vCenter 5.5 Upgrade with Windows Server 2012 R2 – Part 5 – Integrating vUM and Syslog

This is part 5 of the vCenter 5.1 to 5.5 Update 1c upgrade, detailing the installation of vSphere Update Manager and vSphere Syslog Collector for vCenter 5.5.

Continue reading vCenter 5.5 Upgrade with Windows Server 2012 R2 – Part 5 – Integrating vUM and Syslog

Next track – VCDX-SAA

There is a very strong rumour that the next VCDX track to be announced will be “Storage and Availability” (VCDX-SAA).  This will be the final track to complete the SDDC “Quad VCDX” super architect classification (Data Center, Cloud, Network and Storage).  No indication of when it will be announced, just keep an eye out for it.  I would imagine it will include SRM and VSAN.

There is also the hint of a management track for VCDX (probably include the vC Ops suite) and that the Implementation Expert exams (VCIX) will be developed for Data Center, Cloud and Desktop; possibly replacing the VCAP framework.  The certification space of VMware Education is in a state of flux, changes are “a-happening”.

Furthermore, there was a great VCDX discussion with John Arrasjid on the VMware Community Roundtable Podcast (Episode #291) a few days ago, have a listen on iTunes.

VUPaaS – start listening to it!

images I was lucky enough to be on VUPaaS recently.  It is hosted by GS Khalsa, Josh Atwell and Chris Wahl.  I have found it very useful for hearing about how other customers are using virtualisation and cloud automation technologies to solve their operational issues and then applying those lessons within my own organisation.  This series of podcasts was also a very important part of my VCDX preparation, particularly in developing use-cases and alternate design scenarios for my defence.

So if you have not subscribed to the show on iTunes, then you should do yourself a favour and give it a go!

VMworld 2014 – LaaS (Labs-as-a-Service)

HOL On the latest VMware Communities Roundtable Podcast (iTunes) podcast (Episode #290), Dave Rollins announced updates to the Hands-On-Lab program:

  • 2013 HOL Catalog – Still available on the Internet.
  • 2014 HOL Catalog – Third round of Beta testing has been completed in readiness for VMworld 2014.
  • “Labs-in-a-Box” – The name is a misnomer, it is NOT a set of HOL binaries for you to setup your own HOL environment.  It is the connection service for volunteer HOL experts in your area to provide “Intstructor Led” services for your HOL event (eg. VMUG); also included is the planning and documentation for co-ordinating the pre-staging of the LaaS services within the HOL backend.  It also includes recommendations for the EUC infrastructure and the Internet bandwidth required for a large group of people, ensuring that your HOL event will be a success.
  • “Lightning Labs” – 15 to 30 minute labs that give you the “fast-track” on that particular product.  This means you do not have to complete the entire 60-90 minute lab.
  • “Instructor Led Labs” – Two rooms (increased from 12 to 20 people each) during VMworld will have Instructor Led HOL.  They are fully booked out, but a lot of people do not show up.  So turn up 10 minutes before the session begins and you may be able to take the place of a “no-show”.
  • “Partner Labs” – The number of partner labs has increased this year: IBM, Puppet, Infoblox, Cisco, NetApp, CatBird, Liquidware Labs, etc.
  • “Self-paced Labs” – Same as last year, EUC endpoints where you can complete a Lab at your own pace.
  • “Hot Spots” – Same as last year, dedicated areas for “Bring Your Own Device” to access HOL.
  • “HOL” tours – Same as last year, there will be organised tours of the HOL environment by the HOL team.

The expectation is that on the second and third days, the queues for HOL will thin out, so if you have some free time, sign up!  See you at VMworld.

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Cisco UCS Configuration Guide for vSphere – Part 7 – Firmware Upgrade

This post describes the procedure for the end-to-end upgrade of the firmware for a Cisco UCS Blade System.  At the time of writing, the UCS is delivered from the factory with version 2.2(1b) and the latest stable release is 2.2(1d).

Continue reading Cisco UCS Configuration Guide for vSphere – Part 7 – Firmware Upgrade

VMworld 2014 – VCDX Academy, Game On!

UPDATE: Official name is “VCDX Fast Track”.  Today John Arrasjid officially announced the “VCDX Academy” (aka “AcademyX”) in a series of tweets:

  • First VCDX Academy “Beta” will be held in Palo Alto on the 15th of September 2014.
  • First VCDX Academy “Beta” will host 40 students.
  • Course will be available from MyLearn next week.
  • It is a paid 5 day class, led by VCDXs and specialists for each track (DCV, Cloud, Desktop & NV).
  • Includes Discovery Phase Questions, Design Decision Workbook, Design Review Readiness Assessment, Mock Defences and Design/Troubleshooting scenarios.
  • Built upon material used within the VCDX Mentoring Program, Boot Camps, PEX Sessions and his new book.
  • Depending upon success, VMware Education expects to offer this course quarterly in multiple regions.
  • Prerequisite for students: MUST have a design.

So if you are a VCDX Candidate who wants to maximise their chances of success, sign up!  I also recently blogged about other VCDX Program announcements.

Continue reading VMworld 2014 – VCDX Academy, Game On!