A solution is an extension of the vCenter Server that adds new functions to the vCenter Server instance. You can monitor the detailed information of an inventory and the health status of the solutions.

VMware products that integrate with vCenter Server are also considered solutions. For example, vSphere ESX Agent Manager is a VMware solution that lets you manage host agents that add new capabilities to ESX and ESXi hosts.

You can also install a solution to add functionality from third-party technologies to the standard functions of vCenter Server. Solutions are typically delivered as OVF packages. You can install and deploy solutions from the vSphere Client. You can integrate the solutions into the vCenter Solutions Manager, which provides a list of all installed solutions.

If a virtual machine or vApp runs a solution, a custom icon represents it in the inventory of the vSphere Client. Each solution registers a unique icon to show that the solution manages the virtual machine or vApp. The icons show the power states (powered on, paused, or powered off). Solutions display more than one type of icon if they manage more than one type of virtual machine or vApp.

When you power on or power off a virtual machine or vApp, you are notified that you are operating with an object that is managed by the vCenter Solutions Manager. When you attempt another operation on a virtual machine or a vApp that is managed by a solution, an informational warning message appears.

For more information, see the Developing and Deploying vSphere Solutions, vServices, and ESX Agents documentation.

View Solutions

vCenter Solutions Manager helps to deploy, monitor, and interact with solutions that are installed in a vCenter Server instance.

The vCenter Solutions Manager displays information about the solution, such as the solution name, the vendor name, and the version of the product. The vCenter Solutions manager also displays information about the health of a solution.

Procedure

  1. Navigate to the vCenter Solutions Manager.
    1. In the vSphere Client, select Menu > Administration.
    2. Expand Solutions and click vCenter Server Extensions.
  2. Click a solution from the list.

    For instance, vService Manager or vSphere ESX Agent Manager.

  3. Navigate through the tabs to view information about the solution.
    • Summary: You can view details about the solution, such as the product name, a short description, and links to the product and vendor websites. You can also view the solution configuration and the solution UI.

      Select the vCenter Server link to view the Summary page of the Virtual Machines or vApp.

    • Monitor: You can view the tasks and events related to the solution.
    • VMs: You can view a list of all the Virutal Machines and vApps that belong to the solution.