Directly modifying ESXi host managed by vCenter Server

In the world of Nutanix HCI on vSphere, you sometimes do not have access to the vCenter Server, but you do have the root credentials of the ESXi host. However, when you try to make your changes, the ESXi host returns the message, “Access to resource settings on the host is restricted to the server that is managing it”.

There is one particular administrator task where this workaround comes into play: the Nutanix CVM resizing procedure to increase/decrease vCPU and RAM. I always forget the exact details of this workaround and then spend 30 minutes searching for it, so here it is. If this was a Production system, then obviously you would have an approved Change Request before you executed the workaround.

Continue reading Directly modifying ESXi host managed by vCenter Server

vSphere 6.0 Basics – Part 4 – Installing vCenter Server with Windows Server 2012 R2

This is part 4 of the vSphere 6.0 Basics, detailing the installation of vCenter Server on Windows Server 2012 R2.

Continue reading vSphere 6.0 Basics – Part 4 – Installing vCenter Server with Windows Server 2012 R2

Private Cloud – SDDC 1.0

You may have read my recent Next-Generation Data Center post, that summarised the Conceptual Model and Logical Design of my ideal Private Cloud solution.  This post describes the current vendors that are the leaders of their respective markets and I believe they have a compelling integration story with the highest chance of success.  The back-bone of the strategy relies upon VMware, who in my opinion are the current leaders of SDDC for technology, professional services, training and support.

Continue reading Private Cloud – SDDC 1.0