About Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation

The Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution provides instructions for implementing a centralized monitoring and alerting platform to deliver proactive management of system failures through a single interface to review and act on events and alerts.

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 Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation implementation, this document provides Microsoft PowerShell cmdlets using an open-source module as code-based alternatives to complete certain procedures in each SDDC component's user interface.

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

Intended Audience

The Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solutions is intended for cloud architects and administrators who are familiar with and want to use VMware software to provide a centralized monitoring and alerting platform to deliver proactive management of system metrics, events , and failures.

Support Matrix

The Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution is compatible with the certain versions of the VMware products.

Table 1. Software Components in Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation

VMware Cloud Foundation Version	Product Group	Component Versions
5.2.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations 8.18.1
		VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.18.0
5.2.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	VMware Aria Operations 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 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 8.18.0
		VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle 8.18.0

Table 2. End of General Support Software Components in Intelligent Operations Management 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 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 8.14.0
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 Operations 8.6.3 (EOGS)
4.5.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Operations 8.6.3 (EOGS)
		VMware SDDC Health Monitoring Solution™ 8.6.1
4.4.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Operations 8.6.2 (EOGS)
		VMware SDDC Health Monitoring Solution 8.6
4.4.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Operations 8.6.2 (EOGS)
		VMware SDDC Health Monitoring Solution 8.6
4.3.1	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.1 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Operations 8.5 (EOGS)
		VMware SDDC Health Monitoring Solution 8.4 (EOGS)
4.3.0	Products part of VMware Cloud Foundation	See VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.0 Release Notes.
	Solution-added products	vRealize Operations 8.4 (EOGS)
		VMware SDDC Health Monitoring Solution 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. See VMware Lifecycle Policies.

Before You Apply This Guidance

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

Table 3. Supported VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment

Workload Domain	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 and between VMware Cloud Foundation instances. 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 and clustered Workspace ONE Access	Automated deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle by using SDDC Manager. Automated deployment of the clustered VMware Workspace ONE® Access™ instance by using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle. See the following VMware Cloud Foundation Documentation: For information on designing VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle and the clustered Workspace ONE Access, see VMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide. For information on deploying VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle and the clustered Workspace ONE Access instance, see Getting Started with VMware Cloud Foundation, VMware Cloud Foundation Operations Guide, and VMware Cloud Foundation Administration Guide. To ensure correct version support for VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle and the clustered Workspace ONE Access instance for your VMware Cloud Foundation version, follow the implementation guidance in this validated solution. See Deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle and Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation.

Overview of Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation

By applying the Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution, you implement centralized monitoring for the management and the workload components of VMware Cloud Foundation.

Table 4. Implementation Overview of Intelligent Operations Management 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 these in the VMware Cloud Foundation Planning and Preparation Workbook.
2. Provide centralized monitoring for the management and workload components of VMware Cloud Foundation.	Deploy a VMware Aria Operations analytics cluster with an associated NSX load balancer. Add VMware Cloud Proxies for VMware Aria Operations in each VMware Cloud Foundation instance. Configure the VMware Cloud Foundation cloud account Configure each vCenter Server instance as a cloud account. Configure vSAN as a cloud account. Configure each NSX Manager cluster as a cloud account. Configure Ping adapter.

Note: The UI procedures in this document are valid for VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.2 and later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Update History

The Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation validated solution is updated when necessary.

