Hi vAdmins,
With the introduction of VCF 9 and VCF Operations, we’ve seen a growing need for deeper insight into these useful new capabilities To address this, we’re launching a new series of updates focused on VCF Infrastructure Operations.
In this blog post we will take a closer look at the “Dashboards”.
Your platform Performance At a Glance
vSphere VM Performance dashboard:
In the complex world of modern infrastructure, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of data. That’s why we’re zooming in on the single most crucial tool for cutting through the noise: Dashboards. These aren’t just pretty graphs—they are your command center, enabling you to pinpoint what truly matters within your environment.
When it comes to managing your private cloud deployment, seeing the whole picture is everything. While simple dashboards give you a focused look, Views and Reports provide the vital, comprehensive perspectives you need. They are the backbone of smart operational management, collecting and presenting data to track crucial factors like health, risk, and capacity trending across all objects and the entire fleet in your environment. You probably know that one size doesn’t fit all. That’s why you have the option to create your own custom analyses. Understanding the unique capabilities of both views and reports—and knowing exactly when to use each—is the key to effectively monitoring and optimizing your infrastructure. Let’s explore how to leverage these powerful tools.
Understanding and Accessing Dashboards
Dashboards are your crucial window into the health and performance of your virtual infrastructure. They provide a clear, visual overview of the performance and current state of all your key objects, making complex data immediately understandable.
Getting to them is simple: just navigate to Infrastructure Operations > Dashboards & Reports > Dashboards, Once there, you have two key areas:
- The Overview tab is where you’ll find all the predefined dashboards—ready-made views built to cover the most common operational needs.
- The Manage tab is your control center. Here, you can view all dashboards (both predefined and any custom ones you’ve created), and, most importantly, manage and alter them to ensure your view is always perfectly tailored to your current focus.
Master Your Environment with Predefined Dashboards
Looking for a fast track to operational clarity? The predefined dashboards in your VCF Operations console are your answer. Covering a wide range of use cases, these powerful tools go beyond simple reporting. They are proactive instruments designed to help you continuously monitor your virtual environment, anticipate issues, and quickly troubleshoot any problems that arise. Start managing with confidence.
In the demo above you see some Prefined Dashboards in action.
Create Your Own Dashboard
If predefined dashboards don’t perfectly align with your organization’s unique business case, don’t worry—you have the power to customize. You can easily create a new custom dashboard to precisely meet your environment’s needs.
Your Operational Focus Starts Here
In the complex world of modern infrastructure, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of data. That’s why we’re zooming in on the single most crucial tool for cutting through the noise: Dashboards.
These aren’t just pretty graphs—they are your command center, enabling you to pinpoint what truly matters within your environment.To ensure your dashboards deliver this actionable intelligence, your design must be intentional. The most crucial first step is to define your audience, as different users have fundamentally different data needs.
For instance, Executives need a high-level view of virtual infrastructure performance, while Administrators require deep detail and fast access to infrastructure data for daily operations. Once the audience is clear, you must identify and validate your data sources, which may even include creating entirely new, “super” metrics to provide the exact insights your users need.The VCF Operations console gives you a head start with a robust suite of predefined dashboards. But the real power is in customization.
With VCF you have the flexibility to design custom dashboards tailored for every key stakeholder in your business! Example, for the virtual infrastructure team keeping systems running, to executives tracking high-level performance, and even application owners and operators who need a specific, focused view of their services. By designing with intention, you turn raw data into a clear path forward.
Summary
VCF Operations provides powerful Dashboards as a command center for proactive monitoring. The platform features robust predefined views, but also allows for customization with Views and Reports. Effective design is key: tailor your dashboards to the specific needs of your audience, such as high-level views for Executives or deep detail for Administrators.
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.