vSphere Client.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Prerequisites

n Verify that you are using VMware vCenter 4 Server.

n Verify that the VMware vSphere Client is installed.

n Verify that the VMware Tools is installed on the virtual machines.

Procedure

1. On the VCM Collector, browse to [path]\VMware\VCM\Tools\vSphere Client VCM Plugin\bin and double-click VCVPInstaller.exe.

2. In the VCVP Plug-in Registration dialog box, configure the following options.

Option Descriptio n

Server URL Type the http or https path, where <server> is your

Administrator User Name Type the name of a user with Administrator privileges

Select Unregister only if you are discontinuing the use of the plug-in on the target vSphere Client.

vSphere Client server.

in the vSphere Client.

Administrator Password Type the associated password.

URLto vSphereClientVCMPlugin.xml Type the http path, where <VCMserver> is the name or

IP address for the VCM Collector. The xml file is located in

\VMware\VCM\WebConsole\L1033\VCVPAnon\Xml\

vSphereClientVCMPlugin.xml

3. Click OK.

4. Start VCM.

5. On the login screen, select the role that you are using to log into the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In.

6. Select the Automatically log in using this role check box.

7. Start the vSphere Client.

8. Select a Guest machine.

What to do next

n Confirm that you can access the VCM Summary and VCM Actions tabs.

n Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In integration settings in VCM. See "Configuring the vSphere

Client VCM Plug-In Integration Settings" on page 58.

Configuring the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In Integration Settings

Configure integration settings in VCM for your vSphere Client VCM Plug-In users. The settings enable users to view the VCM reports.

VMware, Inc.

Configuring VMware CloudInfrastructure

Prerequisites

Verify that the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In is registered. See "Register the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In"

on page 57.

Procedure

1. Select Administration > Settings > Integrated Products > VMware > vSphere Client VCM Plug-In.

2. Select the setting that you want to configure and click Edit Settings.

3. On the Settings Wizard page for each setting, configure the options.

Option Descript ion

Machine group against which the external reports will be run

Type the name of the machine group.

The default value is All Machines.

Role to use for external report access Type the name of the user role to be used to

access the reports.

The default value is Read-Only. Users other than Admin must have the role selected here in order to see reports in the vSphere Client.

User name to use for assessments Type the name of the user who will run

assessments to obtain data for generating reports.

4. Click Next.

5. Verify your settings and click Finish.

What to do next

You manage machines by running compliance, patching, and reports. See "Manage Machines from the

vSphere Client" on page 59.

Manage Machines from the vSphere Client

VMware, Inc.

Prerequisites

n Verify that the integration settings are configured. See "Configuring the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In

Integration Settings" on page 58.

n Configure your virtual machines for VCM management. See "Configure Windows Machines" on page

89 and "Configure Collections from Linux, UNIX, and Mac OS X Machines" on page 122.

Procedure

1. Start the vSphere Client.

2. Click the VCM Actions tab.

What to do next

Click help on the VCMActions tab for more information about the actions.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

VMware, Inc.

Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Compliance templates evaluate the virtual environment object data to determine if the objects meet the criteria in the rules. If the property values on an object do not meet the criteria, and if there is no exception defined, then the object is flagged as noncompliant. When an object is non compliant, the template results provide the details of the settings or configurations that do not match the rules. You can use this information to resolve the issue.

Compliance templates include the following components:

n Rule Groups: The rule groups comprise rules and filters.

n Rules: The rules define the optimal configuration standard.

n Filters: The filters limit the objects on which the template runs to only the objects that meet the filter

criteria. If filters are not defined, the rules are run against all objects in the virtual objects group.

n Exceptions: The exceptions are optional temporary or permanent exceptions to the template results.

The defined exception indicates that a specific result is compliant or noncompliant even though it does not match the requirements of the rules.

After you configure your compliance templates, you can optimize how VCM monitors the compliance of objects in your environment using alerts and scheduling regular compliance template runs on your collected virtual environment data.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Create and Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 61

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups 62

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules 63

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters 64

Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups 64

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 65

Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates 66

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions 67

Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results 68

Configure Alerts and Schedule Virtual Environment Compliance Runs 71

Create and Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

Create compliance templates that evaluate your virtual environment object data to determine if the objects meet the criteria in the rules that define objects as compliant or noncompliant.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Prerequisites

Collect virtual environments data. See "Configure Virtual Environments Collections" on page 25.

Procedure

1. "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page 62

Rule groups contain compliance rules and filters. You must create rule groups that you then assign to compliance templates.

2. "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules" on page 63

You create rules that define the ideal values that objects should have to be considered compliant.

3. "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters" on page 64

You can create filters that limit the objects on which the templates run to only the objects that meet the filter criteria.

4. "Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page 64

You use the rules preview action, with the filters turned off and then turned on, to determine if a rule group is returning the expected results.

5. "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 65

You can create compliance templates that include one or more rule groups that assess your selected object group to determine which objects are compliant and noncompliant.

6. "Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 66

You run templates against your collected data to determine which objects are compliant or noncompliant.

7. "Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results" on page 68

The results for the compliance templates indicate whether the virtual or physical machine are compliant or noncompliant. If the machine is noncompliant, you can enforce noncompliant results manually or using VCM, or you can add an exception for expected noncompliant results.

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups

Rule groups contain compliance rules and filters. You must create rule groups that you then assign to compliance templates.

Templates can include one or more rule groups. Rule groups comprise rules and filters.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Rule Groups.

3. Click Add.

4. Type the Rule Group Name and Description in the text boxes and click OK.

For example, Guest Tools Running and a description.

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Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

What to do next

Add a rule to the rule group. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules" on page 63.

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules

You create rules that define the ideal values that objects should have to be considered compliant.

The data types correspond to the collected virtual environments data that is displayed in the Console. To identify the values you are configuring for compliance, review the data grids so that you can locate the correct data type in the rule wizard.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Prerequisites

Create a rule group. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page 62.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Rule Groups > rule group name > Rules.

Guest Tools Running is the rule group in this example.

3. Click Add.

4. Type the Name and Description in the text boxes and click Next.

For example, Tools Running.

5. Expand Virtualization, select vCenter - Guests - Summary, and click Next.

The collected guest summary data includes whether the VMware Tools is installed and running on the guest virtual machines.

6. Select Basic and click Next.

7. Click Add and configure the rules with the ideal values.

n In the properties drop-down menu, select Tools Running Status.

n Select = as the rule operator.

n Click the ellipsis button and select guestToolsRunning and click OK.

n Click Next.

8. Select the Severity of a failure in the drop-down menu and click Next.

9. Review the changes and click Finish.

The rule is added to the data grid.

10. Select your new rule and click Preview.

11. Select Do not apply machine filters to preview and click OK.

12. Review the data in the Non-compliant results window to verify that your rule is behaving as expected.

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When you test a rule, test first without the filter to ensure that the rule returns the expected results.

What to do next

Add a filter to the rule group. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters" on page 64.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters

You can create filters that limit the objects on which the templates run to only the objects that meet the filter criteria.If filters are not defined, the rules are run against all objects in the selected virtual objects group.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Prerequisites

n Create a rule group. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page 62.

n Create a rule. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules" on page 63.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Rule Groups > rule group name > Filters.

Guest Tools Running is the rule group in this example.

3. Click Add.

4. Type the Name and Description in the text boxes and click Next.

For example, Not vCenter_Dev

5. Expand Virtualization, select vCenter - Guest - Summary, and click Next.

The collected guest summary data includes vCenter names.

6. Select Basic and click Next.

7. Click Add and configure the filter with the values to limit assessed objects or to exclude objects from assessment.

n In the properties drop-down menu, select vCenter.

n Select <> as the filter operator.

n Click the ellipsis and select vCenter_Dev and click OK.

n Click Next.

8. Review the changes and click Finish.

The filter is added to the data grid.

9. Select your new filter and click Preview.

10. Review the data in the Machines window to verify that your filter is behaving as expected.

What to do next

Test your rule and filter together. See "Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page

64.

Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups

You use the rules preview action, with the filters turned off and then turned on, to determine if a rule group is returning the expected results.

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Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Prerequisites

n Create a rule group. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups" on page 62.

n Create a rule. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules" on page 63.

n Create compliance filters. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters" on page 64.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Rule Groups.

Guest Tools Running is the rule group in this example.

3. Select your new rule group and click Preview.

4. Select Do not apply machine filters to preview and click OK.

When you test a rule, test first without the filter to ensure that the rule returns the expected results.

