Webcast: VMware vSphere Data Protection

VMware vSphere Data Protection has been out for quite a few months now, but there are still many who haven't heard of it or perhaps they have heard of it and would like to find out more. If you are in either of those two groups or simply need a refresher, here is an opportunity to learn more about vSphere Data Protection and vSphere Data Protection Advanced: A webinar Thursday June 6, 2013 at 10:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Here is the link to attend and the session abstract:

Webinar Registration

VMware vSphere Data Protection Advanced is a new edition of VMware's backup and recovery lineup that extends the capabilities of the vSphere Data Protection software included with most vSphere editions. With vSphere Data Protection Advanced, midsize customers can protect their environment with a virtual appliance that scales to 8TB of deduplicated data, using agent-less image-level backups or application-aware agents for MS SQL Server and Exchange. Attend this Webcast and learn how vSphere Data Protection Advanced enables you to:

Dramatically reduce backup storage consumption and recovery times with a unique deduplication engine Save on storage and backup costs while improving availability and operational efficiency Simplify management for vSphere backup and recovery with a "single pane of glass" solution designed specifically for seamless integration with vSphere

Webcast: VMware vSphere Data Protection
http://blogs.vmware.com/vsphere/2013/06/vdp-webcast.html

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Upgrading vSphere 5.1 → 5.1U1a

Upgrading vSphere 5.1 → 5.1U1a
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BACKGROUND

Upon arriving at my new organization the end of February of this year, a co-worker had already migrated most of our virtual infrastructure to vSphere 5.1, utilizing  SQL 2012 as the vCenter Server database. In doing so, they noticed some "bugginess" with the infrastructure – unable to log in using the 'thick' Client, the Performance tab → Overview button performance statistics wouldn't display, as well as the Web Client not working in Internet Explorer (would work with Firefox).

After a couple calls to VMware support, multiple Google queries, and a few twitter comments, I never did get a definite answer as to the cause of our issues. I assumed it was due to the fact we were using SQL 2012 for our DB as it was not listed in VMware's Compatibility Matrix, but I couldn't find/get a definite answer, not even from VMware's support (I'd give my thoughts on my discussions with them, but don't won't to digress too much).

Anyway, I really wanted to get all these issues rectified. When VMware released U1 in April, I heard bits & pieces in the "community" on twitter that this Release would rectify the issues I was having. But, I began hearing grumblings about the stability of the U1 patch (vSphere login issues), which was confirmed by VMware as noted by this KB. Then last week. VMware released U1a, and after reading over the Release Notes, it looked like this patch was indeed the answer to my problems….err….well….my vSphere problems. After upgrading my environment, to this point it seems all the issues we were experiencing are now rectified. As such, I'd like to provide the steps I took for a successful upgrade which, overall, was pretty seamless and painless……and surprisingly quick!

PREREQUISITES

Before proceeding with upgrading your infrastructure, I highly recommend reviewing VMware's Upgrade Guide which provides greater detail of all upgrade procedures as your environment may not be the same as mine. In my envirnment, I have 13 Hosts separated into 4 Clusters & Datacenters but all within the same vCenter Server. We do not use a multi-site, Linked Clone environment, nor do we segregate vCenter Components on separate servers (i.e SSO, Inventory Service, etc. is all on the same server). Before upgrading, I recommend performing the following tasks:

1. Open your DB managment tool (i.e. SQL Management Studio) and take a backup of the vCenter database
2. Log onto your vCenter Server and take a backup of all your Component services SSL certs (look in the Upgrade Guide that's linked above for the path location to each Component SSL folder)
3. Attain the credentials used for the vCenter Server database
3. Attain your SSO admin credentials (the username is admin@System-Domain; upon initial install of SSO you had to provide this account a password. Hopefully you securely documented it for retrieval)
4. Take a snapshot of your vCenter Server, assuming it's a VM

UPGRADE – VCENTER SERVER & COMPONENTS

1. If not already done so, download both vCenter Server and vSphere ESXi 5.1 U1a (I recommend the offline bundle for ESXi, but download the package that you're familiar with in doing vSphere upgrades)
2.  Double-click the autorun.exe file from the vCenter Server download (if you downloaded the .iso, it will first need to be extracted)