Revision	Description
09 OCT 2024	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2.1. This validated solution now supports VMware Aria Operations 8.18.1. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.12.0. The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 13.3.0. The ImportExcel PowerShell module is now version 7.8.9.
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 Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation This validated solution now provides guidance on importing all necessary OVAs for the deployment of VMware Aria Operations OVA in a vSphere Content library. See Import the VMware Aria Operations OVA to vSphere Content Library for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation. This validated solution now uses the PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module to generate a Microsoft CA signed certificate. See Generate the Certificate for VMware Aria Operations and Import it in VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management 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 8.16.1. This validated solution now configures the anti-affinity rule as part of the VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle deployement, see Deploy VMware Aria Operations by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation 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 Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure the Local User Account Lockout Policy for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.9.0, adding support for the following procedures: Configure the VMware Cloud Foundation Integration for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation The VMware.PowerCLI PowerShell module is now version 13.2.1.
30 JAN 2024	This validated solution now provides guidance on deploying VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle in a disconnected environment. See the following: Implementation of Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Deployment of VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle and Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Apply a Product Support Pack to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation This validated solution now updates the Deploy VMware Aria Operations by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation procedure, adding an automated configuration of a Load Balancer for VMware Aria Operations. 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 Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.8.0, providing support and updates for the following procedures: Create a vSphere Content Library for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Apply a Product Support Pack to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Deploy VMware Aria Operations by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Prepare the NSX to VMware Aria Operations Integration for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation
07 NOV 2023	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 5.1.0. This validated solution now includes VMware Infrastructure Health integration. See the following: VMware Aria Operations Design for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation GUID-475E1076-6DDC-420E-9FA9-D4A185DB0973.html The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 2.7.0, adding support for the following procedures: Remove Existing vCenter Server Adapter in VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation GUID-FDFB4A49-CE4E-4AA9-9091-B7390C869ECE.html Configure Credentials for SDDC Components in VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation The PowerVCF PowerShell module is now version 2.4.0. The following solution-added product names are changing: VMware vRealize Operations is now VMware Aria Operations VMware vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager is now VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle VMware vRealize Log Insight is now VMware Aria Operations for Logs For more information on the VMware Aria rebranding, see Multi-Cloud Management and VMware Aria.
29 AUG 2023	This validated solution now includes Appendix: Default Password Policy Settings for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation for quick reference. This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.2. 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 Operations 8.10.2 This validated solution now adds vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager as a solution-added product for VMware Cloud Foundation 4.5.1 and VMware Cloud Foundation 5.0. See Software Components in Intelligent Operations Management 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 and Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation. 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.
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 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: Add the Management Domain vCenter Server in the Additional VMware Cloud Foundation Instance to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management Verify the Log Forwarding Status of VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation
27 SEP 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.8.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Create a vCenter Server Single Sign-On User for Integration with VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure Service Account Permissions in vSphere for Integration with VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Add the vCenter Server Password for the Additional VMware Cloud Foundation Instance to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management
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.
29 MAR 2022	The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.5.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Create a VMware Aria Operations for Logs Photon OS Agent Group for the VMware Aria Operations Nodes for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation
22 FEB 2022	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4.0. Starting with VMware Cloud Foundation 4.4, installation and life cycle management of vRealize Operations is performed by using vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager. See Life Cycle Management Design for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation. 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. Adding a procedure for configuring Ping adapters for the clustered Workspace ONE Access. See Add Ping Adapters for the Clustered Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation.
25 JAN 2022	The VMware.vSphere.SsoAdmin PowerShell module is now version 1.3.7. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.3.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Configure User Access in VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Configure Email Alert Plug-in Settings for VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Activate the Ping Integration in VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Add Ping Adapters for the VMware Aria Operations Nodes for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Create Notifications in VMware Aria Operations for VMware Cloud Foundation Issues
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 by Using VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Synchronize the Active Directory Groups for VMware Aria Operations in Workspace ONE Access for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Group the VMware Cloud Proxy Appliances for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Set the Currency for Cost Calculation in VMware Aria Operations for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation
26 OCT 2021	This validated solution now supports VxRail. See Design Objectives of Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation. The PowerValidatedSolutions PowerShell module is now version 1.1.0, adding support for the following implementation procedures. Add the VMware Aria Operations License to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Add the VMware Aria Operations Password to VMware Aria Suite Lifecycle for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation Add the VMware Aria Operations Appliances to the First Availability Zone VM Group for Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation The operational guidance now includes shutdown and startup procedures for the solution components. See Shutdown and Startup of Intelligent Operations Management for VMware Cloud Foundation.
05 OCT 2021	This validated solution now supports VMware Cloud Foundation 4.3.1.
24 AUG 2021	Initial release.