About Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation

The Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution provides information on the use of a log analysis tool that delivers highly scalable log management with intuitive and actionable dashboards, sophisticated analytics, and broad third-party extensibility. The solution provides deep operational visibility and fast troubleshooting across physical, virtual, and cloud environments.

A VMware by Broadcom validated solution is a well-architected and validated implementation, built and tested by VMware to help customers deliver common business use cases. VMware validated solutions are operational, cost-effective, performant, reliable and secure. Each solution contains a detailed design, implementation, and operational guidance.

Automation for This Design in VMware Cloud Foundation

VMware Cloud Foundation™ SDDC Manager^® automates the implementation tasks for some design decisions. For the rest of the design decisions, as noted in the design implications, you must perform the implementation steps manually.

To provide a fast and efficient path to automating the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation implementation, this document provides Microsoft PowerShell cmdlets using an open-source module as code-based alternatives to completing certain procedures in each SDDC component's user interface.

For additional information, see PowerShell Module for VMware Validated Solutions.

Intended Audience

The Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation documentation is intended for cloud architects and administrators who are familiar with and want to use VMware software and an intelligent logging and analytics solution for VMware Cloud Foundation.

Support Matrix

The Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution is compatible with certain versions of the VMware products that are used for implementing the solution.

Table 1. Software Components in Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation

VMware Cloud Foundation Version	Product Group	Component Versions
5.2.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.18.0
		VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.18.0
5.1.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.18.0
		VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.18.0
5.1.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.18.0
		VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.18.0

Table 2. End of General Support Software Components in Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation

VMware Cloud Foundation Version	Product Group	Component Versions
5.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.0 Release Notes. VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.10.0 (EOGS)
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.10.0
4.5.2	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.2 Release Notes. VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.10.0 (EOGS)
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.10.0
4.5.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.1 Release Notes. vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager 8.8.2 (EOGS)
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.8.2
4.5.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.0 Release Notes. vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager 8.8.2 (EOGS)
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.8.2
4.4.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.6.2 (EOGS)
4.4.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.6.2 (EOGS)
4.3.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.4.1 (EOGS)
4.3.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Log Insight 8.4 (EOGS)

Note:

The software component versions in this table are in End of General Support (EOGS) phase and are no longer generally supported by VMware. At the time of initial release and during the General Support phase, the software component versions in this solution are actively implemented, tested, and validated by VMware and VMware partners. See VMware Lifecycle Policies.

Before You Apply This Guidance

To design and implement the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution, your environment must have a certain configuration.

Table 3. Supported VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment

Workload Domain / Component	Deployment Details
Management domain	Automated deployment using VMware Cloud Builder™ Required availability of overlay-backed or VLAN-backed NSX segments in VMware NSX for traffic in the same VMware Cloud Foundation instance. See the following VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation: For information on designing the management domain, see VMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide. For information on deploying the management domain, see Getting Started with VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment Guide. For information on operating the management domain, see VMware Cloud Foundation Administration Guide and VMware Cloud Foundation Operations Guide.
(Optional) One or more virtual infrastructure (VI) workload domains	Automated deployment using SDDC Manager. See the following VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation: For information on designing a VI workload domain, see VMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide. For information on deploying the VI workload domains, see Getting Started with VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation Administration Guide. For information on operating the VI Workload domain, see VMware Cloud Foundation Operations Guide.
VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle	Automated deployment by using SDDC Manager. See the following VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation: For information on designing VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle®, see VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle Design for VMware Cloud Foundation. For information on deploying VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle, see Getting Started with VMware Cloud Foundation and VMware Cloud Foundation Operations and Administration Guide. To ensure correct version support for VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for your VMware Cloud Foundation version, follow the implementation guidance in this validated solution. See Deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation.
VMware Cloud Foundation integrated with Active Directory	Manual or PowerShell automated configuration of Active Directory over LDAP. See the Identity and Access Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution.

Overview of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation

By applying the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution, you implement centralized intelligent logging and analytics for the components of a VMware Cloud Foundation instance.

Table 4. Implementation Overview of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation

Stage	Steps
1. Plan and prepare the VMware Cloud Foundation environment	Work with the technology team of your organization on configuring the physical servers, network, and storage in the data center. Collect the environment details and save them in the VMware Cloud Foundation Planning and Preparation Workbook.
2. Activate centralized logging for the management and workload components of VMware Cloud Foundation.	Deploy VMware Aria Operations for Logs in each VMware Cloud Foundation instance. Configure each management component to forward logs to VMware Aria Operations for Logs.

Frequently Asked Questions

For additional questions, see VMware Validated Solutions Frequently Asked Questions.

Update History

The Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution is updated when necessary.