3. As noted in the Upgrade Guide, the following components need to be upgraded IN ORDER:
a. Select vCenter Single Sign On (NOT the Simple Install), then click the Install button; follow the wizard then click Install (reference on pg. 64, Upgrade Guide). Provide the SSO account credentials when prompted. A reboot of vCenter may be needed upon completion of the SSO upgrade
b. After completing the SSO upgrade, select VMware vSphere Web Client then click the Install button; again, follow the wizard then click Install (reference on pg. 78, Upgrade Guide)
c. At this point, it is recommended to open a web browser & attempt to log into the Web Client. First, log in using the SSO account (admin@System-Domain) and verify domain connectivity; then attempt to login using a domain account. If all is successful, continue to 'd.'; else, review troubleshooting steps in the Upgrade Guide
d. Select VMware vCenter Inventory Service, then click the Install button (reference on pg. 80, Upgrade Guide)
e. Select VMware vCenter Server, then click the Install button (reference on pg. 83, Upgrade Guide); provide the vCenter Server database credentials when prompted
4. After upgrading all Components, log into vCenter and verify functionality; if all looks ok, I suggest backing up your SSO configuration as noted on pg. 100 of the Upgrade Guide

UPGRADE – ESXi HOSTS

There are several ways to upgrade your Hosts. Since I personally like doing so using the Offline Bundle with CLI, I will cover that procedure below. You can also upgrade via Update Manage or extracting the vSphere .iso file to a CD and using the Host CD Drive, or by using an installable USB.

1. Upload the Offline Bundle zip file to a Datastore shared by all Hosts. If you have multiple Clusters and those Clusters utilize separate storage arrays (as I do), make sure to upload the .zip to each Cluster's array.
2. Open a Putty (SSH) session to a Host (enable SSH in Configuration tab > Security Profile link if the SSH service is stopped)
3. Within vSphere (thick or Web Client), place the Host in Maintenance Mode (migrate VMs to other Hosts if they don't automatically do so)
4. Once in Maintenance Mode, run the following esxcli command:
esxcli software profile update -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore/vsphere-5.1_update1a.zip -p ESXi-5.1.0-20130402001-standard

(NOTE: to verify which bundle you want to install, you can run the following command:
esxcli software sources profile list -d /vmfs/volumes/datastore/vsphere-5.1_update1a.zip ; I chose to run the "standard" bundle )
5. When the install has successfully completed, you will need to reboot your Host

NOTE: I stole the above screenshot from Christian Mohn's (@h0bbel) post on installing an Offline Bundle here. I referenced his post from Hersey Cartwright's post here (@herseyc)

6. Once the Host is rebooted, you then need to repeat the procedure for each Host. After all Hosts are upgraded, VMware Tools will need to be upgraded on all VMs. Oh, and don't forget to remove the snapshot on your vCenter Server VM.

You have now fully upgraded your vSphere environment! Happy virtualizing!

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Free Kindle copy of vSphere 5.0 Clustering Deepdive?

Do you want a free Kindle copy of the vSphere 5.0 Clustering Deepdive or the vSphere 4.1 HA and DRS Deepdive? Well make sure to check Amazon next week! I just put both of the books up for a promotional offer… For 48 hours, Wednesday June the 5th and Thursday June the 6th, you can download the Kindle (US Kindle Store) copy of both these books for free, yes that is correct ZERO dollars.

So make sure you pick it up either Wednesday June the 5th or Thursday June the 6th, it might be the only time this year it is on promo.

"Free Kindle copy of vSphere 5.0 Clustering Deepdive?" originally appeared on Yellow-Bricks.com.

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Reference Architecture - VMware Horizon Workspace

Reference Architecture - VMware Horizon Workspace
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VMware Horizon Workspace combines applications and data into a single, aggregated workspace, with flexible access to the data and applications employees need for productivity, regardless of where they are based.