5. Review the data in the Non-compliant results window to verify that your rule is behaving as expected.

6. Close the window.

7. Select your new rule group and click Preview.

8. Select Apply machine filters to preview and click OK.

9. Review the data in the Non-compliant results window to verify that your rule is behaving as expected. If the results are incorrect, adjust your rules and filters until they work correctly when you preview them.

What to do next

n If you have more than one rule that you must run in a particular order, set the order. The Set Order

option is located on the toolbar.

n Create a template. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 65.

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

You can create compliance templates that include one or more rule groups that assess your selected object group to determine which objects are compliant and noncompliant.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

VMware, Inc.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Prerequisites

Create a rule group. See "Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules" on page 63.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Templates.

3. Click Add.

4. Type the Name and Description in the text boxes and click Next.

For example, Tools Running Not vCenter_Dev and a description.

5. Move the rule group, for this example, Guest Tools Running, to the list on the right and click Next.

6. Select Return both compliant and non-compliant and click Next.

Returning complaint and noncompliant results will help you determine whether your template is returning the correct results.

7. Review your changes and click Finish.

What to do next

Run the template. See "Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 66.

Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

You run templates against your collected data to determine which objects are compliant or noncompliant.

When a compliance template is run, the results appear in a report format and a data grid format.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

Prerequisites

Create a template. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 65.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Templates.

3. Select your template in the data grid and click Run.

In this example, select Tools Running Not vCenter_Dev.

4. Click OK.

5. When the template run is finished, click Close.

6. Double-click the template name in the data grid.

Unless you turned off the summary view, the Virtual Environments Compliance Results report appears. The report includes the number of objects that are compliant and the number that are noncompliant.

7. To view the results in the data grid, click View data grid.

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Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

What to do next

n If you find results that you want to temporarily make compliant or noncompliant, create an exception.

See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions" on page 70.

n Evaluate the results and resolve any issues on the noncompliant objects.

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions

To temporarily or permanently override the specific template results, use exceptions rather than explicitly resolve noncompliant results.

The exceptions are defined against the template results and indicate that a specific result is compliant or noncompliant even though it does not match the requirements of the rules.

You can add exceptions only to existing templates.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

To create an exception in this example, a virtual machine, RHEL_60_ProdDev, is approved to be excluded from the noncompliant results because you never require VMware Tools to be running on this machine.

Prerequisites

Create a template. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 65.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Templates > template name.

3. In the data grid, select the noncompliant result on which you are basing the exception and click Add Exception.

In this example, the noncompliant result is the RHEL_60_ProdDev guest machine.

4. Type the Name, Short Description, Description, and Sponsor in the text boxes and click Next.

5. Select the template to which you are applying the exception in the drop-down menu and click Next.

For this example, select Tools Running Not vCenter_Dev.

6. Select the object group to which you are applying the exception and click Next.

For this example, select All Virtual Objects.

7. Select the override options and the expiration date.

a. Select Override non-compliant results to compliant.

b. Select No Expiration.

c. Click Next.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

8. To define the exception values, modify, delete, or add to the properties, operators, and values for the selected results.

In this example, you are specifying the RHEL_60_ProdDev as the exception.

a. Click Add.

b. In the properties drop-down menu, select Object.

c. Select = as the rule operator.

d. Click the ellipsis button and select RHEL_60_ProdDev in the property values dialog box and click

OK.

9. Click Finish.

What to do next

n Run the template. See "Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 66.

n Create alerts and schedule regular runs of your compliance templates. See "Configure Alerts and

Schedule Virtual Environment Compliance Runs" on page 71

Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results

These procedures provide a variety of examples that apply to virtual environments compliance.

Procedure

1. "Enforce Compliance Template Results Using Enforceable Compliance" on page 209

You can use enforceable compliance to resolve noncompliant results. Enforceable compliance is a VCM action that changes settings on physical machines, virtual machines, or virtual objects during or after a compliance template is run on the machine or object.

2. "Enforce Compliance Template Results by Using VCM Actions" on page 210

You can resolve noncompliant results using VCM actions on the data grids to change settings when the action is not available for enforceable compliance.

3. "Manually Enforce Compliance Template " on page 211

You can resolve noncompliant results by directly accessing the virtual or physical machine, or by accessing the object in vCenter Server, to change the noncompliant configuration setting.

4. "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions" on page 70

To temporarily or permanently override the specific template results, use exceptions rather than explicitly resolve noncompliant results.

Enforce Compliance Template Results Using Enforceable Compliance

The enforceable compliance action is available for some, but not all, settings. You configure the action in the rule to allow automatic enforcement during the compliance run or to initiate enforcement after compliance.

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Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

For a list of enforceable data types, see one of the following lists:

n Enforceable Compliance Windows Data Types and Properties

n Enforceable Compliance UNIX Data Types and Properties

n Enforceable Compliance Virtual Environment Data Types and Properties

If the rule is configured for automatic enforcement, VCM changes the noncompliant setting to the compliant value on the affected machine or object after the compliance assessment runs. If the rule is not configured for automatic enforcement, you select a noncompliant rule and enforce it. VCM then changes the value on the affected machine or object to the required compliant value.

For this example, you are working with a Windows or Linux machine, either a physical machine or a virtual machine. This example assumes that you are not auto-enforcing the noncompliant results during the compliance run.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select the compliance template.

For example, Machine Groups Compliance > Templates > {template name}.

3. In the Status column, select the rule results that are noncompliant and enforceable, indicated by the NoncompliantEnforceable icon, and click Enforce.

4. Select Selected item(s) only and click Next.

5. Review the Information page to ensure that you understand the number of items affected by the enforcement change and click Finish.

6. After the enforcement job finishes, click Refresh.

7. In the Enforcement column, verify that the enforcement action succeeded, indicated by the Succeeded icon.

After enforcing compliance, VCM performs another data collection.

What to do next

View the results to verify that the machines or objects are now compliant.

Enforce Compliance Template Results by Using VCM Actions

You can resolve noncompliant results using VCM actions on the data grids to change settings when the action is not available for enforceable compliance.

For this example, a template includes a rule where snapshots older than a particular date must not exist. If a virtual machine snapshot exists older than the specified date, the object is noncompliant. The compliance remediation action is to delete the older snapshots that make the object noncompliant. You can delete a virtual machine snapshot as an enforceable action in compliance, or you can use the VCM action to manually make the object compliant.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environments Compliance > Templates > {template name}.

3. In the Status column, identify the rule results that are noncompliant.

4. Identify the affected physical or virtual machines or virtual objects, and determine the expected value of the property.

For example, click and drag the Status column heading and the Rule column heading to the filter. Expand the noncompliant results and the rule related to the power state. The noncompliant object appears in the object column.

5. To resolve the noncompliant results, click Console and select Virtual Environments, select the Windows tab or the UNIX tab, and browse to the data grid where the action is available.

For example, click Console and select Virtual Environments > vCenter > Guests > Snapshot.

6. Select the machines or objects that you identified as noncompliant, and click the applicable action button on the data grid.

For example, select the virtual machine snapshots that are older than the compliance date and click Delete Snapshot.

7. Follow the prompts to configure the options, select Run action now, and click Finish.

After enforcing compliance, VCM performs another data collection.

What to do next

View the results to verify that the machines or objects are now compliant.

Manually Enforce Compliance Template

You can resolve noncompliant results by directly accessing the virtual or physical machine, or by accessing the object in vCenter Server, to change the noncompliant configuration setting.

Procedure

n Using your allowed methods, change the noncompliant setting value on the machine or object to the

required compliant value.

After enforcing compliance, VCM performs another data collection.

What to do next

View the results to verify that the machines or objects are now compliant.

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions

To temporarily or permanently override the specific template results, use exceptions rather than explicitly resolve noncompliant results.

The exceptions are defined against the template results and indicate that a specific result is compliant or noncompliant even though it does not match the requirements of the rules.

You can add exceptions only to existing templates.

The example used in this procedure is whether VMware Tools is running on guest virtual machines on all vCenter Server instances, but excluding vCenter_Dev.

VMware, Inc.

Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Prerequisites

Create a template. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 65.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select Virtual Environment Compliance > Templates > template name.

3. In the data grid, select the noncompliant result on which you are basing the exception and click Add Exception.

In this example, the noncompliant result is the RHEL_60_ProdDev guest machine.

4. Type the Name, Short Description, Description, and Sponsor in the text boxes and click Next.

5. Select the template to which you are applying the exception in the drop-down menu and click Next.

For this example, select Tools Running Not vCenter_Dev.

6. Select the object group to which you are applying the exception and click Next.

For this example, select All Virtual Objects.

