The Provider \ Update it? dashboard complements the main vSphere configuration dashboards by displaying the actual vSphere objects, with their relevant information. The dashboard is designed for vSphere administrators and the platform team. The Provider \ Update it? dashboard is one of the eight dashboards that checks the environment for optimization opportunities.

As part of operations best practices, keep the infrastructure up to date. Running outdated components that are too far behind the latest version, can cause support problems or upgrade problems. It is common that the fix for the problem is only available in the later versions. Outdated hardware can also result in higher operating costs. Outdated hardware might cost more data center footprint, such as rack space, cooling, and UPS. Refreshing your technology and consolidation are two common techniques to optimize cost.

Design Considerations

The Provider \ Update it? dashboard follows the same design considerations specified in the Consumer \ Correct it? dashboard. The eight Configuration > Review dashboards form an optimization flow and are designed as a set. Use them together, as you go through the optimization review process.

How to Use the Dashboards

The Consumer \ Update it? dashboard is a collection of tables (List View) that can be reviewed independently. Click the object name to navigate to the Object Summary page to view more configurations. There can be valid reasons why specific configurations are not followed. It is recommended that you discuss best practices with VMware.

  • Outdated vSphere Components Widgets:
    • Lists all the vCenter Servers versions that are not 6.7 or 7.0.
    • Lists all the ESXi host versions that are not 6.5, 6.7, or 7.0.
    • Lists all the vSAN ESXi host versions that are not 6.7 or 7.0. A more stringent filter is applied for vSAN because of a relatively higher maturity in the latest release. From vRealize Operations and vRealize Log Insight, there are more counters, properties, and events that improve monitoring and troubleshooting.
    • Lists all the vSphere distributed switches, regardless of the version.
    • You should tailor the filter to fit your operational needs.
  • Outdated Server BIOS Widget:
    • Lists all the ESXi hosts regardless of the BIOS version. Edit the widget and tailor the filter to fit your operational needs.
  • Other than customizing the existing widgets, consider adding the following checks:
    • ESXi hosts with outdated hardware, using a filter based on your environment.
    • ESXi hosts that are no longer on warranty. Create a custom property to capture the end of warranty.
    • Physical storage arrays with outdated firmware, model, and an expiring warranty.
    • Physical network switch with an outdated OS version and hardware model
      Note: Install the relevant management pack for the last two points.

Points to Note

See the Points to Note section as specified in the Consumer \ Correct it? dashboard. This dashboard follows the same design considerations, and as a result, shares limitations and customization ideas.