With fewer management points and easier access, Horizon Workspace reduces the complexity of IT administration. Horizon Workspace is delivered as a virtual appliance that is easy to deploy on site and integrate with existing enterprise services.

It helps organizations to centralize assets, devices, and applications and to manage users and data securely behind the firewall. Meanwhile, it enables users to share and collaborate with external partners and customers securely when policy allows.

This reference architecture specifies the sizing and connectivity requirements for a 2,000-user Horizon Workspace application management and file sharing solution. Horizon Workspace 1.0 enables IT to maintain control over the implementation, aggregate resources, and allow end users to access their entitled applications, data, and Horizon View desktops from inside or outside the corporate firewall, on the device or devices of their choice.

Reference Architecture - VMware Horizon Workspace

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Does IT eat its young?

This is a great article on how we as IT throw our newbies to the wolves,  or at least put them in charge or backups (because no one else wants to do it)

Does IT eat its young?
By Patrick Gray

In nature, several species routinely eat their young for various reasons, ranging from scarcity of food resources to eliminating future competition for mates. While this behavior has been recorded in humans in various cultures, it's currently manifested metaphorically in several fields where senior personnel obstruct, sabotage, or make life generally difficult for new entrants to the field. In response to one of my recent articles about IT's "woman problem," several readers emailed that whether they agreed or not with IT having a problem with the fairer sex, there was obstructionist behavior toward new entrants.

The not-so-beautiful arts and IT
The field in which I've witnessed this behavior at its worst is in the arts. While my artistic abilities are generally limited to a stick figure or two, I come from a family of artists who have worked in fine art, film, and crafts. When my sister was in film, she'd recount tales of maniacal directors and bosses with inane demands, short tempers, and little more than strings of expletives directed at junior staff.

My own experience with publishing was similar, where literary agents made petty demands and snide remarks until my book was commercially published, when suddenly my calls would be returned and I was no longer treated as a life form slightly lower than pond scum.

When confronted on this behavior, I'm usually given some variation of a "survival of the fittest" explanation-that senior staff in the field exhibit unreasonable behavior to "weed out" those who can't make it in the field, and that engendering "eating of the young" makes the field as a whole stronger.

While less prevalent than in the arts, I've seen similar behavior in IT. A rock star developer or technician is given a pass on poor behavior, and managers and junior staff shrink back in awe when this person enters a room. In other cases, there might be a grizzled veteran who possesses specific knowledge of a complex legacy system and avoids sharing any knowledge or specifications in order to protect his turf and build job security.

In cases where these types of behavior are tolerated, "eating of the young" routinely occurs as those with superior longevity, and hence superior knowledge, use this knowledge as a means to bully new staff. Management is generally complicit in this activity and is willing to destroy its future in order to maintain its current all-stars.

An alternative approach
I've spent most of my working years as a consultant within IT organizations and have always been intrigued by how consultant organizations treat their new staff. Like fields that eat their young, the big consulting companies will identify high-potential talent, even if their experience lies outside the content area in which they'll be consulting. When I started at a large consulting firm, more of my peers had history or marketing degrees rather than degrees in information systems or computer science.

Almost to a fault, these organizations invest heavily in training and early staff development, and then throw the new folks onto a consulting project in a menial role. During the first six months of my career I did everything from mind-numbing massaging of spreadsheets to running errands for office supplies.

While similar to the role of a new staffer on a film, I was never insulted or belittled, and was explicitly told that the goal of this role was to get used to the consulting environment and essentially be "tested" before being given more responsibility. When I was assigned to my next project, "trial period" over, I was expected to perform alongside more senior developers, and soon after was leading my own teams of developers and business analysts.

While the "trial by fire" aspect was similar to the arts, I learned in a supportive environment, and insults, poor behavior, and bullying by more senior staff were simply not tolerated. Those who couldn't do the work were naturally weeded out, and senior staff actively encouraged development and advancement for those who were capable.

There's no harm in breaking in new staff through more menial tasks, and coddling staff doesn't do anyone any favors, especially as terms like "bullying" have become overused to the point that they lack any meaning.