7. Select the override options and the expiration date.

a. Select Override non-compliant results to compliant.

b. Select No Expiration.

c. Click Next.

8. To define the exception values, modify, delete, or add to the properties, operators, and values for the selected results.

In this example, you are specifying the RHEL_60_ProdDev as the exception.

a. Click Add.

b. In the properties drop-down menu, select Object.

c. Select = as the rule operator.

d. Click the ellipsis button and select RHEL_60_ProdDev in the property values dialog box and click

OK.

9. Click Finish.

What to do next

n Run the template. See "Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates" on page 66.

n Create alerts and schedule regular runs of your compliance templates. See "Configure Alerts and

Schedule Virtual Environment Compliance Runs" on page 71

Configure Alerts and Schedule Virtual Environment Compliance Runs

To optimize how VCM monitors the compliance of objects in your environment, configure alerts and schedule regular compliance template runs on your collected virtual environment data.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Prerequisites

Create at least on virtual environments compliance template. See "Create and Run Virtual Environment

Compliance Templates" on page 61.

Procedure

1. "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Alert Rules" on page 72

Alert rules are the conditions you define that determine when an alert is generated. Virtual environment alert rules are based on virtual environment compliance templates.

2. "Create Virtual Environments Compliance Alert Configurations" on page 72

Virtual environment compliance alert configurations are created for virtual object groups to generate alerts when a virtual environment compliance template returns noncompliant results during scheduled runs of the template.

3. "Schedule Virtual Environments Compliance Template Runs" on page 73

You can schedule a regular run of your virtual environments compliance templates to ensure that the collected data is regularly assessed for adherence to the defined compliance rules.

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Alert Rules

Alert rules are the conditions you define that determine when an alert is generated. Virtual environment alert rules are based on virtual environment compliance templates.

Prerequisites

Verify that you have virtual environment compliance templates. See "Create and Run Virtual

Environment Compliance Templates" on page 61.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Alerts > Rules.

3. Click Add.

4. Type the alert name and description in the text boxes and click Next.

5. Select VE Compliance Results Data and click Next.

6. Select a compliance template and click Next.

7. Review the configured actions and click Finish.

What to do next

Create a virtual environments configuration that includes this rule. See "Create Virtual Environments

Compliance Alert Configurations" on page 72.

Create Virtual Environments Compliance Alert Configurations

You must have at least one unused rule to add to the alert configuration parameters.

VMware, Inc.

Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Prerequisites

n Verify that you have virtual environment alert rules. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance

Alert Rules" on page 72.

n Review the automated response options, which you configure in this procedure, in the online Help.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Alerts > Virtual Environments Configurations.

3. In the middle pane, select the virtual objects group for which you want to generate an alert if one or more rules in the template fail.

4. Click Add.

5. Select a virtual environments compliance results alert rule and click Next.

6. Select the alert severity and click Next.

You can select Critical, Important, Moderate, or Low.

7. Select and configure one or more automated responses that are performed when an alert is generated and click Next.

Depending on the automated responses you selected, the pages will vary. See the online Help for configuration details.

8. Review the alert configuration and click Finish.

What to do next

Schedule a job to run your the virtual environments compliance templates on a timetable of your choosing. See "Schedule Virtual Environments Compliance Template Runs" on page 73.

Schedule Virtual Environments Compliance Template Runs

You can schedule a regular run of your virtual environments compliance templates to ensure that the collected data is regularly assessed for adherence to the defined compliance rules.

Compliance templates are run against collected data, so you should also schedule collections for the data types and virtual objects that you are assessing.

Prerequisites

n Schedule a regular collection of the virtual environments data types for the virtual object groups

against which you are running the virtual environments compliance templates.

n Create Virtual Environments Compliance Template. See "Create and Run Virtual Environment

Compliance Templates" on page 61.

n Create Virtual Environments Compliance Alerts. See "Create Virtual Environment Compliance Alert

Rules" on page 72.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Job Manager > Scheduled.

3. Click Add.

4. Select Compliance and click Next.

5. Type a name and description in the text boxes and click Next.

6. Select the virtual environment template and click Next.

7. Select the virtual objects against which to run the template assessment and click Next.

8. Configure frequency, time of day, and duration for the job and click Finish.

9. To test whether the job is producing the expected results, click Run Now on the data grid toolbar.

The job runs at the scheduled time.

What to do next

If you a configured virtual environments compliance alert for this template and non-compliant rules were found, you can review any alerts in the Alerts node in the Console.

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Integration of VCM with vRealize Operations Manager reports VCM configuration change events and standard compliance results in vRealize Operations Manager.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Configure vRealize Operations Manager Change Events 75

Standards Compliance for vRealize Operations Manager 76

VCM Registration in vRealize Operations Manager for Integration

Integration between VCM and vRealize Operations Manager uses an adapter to manage the connection.

When you register the VCM adapter in the vRealize Operations Manager Administration portal, ensure that the user account used for the integration meets the following criteria:

n The account is used only by the adapter login. The account must not be one used as an interactive user

login. The adapter account frequently logs in and out of VCM. If you use it as an interactive account, you will need to regularly refresh the connection, which affects your VCM experience.

n The account has permission in VCM to access the virtual object groups and machine groups that

correspond to the objects managed by your vRealize Operations Manager instance.

For more information about registering the VCM adapter, see the vRealize Operations Manager Administration portal online Help.

Configure vRealize Operations Manager Change Events

Configure the data types to report to vRealize Operations Manager as change events and the threshold reporting level used to roll up the configuration changes. VCM records configuration changes in the change log regardless of whether you report the data in vRealize Operations Manager. From vRealize Operations Manager, you can navigate to VCM to view the details.

You can report on UNIX and Windows configuration change data and VCM initiated reboot changes. VCM reports change data to vRealize Operations Manager. vRealize Operations Manager polls VCM for configuration changes every five minutes.

For example, you can configure VCM to report a UNIXdata type to vRealize Operations Manager and set the threshold reporting level to roll up a defined number of configuration changes into a single reporting icon to report the changes in the vRealize Operations Manager console.

Prerequisites

Ensure that the VCM adapter is registered with the correct user account in vRealize Operations Manager. See "VCM Registration in vRealize Operations Manager for Integration" on page 75.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. In VCM, click Administration.

2. Select Settings > Integrated Products > VMware > vRealize Operations Manager > Change Events.

3. Configure VCM to report a UNIXdata type, such as UNIX Patch Assessment, to vRealize Operations Manager.

a. Select UNIXPatch Assessment - Report to vRealize Operations Manager, and click Edit Setting.

b. Click Yes to report the data.

c. Click Next and click Finish.

4. Set the threshold reporting level to roll up the configuration changes in the vRealize Operations Manager console.

a. Select UNIXPatch Assessment - Rollup Threshold, and click Edit Setting.

b. Type the number of configuration changes for the collection to roll up to a single reporting icon to

report in vRealize Operations Manager.

c. Click Next and click Finish.

For details about the reporting settings, see the VCM online help.

Standards Compliance for vRealize Operations Manager

The integration between vRealize Operations Manager and VCM includes using the VCM compliance template results to contribute to the Risk badge score in vRealize Operations Manager.

The compliance templates are included in badge mappings that are run in VCM against objects in vCenter Server instances that are managed by both VCM and vRealize Operations Manager. These objects include virtual machines, host systems, clusters, vCenter Server instances, and data stores. The compliance mapping results determine the compliance score. vRealize Operations Manager then pulls the scores into the formulas used to calculate the Risk badge scores.

When you review the standards compliance in vRealize Operations Manager, you can navigate back to VCM to view the detailed results and identify any configuration changes that you must make to bring an object that is noncompliant back to compliance.

The correct correlation of the scores requires the following conditions:

n VCM is configured to collect data from the same vCenter Server instances that are managed by

vRealize Operations Manager. See "Configure vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 29.

n You must collect the required virtualization data types from the shared vCenter Server instances. The

data types are vCenter Guests, vCenter Hosts, vCenter Inventory, and vCenter Settings. See "Collect

vCenter Server Data" on page 32.

Configure vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance

Create vRealize Operations ManagerCompliance badge scores that are based on the results of VCM compliance template mapping runs. The badge scores are values that appear in vRealize Operations Manager for vCenter Server instances, datacenters, clusters, virtual machine hosts, and virtual machines managed by your vRealize Operations Manager and VCM.

