Agent And Collector Host Os Platform Support; Understanding The Vcm Installation Manager; Understanding Vcm Installation Configurations - VMware VCENTER CONFIGURATION MANAGER 5.3 - SOFTWARE REQUIEREMENTS GUIDE Configuration

vCenter Configuration Manager Hardware and Software Requirements Guide
Table 1-1. Chapter Outline
Read this chapter:
1 -- Overview
2 -- Hardware Requirements—
Collector
3 -- Hardware and Operating
System Requirements — Agent
Machines
4 -- Software and Operating
System Requirements —
Collector Machine
Appendices
If you have questions about the Windows® server/workstation or UNIX® machine configuration or
requirements not answered in this document, contact your VMware account representative or VMware
Customer Support.

Agent and Collector Host OS Platform Support

All Agent and Collector host OS platform support is specific to versions and editions indicated in the
supported platforms table. All installations tested, except as noted, utilize the vendor's default
configuration. A variety of vendor-supplied, 3rd-party, and custom lock downs, endpoint security
products, policies, and restricted system configurations can reduce or block the performance or
functionality of VCM's components. Troubleshooting and support of VCM components in such locked-
down or reconfigured environments is not included under the standard product maintenance agreement.
Support in such environments is available through an additional Professional Services engagement.

Understanding the VCM Installation Manager

All VCM components and tools are installed with the VCM Installation Manager, which is a single tool that
steps you through the process for installing components and tools.
The Installation Manager installs all VCM components on your machine, even if you have not purchased
licenses for all of the components. Only the VCM components that are included in your VCM license file
are activated during the installation process. This installation method allows you the flexibility to purchase
more licenses and activate additional VCM components as needed. The components are already installed
on the machine and need only be activated with additional licenses.
When preparing your system for a VCM installation, determine your requirements based on which
components you plan to license within your configuration. Use the hardware requirement worksheet and
associated tables in "Chapter 2: Hardware Requirements — Collector Machine" to assess your
requirements based on your individual licensing plan. In addition, consider whether you will have a single-
server or a multiple-server installation configuration.

Understanding VCM Installation Configurations

VCM supports one installation configuration: the single server installation in which the Collector and the
VCM Databases (SQL Server databases) are installed on a single machine.
A split installation across two machines should be used only when your corporate policy requires you to
have your SQL Server data stored on a centralized database server. Split installations are implemented and
supported only by VMware Customer Support. Installation instructions are not provided in this manual.
The following diagram illustrates a typical VCM Enterprise-wide, single-server installation as installed by
the Installation Manager.
8
To do the following:
Understand how VCM and its related components are installed.
Determine your specific VCM Collector hardware requirements, based on the number
of machines in your enterprise and the VCM components that you plan to license.
Determine your specific VCM Agent hardware requirements, based on the VCM
components that you plan to license. This chapter includes a detailed list of the
supported operating systems,
Prepare the Windows® server for VCM installation by installing and configuring the
necessary software prerequisites.
Access reference material to supplement the hardware and software requirements
information.
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