Hi vdmins,
Over the past year I have written several blogs about VMware Cloud Foundation. Today seems like a good time to focus on the Cloud Builder. This tool is responsible for deploying the VCF stack. See in the demos below how easy it is to deploy a VCF stack based on a single JSON (parameter runbook)file.
Cloud Builder
This appliance is equipped with the VMware Imaging Appliance service, allowing you to install ESXi software on your servers. Once the servers are imaged, proceed to retrieve and finalize the deployment parameters workbook from the VMware Cloud Builder appliance. This workbook is essential for specifying network details, host information, and other necessary data. Upon uploading this workbook back to the VMware Cloud Builder appliance, a JSON file is created to facilitate the bring-up process. The system verifies the input data before commencing the automated phase of bringing up the deployment.
Demo Time
In the demo below we import a JSON file. During this procedure the Cloud Builder checks if all prerequisites are in place and then prepares the VCF configuration.
Errors found
In case any errors be identified, you have the option to acknowledge them. If modifications are necessary, you can make the necessary adjustments to the JSON file before proceeding with the same process. For the purpose of this demonstration, we will disregard this notification and proceed with the deployment of VCF.
SDDC Bringup proces
In the demo below you can see live which tasks are in progress. You can follow the status of all deploymens in real time.
In the demo below we focus on the tasks.
A few moments later!
After a several hours, all tasks have been completed successfully and in the demo below we will log in to the SDDC Manager for the first time.
Final thoughts
The Cloud Builder is a very powerful tool that saves administrators a lot of work. Deploying a VCF stack based on a JSON file prevents a mismatch in configurations and verifies all parameters before the actual deployment phase, which significantly reduces costs and lead time.
End of this post.
Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed in this blog are solely my own and should be treated as personal opinions. This content does not hold any legal or authoritative standing.