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Prerequisites

n Ensure that the VCM adapter is registered with the correct user account in vRealize Operations

Manager. See "VCM Registration in vRealize Operations Manager for Integration" on page 75.

n Verify that VCM is configured to collect data from the same vCenter Server instances thatvRealize

Operations Manager manages. See "Configure vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 29.

n Collect the required virtualization data types from the shared vCenter Server instances. The data types

are vCenter Guests, vCenter Hosts, vCenter Inventory, vCenter Settings. See "Collect vCenter Server

Virtual Machines Data" on page 36.

n Create compliance templates to include in the mappings. You can use Machine Group Compliance

templates and Virtual Environments Compliance templates. See "Create and Run Virtual Environment

Compliance Templates" on page 61.

n Review how the badge scores are calculated based on your compliance badge settings and compliance

mapping options. See "Scoring Badges for vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance" on

page 82.

Procedure

1. "Create Compliance Badge Mappings" on page 77

Create badge mappings that contribute to the Risk badge score in vRealize Operations Manager. When you configure the mappings, you specify the templates to include, the badge to which it is assigned, and how the score is calculated.

2. "Run Compliance Badge Mappings " on page 79

When you run the compliance badge mapping, the included templates are run against the collected data and a score is calculated based on the selected options and settings for the badge to which it is assigned.

3. "Review Mapping Scores in the Dashboard Report" on page 80

The roll up scores appear in the Compliance Badge Rollup dashboard. Review the dashboard to ensure that the scores are calculated as expected.

4. "Schedule Compliance Badge Mapping Runs" on page 80

Schedule the compliance badge mapping runs so that you have consistently current scores that are pulled into vRealize Operations Manager.

5. "View Compliance Badges in vRealize Operations Manager" on page 81

The standards compliance score in VCM contributes a compliance score to the Risk badge score in vRealize Operations Manager. If the Risk score indicates distress for the object, you can view the compliance breakdown to determine which of the noncompliant templates are contributing to the score and determine what action to take to resolve the noncompliant results.

Create Compliance Badge Mappings

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Prerequisites

n Use the Content Wizard tool to download compliance templates created by VMware,for example, the

vSphere Hardening Guides and other standards. The Content Wizard is available from the Start menu on the Collector machine.

n Create compliance templates that are specific to your environment to include in the mappings. The

template names should not include the | character. You can use Machine Group Compliance templates and Virtual Environments Compliance templates. See "Create and Run Virtual Environment

Compliance Templates" on page 61.

n Review how the scores are calculated before configuring the mappings. See "Scoring Badges for

vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance" on page 82.

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select vRealize Operations Manager Badge Mapping > Mappings.

3. Click Add.

4. Configure the basic settings for the mapping, select the machine group or virtual objects group context, and click Next.

Option Description

Name Mapping name.

Do not use the | character in the mapping name.

Description Mapping description

Badge Select the badge to which the mapping applies.

n Risk - Compliance: Mapped to the vRealize Operations Manager Risk badge.

n VCM Only: Not mapped to a vRealize Operations Manager badge.

This option allows you to test mapping configurations before assigning them to vRealize Operations Manager. Does not appear in vRealize Operations Manager.

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Option Description

Roll Up Type Select the method used to calculate how the score for the templates in a

mapping is determined. Scores are always between 0 and 100. A score of 0 indicates the that all the rules are noncompliant. A score of 100 indicates that all the rules are compliant.

n Simple Percentage: Percentage of the template results that are compliant.

n Weighted Percentage: Percentage of the template results that are compliant

where the Critical severity rule results are weighted more heavily than the Low severity rules results.

n Simple Rule Percentage: Percentage of compliance rules in the templates that

passed as compliant. If any of the results are non-compliant, the rule is noncompliant.

n Weighted Rule Percentage: Percentage of the compliance rules in the

templates where the Critical severity rule results are weighted more heavily than the Low severity rules results.

Select Group Context

Select compliance template context for which you are creating this mapping.

n Machine Group Compliance: Select this option to add machine group

templates to the mapping. The virtual machines and host machines must also be managed as virtual objects in VCM in order for the machine object IDs to correlate to the objects in vRealize Operations Manager.

n Virtual Object Group Compliance:Select this option to add virtual

environments templates to the mapping.

5. Select the Machine Group or Virtual Objects Group from which to build the mapping and click Next.

6. Select one or more templates to include in the mapping and click Next.

The list of available templates is based on the selected machine or virtual object group. Templates used in compliance mappings should not include the | character.

7. Click Finish.

What to do next

Run the compliance badge mappings to determine if they are scoring as expected. See "Run Compliance

Badge Mappings " on page 79.

Run Compliance Badge Mappings

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Prerequisites

n Collect the data from the machine or virtual object groups. Ensure that you collect the vCenter Guests,

vCenter Hosts, vCenter Inventory, and vCenter Settings from your vCenter Server instances. See

"Collect vCenter Server Data" on page 32.

n Create compliance badge mappings that include one or more templates. See "Create Compliance Badge

Mappings" on page 77.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. Click Compliance.

2. Select vRealize Operations Manager Badge Mapping > Mappings.

3. Select a mapping and click Run.

4. Click OK.

All templates included in the mapping are run and the score calculated. The template results are in the individual template results data grid and the score is available in the vRealize Operations Manager Compliance Rollup dashboard.

What to do next

Review the scores in the vRealize Operations Manager Compliance Rollup dashboard. See "Review

Mapping Scores in the Dashboard Report" on page 80.

Review Mapping Scores in the Dashboard Report

The roll up scores appear in the Compliance Badge Rollup dashboard. Review the dashboard to ensure that the scores are calculated as expected.

The current roll up scores are also available in the Machine Group Compliance Badge Rollup Detail and Summary report.

Prerequisites

Run the Compliance Badge Mappings. See "Run Compliance Badge Mappings " on page 79.

Procedure

1. Click Console.

2. Select Dashboards > Compliance > Compliance Badge Rollup.

3. Review the scores and modify the settings as needed.

What to do next

n To ensure that the scores that are pulled into vRealize Operations Manager are always current, schedule

the mappings to run at a regular time. See "Schedule Compliance Badge Mapping Runs" on page 80.

n (Optional) To change how the mappings are scored, modify the Standards Compliance Settings. Do not

modify the scores unless you understand how the scores are calculated. See "Scoring Badges for

vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance" on page 82.

Schedule Compliance Badge Mapping Runs

Schedule the compliance badge mapping runs so that you have consistently current scores that are pulled into vRealize Operations Manager.

Prerequisites

Schedule the collections for the vCenter Server instances on which you are running templates to complete the collections before you run the compliance mappings against the collected data. See "Configure vCenter

Server Scheduled Collections" on page 35.

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Job Manager > Scheduled and click Add.

3. Select vRealize Operations Manager Compliance Badge Mapping Run and click Next.

4. Type a name and description and click Next.

5. Select one mapping and click Next.

6. Use the scheduling options to schedule when the mapping runs.

Schedule the job to run at the frequency at which you want refreshed results to be available to pull into vRealize Operations Manager. Schedule the compliance badge mapping to run after your scheduled collection.

7. Click Finish.

What to do next

View the mapped badges in vRealize Operations Manager. See "View Compliance Badges in vRealize

Operations Manager" on page 81.

View Compliance Badges in vRealize Operations Manager

Prerequisites

Verify the following requirements.

n VCM adapter is installed.

n VCM adapter is registered.

n Internet Explorer is installed.

n You have a vRealize Operations Manager user name and password from the vRealize Operations

Manager administrator.

Procedure

1. In vRealize Operations Manager, select an object in the inventory pane.

2. Click Dashboard.

3. Click Why is Risk {score}? and review the Compliance score.

4. Click the Compliance badge to view the template scores associated with the overall score.

5. On the Views tab, the score for each template appears in the Details section.

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6. To view the template results in VCM, click View details in VCM for the template you are investigating.

7. If necessary, copy the URL provided in the Info dialog box into the Internet Explorer address bar.

The template results appear in VCM.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

What to do next

Resolve the noncompliant results. See "Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results" on

page 68.

Scoring Badges for vRealize Operations Manager Standards Compliance

Badge scores are values that appear in a vRealize Operations Manager Compliance badge, and which also contribute to the dashboard values for the Risk badge.

The badge score pulled into vRealize Operations Manager is a calculated value that is based on your compliance mapping options and on the compliance badge settings configured in VCM and run against collected VCM data.

A compliance mapping is one or more compliance templates that run against a machine group or virtual object group and calculate scores based on the selected options and the defined settings. When the VCM adapter is configured in vRealize Operations Manager, the score appears as a Compliance badge for the Risk badge.