Revision	Description
23 JUL 2024	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2.0. This validated solution now provides a single procedure for PowerShell automation. See Automated PowerShell Implementation of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for for VMware Cloud Foundation This validated solution now provides guidance on importing the VMware Aria Operations for Logs OVA in a vSphere Content library. See Import the VMware Aria Operations for Logs OVA to vSphere Content Library for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. This validated solution now uses the PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module to generate a Microsoft CA signed certificate. See Import the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Certificate to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.11.0.
28 MAY 2024	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.10.0.
26 MAR 2024	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.1. This validated solution now supports VMware Aria Operations for Logs 8.16.0. This validated solution now updates the password complexity and account lockout policy configuration for the latest version of Photon OS. Configure the Local User Password Complexity Policy for the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure the Local User Account Lockout Policy for the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.9.0. The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 13.2.1.
30 JAN 2024	This validated solution now updates the design, the implementation, and the operational guidance for the use of Active Directory over LDAP instead of Workspace ONE Access for authentication to VMware Aria Operations for Logs. See the following: Note: If you previously deployed this validated solution using Workspace ONE Access for authentication, to reconfigure the authentication provider, see Authentication Transition for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. Deployment Model for VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Identity Management for VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure VMware Aria Operations for Logs Authentication Using Active Directory for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Verify the Integration of VMware Aria Operations for Logs with Active Directory for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Verify the Authentication in VMware Aria Operations for Logs by Using an Active Directory User Account for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation This validated solution now provides guidance on deploying VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle in a disconnected environment. See the following: Implementation of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Apply a Product Support Pack to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Install Workspace ONE Access Content Pack for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation This validated solution now updates the password complexity policy configuration for the use of the pam_pwquality.so file. See Configure the Local User Password Complexity Policy for the Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. This validated solution now includes Scale Management for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.8.0, adding support and updates for the following procedures: Assign VMware Aria Operations for Logs Roles to Active Directory Groups for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Create a vSphere Content Library for Operational Management for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Apply a Product Support Pack to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Deploy VMware Aria Operations for Logs by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Install Workspace ONE Access Content Pack for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation
07 NOV 2023	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.0. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.7.0. The PowerVCF PowerShell module is now version 2.4.0. The following solution-added product names are changing: VMware vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager is now VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle VMware vRealize Log Insight is now VMware Aria Operations for Logs VMware vRealize Operations is now VMware Aria Operations For more information on the VMware Aria rebranding, see Multi-Cloud Management and VMware Aria.
29 AUG 2023	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.2. This validated solution now provides guidance on alerts management. See Alerts Management for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 13.1.0. The ImportExcel PowerShell module is now version 7.8.5. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.6.0.
25 JUL 2023	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.0. This validated solution now supports vRealize Log Insight 8.10.2. vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager is now listed as a solution-added product for VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.1 and VMware Cloud Foundation 5.0. See Software Components in Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. This validated solution now provides guidance on deploying and upgrading vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager. See Deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. This validated solution now includes Appendix: Default Password Policy Settings for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation for quick reference. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.5.0.
30 MAY 2023	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.1. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.3.0. This validated solution now provides guidance on implementing the solution in an additional VMware Cloud Foundation instance. See Implementation of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for an Additional VMware Cloud Foundation Instance. This validated solution now updates the Information Security and Access Control Design for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation, providing guidance on: Active Directory Integration for VMware Aria Operations for Logs Password Policies for VMware Aria Operations for Logs. This validated solution now includes the following operational guidance procedures: Configuring Password Policies for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Password Rotation and Remediation for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation
25 APR 2023	The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 13.0.0. The VMware.vSphere.SsoAdmin PowerShell module is now version 1.3.9. The ImportExcel PowerShell module is now version 7.8.4. The PowerVCF PowerShell module is now version 2.3.0 The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.2.0.
28 MAR 2023	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.1.0.
28 FEB 2023	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.0.1.
31 JAN 2023	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.0.0.
29 NOV 2022	The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 12.7.0. The VMware.vSphere.SsoAdmin PowerShell module is now version 1.3.8. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version is 1.10.0.
25 OCT 2022	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.0. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.9.0, adding support for the following procedures: Configure Log Forwarding Between VMware Cloud Foundation Instances Verify the Integration of VMware Aria Operations with VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation
27 SEP 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.8.0.
31 MAY 2022	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.1. The PowerVCF PowerShell module is now version 2.2.0. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.7.0.
28 APR 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.6.0 adding support for the Reconfigure the Collector Group for the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Integration for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation procedure.
29 MAR 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.5.0, adding support for the Add a Ping Adapter for the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Cluster for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation procedure. The Configure the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Agent Group for the Clustered Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation PowerShell procedure has been updated. The Create a VMware Aria Operations for Logs Photon OS Agent Group for the Management Nodes for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation PowerShell procedure has been updated. Added an example persona reference. See Personas in Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. Added two new design decisions about monitoring 005 and 006 for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation that already had procedures in the guide. Design decision 004 is also updated. See Monitoring and Alerting of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation.
22 FEB 2022	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4. This validated solution now requires installation of the ImportExcel PowerShell module. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.4.0. The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 12.4.1. Starting with VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4, installation and life cycle management of vRealize Log Insight is performed by using vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager. See Life Cycle Management Design for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation.
25 JAN 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.3.0. The VMware.vSphere.SsoAdmin PowerShell module is now version 1.3.7.
30 NOV 2021	The PowerVCF PowerShell module is now version 2.1.7. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.2.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Deploy VMware Aria Operations for Logs by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Activate Authentication for VMware Aria Operations for Logs by Using Active Directory over LDAP for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Connect a VI Workload Domain to VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure All NSX Nodes to Forward Logs to VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Install and Configure the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Agent on the Clustered Workspace ONE Access Nodes for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Agent Group for the Clustered Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Create a VMware Aria Operations for Logs Photon OS Agent Group for the Management Nodes for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure SMTP for VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure Log Retention and Archiving for VMware Aria Operations for Logs for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Assign VMware Aria Operations for Logs Roles to Active Directory Groups for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation
26 OCT 2021	This validated solution now supports VxRail. See Design Objectives of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.1.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Add VMware Aria Operations for Logs License to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Add the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Admin Password to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation Add the VMware Aria Operations for Logs Virtual Machines to the First Availability Zone VM Group for Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation The operational guidance now includes shutdown and startup procedures for the solution components. See Shutdown and Startup of Intelligent Logging and Analytics for VMware Cloud Foundation.
05 OCT 2021	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.1.
24 AUG 2021	Initial release.