Scoring Calculation Process

The badge calculations are based on mapping options and standards compliance settings. The options and the settings interact in the following workflow:

n Scoring based on mapping options.

n Select the compliance standard badge to which the mapping contributes a score.

n Select the roll up type that determines the initial score calculation. If you select weighted

percentages, the weight values are configured in the standards compliance settings.

n Setting detail level aggregation of scores based on the standards compliance options.

n Refining the badge scores as they appear in vRealize Operations Manager using the midpoint and

magnitude settings.

n Scoring the Risk badge in vRealize Operations Manager.

Scoring Based on Mapping Options

You specify the badge name and the roll up types for each mapping you create in VCM.

Standards Compliance Badges

When you create a mapping in VCM, you select the vRealize Operations Manager badge with which it is associated.

The Compliance subbadges are aligned with the following vRealize Operations Manager badge and VCMonly roll up.

n Risk - Compliance scores are included in the Risk badge.

The Risk badge indicates potential problems that might eventually degrade the performance of the managed environment. Risk does not necessarily imply a current problem. Risk indicates problems that might require your attention in the near future, but not immediately. The overall Risk score for an object ranges between 0 (no risk) to 100 (serious risk).

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Compliance mappings should include templates that evaluate your environment in a way that helps to identify performance issues. For example, you have an object setting that should be addressed if it is found to be noncompliant from the configuration standard, but it does not require immediate attention.

n VCM Only scores are available only in VCM.

The VCM Only mapping scores are not pulled into vRealize Operations Manager. The scores are intended to provide mapping of multiple templates and scores only in VCM. For example, you can use this mapping to test a new mapping in VCMbefore you begin reporting the scores in vRealize Operations Manager.

The roll up type calculations for each badge determine the initial score.

Roll Up Types

The roll up types determine how the template results are initially scored.

When you create a compliance template, each template includes one or more rules, and you assign each rule a severity level of Low, Moderate, Important, and Critical. Each rule includes one or more individual checks that return one or more results for each check. The results for the individual checks that are made on the target machine or object determine if the object is compliant or noncompliant.

For the Weighted Percentage and Weighted Rule Percentage roll up types, you can apply a weighted value. The weighting is the value by which the result or rule is multiplied to give the different severity levels more or less weight when calculating the scores. The weighting of the severity levels is configured in the Standards Compliance Settings. The default values are Low=1, Moderate=2, Important=4, and Critical=8.

Simple Percentage is the percentage of the template results that are compliant. This option does not weight the results based on severity. For example, the simple percentage score for the results is 73. This score is calculated based on 11 compliant results out of a total of 15 results.

Table 5–1. Simple Percentage Template Results

Severity Compliant Results Noncompl iant Results

Critical 1 4

Important 2 0

Moderate 3 0

Low 5 0

Total 11 4

Weighted Percentage is the percentage of the template results that are compliant where the Critical severity rule results are weighted more heavily than the Low severity rules results. For example, the weighted percentage score for the results is 46. This score is calculated based on a weighted value of 27 compliant results out of a total of 59 results.

Table 5–2. Weighted Percentage Template Results

Severity Severity

Weight

Critical 8 1 8*1=8 8 4 8*4=32 32

Important 4 2 4*2=8 8 0 4*0=0 0

Compliant Results

Weighting Calculations

Weighted Compliant Results

Noncompliant Results

Weighting Calculations

Weighted Noncompliant Results

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Moderate 2 3 2*3=6 6 0 2*0=0 0

Low 1 5 1*5=5 5 0 1*0=0 0

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Severity Severity

Weight

Compliant Results

Weighting Calculations

Weighted Compliant Results

Noncompliant Results

Weighting Calculations

Weighted Noncompliant Results

Total 27 32

Simple Rule Percentage is the percentage of compliance rules in the templates that passed as compliant. If any of the results are non-compliant, the rule is non-compliant. This option does not weight the rules based on severity. For example, the simple rule percentage is 40. This score is calculated based on two compliant rules out of a total of five rules.

Table 5–3. Simple Rule Percentage Based on Template Rules

Rule/ Severity Compliant Results Noncompliant Results Simple Compliant Rule Simple Noncompliant Rul e

Rule 1/ Critical 1 0 1

Rule 2/ Important 5 6 1

Rule 3/ Important 15 1 1

Rule 4/ Mod erate 1 0 1

Rule 5/ Low 0 9 1

Total 2 3

You might choose scoring by rule rather than by results when some rule groups return significantly more rules than other rules in the same rule group. For example, a rule that checks user accounts returns one result per user account on an object, but a rule that checks a password policy returns only one result for an entire system.

Weighted Rule Percentage is the percentage of the compliance rules in the templates where the Critical severity rule are weighted more heavily than the Low severity rules. For example, the weighted rule percentage is 53. This score is calculated based on a weighted value of 10 compliant rules out of a total of 19 rules.

Table 5–4. Weighted Rule Percentage Based on Template Rules

Rule/ Severity

Rule 1/ Critical

Rule 2/ Important

Rule 3/ Important

Rule 4/ Moderate

Rule 5/ Low

Total 10 9

Severity Weight

Compliant Results

Noncompliant Results

Simple Compliant Rule

Simple Noncompliant Rule

Weighted Compliant Rule Value

8 1 0 1 8

4 5 6 1 4

4 15 1 1 4

2 1 0 1 2

1 0 9 1 1

Weighted Noncompliant Rule Value

Detail Level Score Aggregation

After the initial scoring, the Standards Compliance Settings determine the badge scores that are calculated for the vRealize Operations Manager badges, based first on the Detail Level aggregation, and then on the midpoint and magnitude.

The level from which to roll up the badge scores that are generated for each mapping.

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Configuring vCenter Operations Manager Integration

Use the Standards Compliance badge settings to select the level of detail at which to roll up the scores, and the midpoint and magnitude used to adjust the scores that are reported in vRealize Operations Manager.

Table 5–5. Detail Level Score Aggregation Example Values

Templates in Mappings Score Results

Mapping 1 Template 1 80 10,000

Mapping 1 Template 2 50 5

Mapping 1 Template 3 100 1

Mapping 2 Template 4 30 100

Mapping 2 Template 5 75 500

n Compliance Result: To roll up at the compliance result level means that the scores for the templates

assigned to the mapping, times the number of compliance results for each score divided by the total number of compliance results.

For example, Mapping 1 has three templates using the scores and results provided in the Scoring table. The scoring is calculated as (80*10,000)+(50*5)+(100*1)/(10,000+5+1)=80, where 80 is the score.

n Template: To roll up at the template level means that each template's scores are averaged when rolled

up to the badge level.

For example, Mapping 1 has three templates using the scores provided in the Scoring table. The score is calculated as (80+50+100)/3=77, where 77 is the score.

n Mapping: To roll up at the mapping level means that the score for each mapping associated with a

badge is averaged when rolled up to the badge level.

For example, Mapping 1 and Mapping 2 are assigned to the same badge. The score is calculated as (77+53)/2=65, where 77 is the Mapping 1 average, 53 is the Mapping 2 average, and 65 is the average of the two mappings included in the badge.

Midpoint and Magnitude Score Calculations

Use midpoint and magnitude to refine how the badge scores are ultimately calculated for vRealize Operations Manager.

n Midpoint: The score that triggers the magnitude to increase or decrease the returned score.

n Magnitude: The percentage by which any score that is above or below the midpoint is calculated.

The calculation is {detail level score}-{midpoint}={difference}; {difference}*{magnitude}={adjusted magnitude factor}; {detail level score}+{adjusted magnitude factor}={adjusted score}.

Detail level scores can differ even where the midpoint and magnitude remain the same.

Table 5–6. Static Midpoint and Magnitude Values

Detail Level Score Midpoint Magnitude Calculation Adjusted Scor e

20 50 10 20-50=-30

-30*10%=-3

20-3=17

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40 50 10 40-50=-10

-10*10%=-1

40-1=39

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Detail Level Score Midpoint Magnitude Calculation Adjusted Scor e

70 50 10 70-50=20

20*10%=2

70+2=72

100 50 10 100-50=50

100

50*10%=5

100+5=105

Table 5–7. Different Magnitude Values

Detail Level Score Midpoint Magnitude Calculation Adjusted Score

70 50 20 70-50=20

20*20%=4

70+4=74

70 50 50 70-50=20

20*50%=10

70+10=80

70 50 80 70-50=20

20*80%=16

70+16=86

The adjusted score is the score that is pulled by the vRealize Operations Manager VCM Adapter and appears as part of the Risk badge score.

You modify the midpoint and magnitude to give the Compliance subbadge scores a stronger or weaker influence on the Risk parent badge. For example, if the compliance mappings score is configured so that it normally scores 100 and you want any deviation to clearly degrade the score, you can set the midpoint to 99 and the magnitude to a high value. The resulting adjusted score lowers the value of the compliance score and the Risk score when any noncompliance is found.

If you do not want to apply midpoint and magnitude calculations, set the magnitude to 0.

Scoring in vRealize Operations Manager

The standards compliance scores are pulled from VCM into vRealize Operations Manager and added to the Risk badge score using the following calculation:

n Risk: 100 - GeometricMean(badge|time_remaining, badge|capacity_remaining, 100 - badge|stress,

badge|riskcompliance)

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Auditing Security Changes in Your Environment

The VCM Auditing capability tracks all changes in the security aspects of VCM. Security-related events are written to the Windows Event Log, which is stored on the Collector, and is independent of the VCM application. The format of the event log prohibits any modifications to the recorded entries, which makes it a secure and tamper-proof auditing record of changes in security.

When you perform an action in VCM that affects security, and the auditing setting that corresponds to that change is enabled, the event is written to the event log.

Examples of VCM actions that cause events to be written to the event log include user log on and log off, session timeouts, changes in managing users, changes to passwords and administration settings, changes in network accounts and authority, collection requests, and service and registry changes.

VCM supports the ability to create numerous audit records.

Figure 6–1. VCM Auditing

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Prerequisites

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. To view the VCM Auditing settings, click Administration.

2. Select Settings > General Settings > Auditing.

3. To change an auditing setting, highlight a setting and click Edit Setting.

When you change an auditing setting, the VCM Auditing data grid displays the user’s name in the Last

Modified By column.

What to do next

For details about the Auditing settings and the Windows Event Log, see the online help.

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Configuring Windows Machines

To manage your virtual and physical Windows machines, you must verify domains and accounts, discover and license those machines, install the VCM Agent, and collect Windows data from those machines. You can also collect Windows Custom Information.

This chapter includes the following topics:

Configure Windows Machines 89

Windows Collection Results 96

Getting Started with Windows Custom Information 97

Prerequisites to Collect Windows Custom Information 98

Using PowerShell Scripts for WCI Collections 99

Windows Custom Information Change Management 109

Collecting Windows Custom Information 110

Create Your Own WCI PowerShell Collection Script 110

Verify that Your Custom PowerShell Script is Valid 111

Install PowerShell 112

Collect Windows Custom Information Data 112

Run the Script-Based Collection Filter 113

View Windows Custom Information Job Status Details 114

Windows Custom Information Collection Results 115

Run Windows Custom Information Reports 116

Troubleshooting Custom PowerShell Scripts 117

Configure Windows Machines

To manage Windows machines, you must configure the environmental components and machine options in VCM.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Procedure

1. Verify Available Domains

Allow VCM access to each domain so that the VCM Collector can interact with the Windows machines in your environment.

2. Check the Network Authority

Verify that at least one domain account with administrator privileges is available to act as a network authority account for VCM.

3. Assign Network Authority Accounts

Select and assign the network authority account that you identified for VCM access to the Windows machines.

4. Discover Windows Machines

In your network, identify the Windows machines that you are managing with VCM.

5. License Windows Machines

To manage Windows machines, you must license them in VCM.

6. Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Windows Machines

Install the VCM Windows Agent on each Windows machine so that you can collect data and manage the virtual or physical machines.

7. Collect Windows Data

Start managing the Windows machines by performing an initial collection, which adds Windows machine data to VCM.

Continuous Windows machine management is based on the latest data you collect from target machines. You can view data and run actions, such as reports or compliance, based on the collected data. See

"Windows Collection Results" on page 96.

Verify Available Domains

Allow VCM access to each domain so that the VCM Collector can interact with the Windows machines in your environment.

During installation, VCM discovered all domains to which the network authority account had access. If the Windows machines belong to a domain that is not listed, you must add that domain manually.

Prerequisites

Verify that you have the fully-qualified names of the domains to manage.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Settings > Network Authority > Available Domains.

3. If the domain does not appear Available Domains view, add the domain.

a. Click Add.

b. Type the domain name and select the domain type as NetBios or AD, depending on your domain.

c. Click OK.

4. Verify that the domain appears in the data grid.

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Configuring Windows Machines

What to do next

Verify that a network authority account is available and create other necessary domain accounts. See

"Check the Network Authority" on page 91.

Check the Network Authority

Verify that at least one domain account with administrator privileges is available to act as a network authority account for VCM.

Although you specified an initial default network authority account when you installed VCM, you can add different administrator accounts if you do not assign the default account.

Prerequisites

Verify the presence of domains. See "Verify Available Domains" on page 90.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Settings > Network Authority > Available Accounts.

3. To add a new domain account, click Add.

4. Type the domain name, user name, and password, and click Next.

5. Click Finish to add the account.

What to do next

Assign the network authority account to the domain so that VCM can access the Windows machines in the domain. See "Assign Network Authority Accounts" on page 91.

Assign Network Authority Accounts

Select and assign the network authority account that you identified for VCM access to the Windows machines.

You can assign a single account to all domains and machine groups, or assign a unique account or multiple accounts to each domain and machine group.

In this procedure, NetBios is used as the example.

Prerequisites

Verify or add the necessary network authority account. See "Check the Network Authority" on page 91.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Settings > Network Authority > Assigned Accounts > By Domain > NetBios.

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3. Select an assigned account.

4. Click Edit Assigned Accounts.

5. Select the account to receive authority to the domain and click Next.

6. Confirm the accounts to include in the authority list for the domain and click Finish.

What to do next

Discover the Windows machines in your environment. See "Discover Windows Machines" on page 92.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Discover Windows Machines

In your network, identify the Windows machines that you are managing with VCM.

To discover the available Windows machines, VCM uses general discovery rules to identify many Windows machines or uses specific discovery rules to identify particular Windows machines.

The time required to perform an initial discovery depends on the size and composition of your network. If all Windows machines are not available during initial discovery, such as systems that are disconnected from the network, the first discovery will not find all Windows machines. If the discovery does not identify all Windows machines, you might need to run additional discoveries after the other Windows machines become available.

NOTE You can use the Discovered Machines Import Tool (DMIT), which imports machines discovered by the Network Mapper (Nmap), to import many physical and virtual machines at one time into the VCM database. Download DMIT from the VMware Web site.

The following procedure is based on Active Directory.

Prerequisites

Assign a Network Authority Account that VCM can use for access. See "Assign Network Authority

Accounts" on page 91.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Discovery Rules.

3. Click Add to create a discovery rule.

4. On the Discovery Rules page, type a name and description and click Next.

5. On the Discovery Method page, select By Active Directory and click Next.

6. On the AD Domain page, specify the AD Domain, select Discover machines only from the selected domain, and click Next.

7. On the Discovery Filters page, select Discover all machines in <domain_name> Domain.

8. (Optional) Create a filter to discover Windows machines based on a limited criteria and click Next.

9. On the Important page, click Yes and click Finish.

To avoid exceeding your license count, do not select License and Install Agent on Discovered Machines.

10. On the toolbar, click Jobs to track current discovery job status.

What to do next

n Verify that the jobs finished running. Click Administration and select Job Manager > History > Other

Jobs > Past 24 Hours.

n Verify that the Windows machines are available. Click Administration and select Machines Manager >

Available Machines.

n License the Windows machines in your environment. See "License Windows Machines" on page 92.

License Windows Machines

To manage Windows machines, you must license them in VCM.

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Configuring Windows Machines

The number of discovered Windows, UNIX, or Linux machines might exceed the number of your available licenses. If that happens, the number available goes negative and appears in red to indicate that you do not have enough licenses.

For servers and workstations, exceeding the limit on your license key produces warnings but does not restrict VCM operation. License key counts that are over the limit are recorded and maintained for auditing purposes. Suite license keys support unlimited licenses, provided that the suite edition includes VCM and the component that you are managing is part of the suite. If a component is not part of the suite, it counts against the nonsuite server or workstation key.

Prerequisites

Verify that the Windows machines you license are listed with a machine type of workstation or server in the Available Machines node. If the discovered or added type is not workstation or server, VCM cannot license the machines.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Available Machines.

3. Select the Windows machines to license.

4. Click License.

5. Verify that the Windows machines to license appear in the Selected list.

Use the arrows to move the Windows machines.

6. Click Next to view your Product License Details.

The licensed Windows machine count increases by the number of licensed machines.

7. Click Next.

VCM confirms that the licenses you requested will be applied to the selected Windows machines.

8. Click Finish.

What to do next

Install the Windows Agent. See "Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Windows Machines" on page 93

Install the VCM Windows Agent on Your Windows Machines

Install the VCM Windows Agent on each Windows machine so that you can collect data and manage the virtual or physical machines.

Before you can collect data from Windows machines, you must install the VCM Windows Agent on the licensed Windows machines in your environment to enable communication between the Collector and the target machines.

You can use VCM to install the Agent or you can install the Agent manually. This procedure uses VCM to install the Agent. For information about manually installing the Agent see the online Help.

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The Agent is installed on Collector when you install VCM, and locked. It cannot be unlocked, uninstalled, or upgraded.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Locking the VCM Agent on VCM managed machines is typically done in environments that have multiple VCM Collectors, to help prevent these Agents from being unintentionally upgraded or removed. The VCM Agent on the VCM Collector is locked, because it is installed as part of the VCM installation and is required for VCM Collector operations. The version of the VCM Agent on the Collector must also match the version of VCM installed.

Use the UNLOCK option only when you intend to upgrade or uninstall a locked Agent on a VCM managed machine. Never use the UNLOCK option on the VCM Collector. If the VCM Agent is uninstalled from the Collector, the Collector service cannot run. If the VCM Agent is accidentally uninstalled from a Collector, you must reinstall it and restart the Collector service to re-enable the Collector functionality. If the VCM Agent is unintentionally reinstalled on a Collector, you must restart the Collector service.

Standardized Windows configurations such as Federal Desktop Core Configuration (FDCC) or United States Government Configuration Baseline (USGCB) include strict security group policy settings. The Windows Firewall: Do not Allow Exceptions group policy configures Windows Firewall to block all unsolicited incoming messages, including configured exceptions. This setting overrides all configured exceptions. For VCM to communicate properly with the VCM Agent on managed machines in strict, secure environments, disable the Windows Firewall: Do not Allow Exceptions group policy on the managed machines. For more information, see support.microsoft.com.

Prerequisites

n License the Windows machines on which you install the Agent. See "License Windows Machines" on

page 92.

n Verify that you know the communication protocols and ports that are used by the Collector and the

Agents.

Procedure

1. Click Administration.

2. Select Machines Manager > Licensed Machines > Licensed Windows Machines.

3. In the data grid, select one or more Windows machines on which to install the Agent and click Install.

4. On the Machines page, verify that the target machines appear in the Selected list and click Next.

5. On the Install Options page, select the installation options and click Next.

Option Description

Share Location to install the Agent. The default location is ADMIN$.

Path Path for the Agent files. The default path includes CMAgent.

Install From VCM Collector from which to install the Agent.

DCOM Communication protocol for the Agent. The default setting is

DCOM.

HTTP Secure communication protocol for the Agent. Use HTTP, which

installs the HTTP Listener on the target machine and configures it to listen on the designated port.

Port Designated port for the HTTP Listener.

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Configuring Windows Machines

Option Description

Install using a proxy server For Windows Proxies and Windows Agents only. If the target

machine is separated from the Collector by a proxy server, this option instructs the installation process to check for available proxy servers.

Lock the machine after installation

Ensures that VCMwill not uninstall the Agent or replace it with a different version.

Reinstall Agent Overwrites an installed Agent.

6. On the Schedule page, select Run Action now and click Next.

You can schedule subsequent Agent installations to run later.

7. Review the summary information and click Finish.

What to do next

n Verify that the jobs finished running. Click Administration and select Job Manager > History > Other

Jobs > Past 24 Hours.

n Collect Windows data from VCM managed machines in your environment. See "Collect Windows

Data" on page 95.

Locate the Enterprise Certificate

Locate the Enterprise Certificate before you install the VCM Agent on the managed Windows machine. VCM must access the Enterprise Certificate during the Agent installation.

If your Collector is operating in a full Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and the target machine can validate the Collector root certificate (Enterprise Certificate), the .pem file is not required.

Procedure

1. Locate the Enterprise Certificate .pem file in the Collector's c:\Program Files (x86) \VMware\VCM\CollectorData folder.

2. If the certificate files are not in the default location, you must confirm the path to the files.

a. Click Administration.

b. Select Settings > General Settings > Collector.

c. Select Root directory for all collector files.

d. Confirm the file path in the Value column.

Collect Windows Data

Start managing the Windows machines by performing an initial collection, which adds Windows machine data to VCM.

Use the default filter set to collect a general view of the Windows machines in your environment. The first time that you use the default filter to collect data, the Windows Agent returns all of the data specified in the filter and stores the data in the VCM database. All subsequent collections will return a delta against the data previously collected.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

A delta collection includes only the differences between the data on the target machine and the data stored in the VCM database. If you need a full collection, you can specify that VCM collect all data again. A full collection can take a significant amount of time depending on the number of VCM managed Windows machines from which you are collecting.

When you perform a full collection from your entire environment, run the collection during nonworking hours so that users do not notice any performance impact on managed machines. After the initial collection is finished, subsequent delta collections will most likely not impact performance.

Prerequisites

n Collect the Accounts and Groups data types from the primary domain controller (PDC) in each domain

to increase the performance of initial collections that require a SID lookup.

n To collect data from Windows XP SP2 or Vista machines that use DCOM communication, you must

enable ICMP pings in the firewall settings or disable ICMP pings in VCM.

n Verify that DCOM is enabled on the managed machine. Run dcomcnfg and select Enable Distributed

COM on this computer.

Procedure

1. On the VCM toolbar, click Collect.

2. On the Collection Type page, select and click OK.

3. On the Machines page, select the Windows machines from which to collect data and click Next.

To move all visible Windows machines to the selection window, 500 at a time, use the double arrow.

4. On the Data Types page, configure the collection and click Next.

a. Expand Windows and select the data types.

At a minimum, you must collect Machines data. If you are managing data using compliance, change, or running reports, you must collect the data types that are included in the other actions or that you want to view in the appropriate data grids.

b. Select Use default filters.

5. On the Important page, resolve any conflicts and click Finish.

6. Click Administration and select Job Manager > History > Instant Collections > Past 24 Hours to determine if the collection finished.

The amount of time the collection requires is determined by the number of machines and network connectivity.

What to do next

n Verify that the jobs finished running. Click Administration and select Job Manager > History > Other

Jobs > Past 24 Hours.

n Review the collection results. See "Windows Collection Results" on page 96.

Windows Collection Results

Continuous Windows machine management is based on the latest data that you collect from target machines. You can view data and run actions, such as reports or compliance, based on the collected data.

Windows data appears in VCM and is available for several management actions, including Console dashboards and reports, Compliance views, and VCMPatching. The displayed data is only as current as the last time you collected the data.

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Configuring Windows Machines

After the initial discovery is finished, perform a weekly discovery to update the list of available Windows machines. To schedule a VCM discovery job, click Administration, select Job Manager > Scheduled, and follow the wizard.

Option Description

Console Displays dashboards and reports based on collected data. Use the Console to view

data that is relevant to day-to-day operations, troubleshooting, and analysis.

n To view the dashboards, click Console and select Dashboards > Windows >

Operating Systems.

n To view the summary reports, click Console and select Windows > Operating

System > Machines. You can view the data in a summary report or data grid

format.

Compliance Determines if the data collected from VCM managed Windows machines meets

specified compliance values, and allows you to run compliance remediation actions.

n To run a compliance check, click Compliance and select Machine Group

Compliance.

n To create rule groups, rules, filters, and templates, see the online help.

Reports Runs preconfigured reports or you can create custom reports. VCM runs reports

against the latest collected data. Depending on the data volume or complexity of the requested report, it might take time to generate the report. You can also schedule and disseminate reports.

n To use the reporting options, click Reports and select Machine Group Reports

> Windows.

Patching Assesses target machines to determine if the patching status of the Windows

machines is up-to-date. You can install the latest patches on target machines.

n To assess and patch Windows machines, click Patching and select Windows.

n To run assessments and patch your Windows machines, see the online help.

Getting Started with Windows Custom Information

Windows Custom Information (WCI) is data collected from VCM managed machines that is created by PowerShell or Python scripts. WCI supplements and extends the data collected by VCM from managed Windows machines using other VCM data types.

You can create or modify WCI scripts to collect almost any data type that is accessible from VCM managed machines. VCM supports PowerShell and Python scripting, and XML output to collect Windows Custom Information.

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vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Figure 7–1. Windows Custom Information Collection Process

To extend the data collected by VCM from managed Windows machines using other VCM data types, collect Windows Custom Information. The example used to get you started collecting WCI data is for Powershell. Follow the same basic procedures to configure and run Python scripts.

Configure the prerequisites and create and validate your script.

Prerequisites

To collect Windows Custom Information from VCM managed machines, you must configure the prerequisites. See "Prerequisites to Collect Windows Custom Information" on page 98.

Procedure

n "Collecting Windows Custom Information" on page 110

To collect Windows Custom Information (WCI) using script-based filters, you create and verify your custom PowerShell scripts, install PowerShell on the VCM managed machines, and use VCM to collect the WCI data.

Prerequisites to Collect Windows Custom Information

To collect Windows Custom Information from VCM managed machines, you must configure the prerequisites.

These prerequisites use PoweShell as the example script. VCM supports PowerShell and Python scripts to configure WCI collections.

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Configuring Windows Machines

Prerequisites

n Write your own PowerShell script to return data in a VCM compatible, element-normal XML format,

or obtain PowerShell scripts from VMware Professional Services or another source. See "Using

PowerShell Scripts for WCI Collections" on page 99.

n Understand the script signing policies if you use PowerShell 2.0. See "PowerShell Script Signing Policies"

on page 103.

n Set the PowerShell execution policy on the VCM managed machine. See "Built-In PowerShell Policy

Settings" on page 104.

n Understand how to write and run PowerShell scripts. See "References on PowerShell and Script Signing"

on page 104.

n Verify that your PowerShell script is accessible when you paste the script content into the Script area of

the collection filter on the VCM Collector.

n Confirm that the VCM Collector includes PowerShell 2.0 if the Collector is a client for WCI collections.

n Understand how VCM manages Windows Custom Information data changes. See "Windows Custom

Information Change Management" on page 109.

n Confirm that PowerShell 2.0 is installed on each VCM managed machine that will be used for WCI

collections. See "Install PowerShell" on page 112.

n Upgrade older VCMAgents on the VCM managed machines from which you collect Windows Custom

Information, and then install the VCM 5.3 Agent or later on these machines.

n Confirm or update the Agent Thread Administration settings on the VCM Collector. The default value

is set to below normal thread priority, and the Agent Data Retention default is set to a 15-day change log.

Using PowerShell Scripts for WCI Collections

Windows Custom Information (WCI) uses PowerShell as the scripting engine and the element-normal XML format as the output that is inserted into the VCM database.

WCI supports PowerShell 2.0 and works with later versions of PowerShell.

n PowerShell 2.0 is the base requirement for WCI in VCM because of its ability to set the execution policy

at the process level.

n You can run WCI PowerShell collection scripts against Windows machines that have PowerShell 1.0

installed if needed, although this usage is not supported or tested. If the collection scripts do not use PowerShell 2.0 commands, your WCI filters that use the in-line method to pass a WCI script to PowerShell will operate correctly.

The WCI data type uses extensions to the VCM Windows Agent. The extensions allow the Agent to invoke PowerShell scripts. Using the script-based collection filter, VCM passes the PowerShell scripts to a VCM managed machine, and the VCM Agent parses the resulting XML output. The default WCI filter returns the PowerShell version information from the managed machines.

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WCIdata type extensions are flexible because they use filter parameters that the command line uses to invoke the scripting engine. The WCI extensions use a COM class name to specify the parser required for the Agent to parse the script output, and allow new types of parsers to be added at the Agent. This approach extends the support of multiple scripting engines, languages, and output formats.

vRealize Configuration Manager Administration Guide

Guidelines in PowerShell Scripting for WCI

When you develop custom PowerShell scripts to collect the Windows Custom Information (WCI)data type from VCM managed Windows machines, follow these guidelines.

n Make XML element names unique at the same level.

For example, you can specify two child nodes that are not siblings.

n Make attributes unique at the same level.

n Use unique XMLelement names to generate valid VCM XML. The XML elements are code blocks that

include the element's start and end tags. The element can contain other elements, text, attributes, or a combination of them.

n Use repeatable identifiers to prevent false indications of changes at the Collector. If your element labels

(identifiers) are not the same for every collection of the same item, you will see false additions, changes, and deletions in the VCM change log.

n Confirm that the script returns valid XMLelement names and attribute names.

If the data to be returned is an element name or an attribute name that is not valid for XML, you can encode the name using the [ToCMBase64String] function. A VCM Collector job, called the inserter, is executed during each collection. The inserter recognizes the names that are encoded with this function and decodes them in the raw insertion process.

The inserter parses the resulting XML file and inserts the data into a new raw database table named VCM_Raw by default. The XML process transforms the raw data into data that appears in VCM.

The function is defined as follows.

function ToCMBase64String([string]$input_string)

{

return [string]("cmbase64-" +

[System.Convert]::ToBase64String([System.Text.Encoding]::UNICODE.GetBytes

($input_string))).replace("=","-")

}

n Include a comment block and configurable parameter entries near the start of the script so that when

you clone a WCI collection filter you can see the parameters and set them when you edit the collection filter. To view and edit the collection filters, click Administration and select Collection Filters > Filters.

n Redirect any variable declarations in the script to out-null, along with any other tasks that generate

output that is not part of the XML result set. For example, you can use the following command.

[reflection.assembly]::LoadWithPartialName("Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo") > out-

null

n Do not include any formatting, white space, carriage returns, or line feeds at the end of elements,

nodes, or attributes.

Challenges in PowerShell Scripting for WCI

100

When you develop custom collection scripts, understand the challenges that you might encounter while scripting in PowerShell to collect the Windows Custom Information (WCI)data type from VCM managed Windows machines.

PowerShell scripts can use the split method of PowerShell strings, which separates the columns of the rows into separate values in arrays. For example, Windows provides the schtasks.exe utility to manage scheduled tasks on a local or remote computer and report on the scheduled tasks.

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VMware vRealize Configuration Manager - 5.8 Administrator’s Guide

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

About This Book

Getting Started with VCM

Understanding User Access

Running VCM as Administrator on the Collector

Supported Browsers

Log In to VCM

Getting Familiar with the Portal

General Information Bar

Toolbar

Navigation Sliders

Customizing VCM for your Environment

Installing and Getting Started with VCM Tools

Install the VCM Tools Only

VCM Import/Export and Content Wizard Tools

Run the Import/Export Tool

Run the Content Wizard to Access Additional Compliance Content

Run the Deployment Utility

Package Studio

Foundation Checker

Configuring VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Virtual Environments Configuration

Managing Agents Virtual Environments

Managing vCenter Server Instances, Hosts, and Guest Virtual Machines

Managing Instances of vCloud Director and vApp Virtual Machines

Managing vShield Manager Instances

Configure Virtual Environments Collections

Configure Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environment Management

Collect Machines Data From the Managing Agent Machines

Set the Trust Status for Managing Agent Machines

Configure HTTPS Bypass Setting for Virtual Environments

Enable Managing Agent Machines for Virtual Environments

Obtain the SSL Certificate Thumbprint

Configure vCenter Server Data Collections

Add vCenter Server Instances

Configure the vCenter Server Settings

Collect vCenter Server Data

vCenter Custom Information Filter

vCenter Server Collection Results

Configure vCenter Server Scheduled Collections

Configure vCenter Server Virtual Machine Collections

Collect vCenter Server Virtual Machines Data

Manage vCenter Server Virtual Machines

Configure vCloud Director Collections

Add vCloud Director Instances

Configure the vCloud Director Settings

Collect vCloud Director Data

vCloud Director Collection Results

Configure vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines Collections

Network Address Translation and vCloud Director vApp Discovery Rules

Discover vCloud Director vApp Virtual Machines

Configure vShield Manager Collections

Configure ESX Service Console OS Collections

Configure the Collector as an Agent Proxy

Configure Virtual Machine Hosts

Copy Files to the ESX/ESXi Servers

Collect ESX Logs Data

Virtualization Collection Results

Configure the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In

Register the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In

Configuring the vSphere Client VCM Plug-In Integration Settings

Manage Machines from the vSphere Client

Running Compliance for the VMware Cloud Infrastructure

Create and Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Rules

Create and Test Virtual Environment Compliance Filters

Preview Virtual Environment Compliance Rule Groups

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

Run Virtual Environment Compliance Templates

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions

Resolve Noncompliant Virtual Environments Template Results

Enforce Compliance Template Results Using Enforceable Compliance

Enforce Compliance Template Results by Using VCM Actions

Manually Enforce Compliance Template

Create Virtual Environment Compliance Exceptions