However, there's a difference between "testing" staff through challenging work and subjecting new staff to rudeness, poor behavior, and active harassment in some misguided attempt to toughen them up. Either of the above approaches results in competent senior staff; however, the fine arts-style approach generates cynical, mean-spirited staff that actively eats the young of their industry. Which would you rather have in your organization?

Original Article:
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Now available as Rough Cut - Virtualizing Microsoft Business Critical Applications on VMware vSphere 5

The Rough Cuts service from VMware Press gives you exclusive access to an evolving manuscript that you can read online or download as a PDF and print. A Rough Cuts book is not fully edited or completely formatted, but you'll get access to new versions as they are created.

Many organizations are discovering the immense ROI available by virtualizing business critical applications. Microsoft has recently released new versions of many of its most popular and widely used enterprise applications, including Exchange, SQL Server, and Windows Server itself. Meanwhile, VMware has released a powerful new version of its enterprise virtualization platform, vSphere 5.1. Together, these technologies offer powerful new opportunities for cost-effective virtualization, and for migration towards cost-effective private cloud architectures. But successfully integrating them requires deep knowledge. Bridging the gap between Microsoft and VMware worlds, this guide brings together all the knowledge, best practices, and techniques you'll need.

Two leading experts in virtualizing Microsoft business-critical applications on VMware demonstrate how to optimize performance and availability, and what you must do to ensure full support by both Microsoft and VMware. From sizing to architecture to monitoring metrics, they present start-to-finish coverage of virtualizing:

Windows Server 2012 Active Directory Domain Controllers Windows Server 2012 Failover Clusters Exchange Server 2013 SQL Server 2012 SharePoint 2013

For each, example configurations are provided, along with explanations and descriptions of new application features and their relationship to virtualization, as well as tips, tricks, and insights from the authors' own experience. Throughout, diagrams and figures illustrate key points and compare feature sets, and many references to relevant white papers and Knowledge Base articles are also provided.

Virtualizing Microsoft Business Critical Applications on VMware vSphere 5 - Rough Cuts by Matt Liebowitz

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VXLAN Series – How VTEP Learns and Creates Forwarding Table – Part 5

VXLAN Series – How VTEP Learns and Creates Forwarding Table – Part 5
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In this post I am going to describe how VTEPs learn about the virtual machines connected to the logical Layer 2 networks. The learning process is quite similar to a transparent bridge function. As transparent bridges learn based on the packets received on the bridge ports, the VTEP also learn based on the inner and outer header of the packets received.

Let's take an example to illustrate the VTEP learning process.

Example Deployment with Two Hosts

As shown in the diagram above there are two Hosts (Host1, Host 2) on which VTEPs are configured, and each host has one virtual machine connected to logical layer 2 network, identified as VXLAN 5001. Both the virtual machines are powered on and both VTEPs have joined the multicast group 239.1.1.100. Each VTEP has its own forwarding table, which is initially empty as shown in the diagram below.

Initial State of the Forwarding Table

How do the forwarding tables get populated?

We will take an example of virtual machine on Host 1 trying to communicate with the virtual machine on the Host 2. First, an ARP request is sent from the virtual machine MAC1 to find the MAC address of the virtual machine on Host 2. The ARP request is a broadcast packet.

Host 2 VTEP – Forwarding table entry

The diagram above shows the packet flow:

Virtual machine on Host1 sends ARP packet with Destination MAC as "FFFFFFFFFFF" VTEP on Host 1 encapsulates the Ethernet broadcast packet into a UDP header with Multicast address "239.1.1.100" as the destination IP address and VTEP address "10.20.10.10" as the Source IP address. The physical network delivers the multicast packet to the hosts that joined the multicast group address "239.1.1.10". The VTEP on Host 2 receives the encapsulated packet. Based on the outer and inner header, it makes an entry in the forwarding table that shows the mapping of the virtual machine MAC address and the VTEP. In this example, the virtual machine MAC1 running on Host 1 is associated with VTEP IP "10.20.10.10". VTEP also checks the segment ID or VXLAN logical network ID (5001) in the external header to decide if the packet has to be delivered on the host or not. The packet is de-encapsulated and delivered to the virtual machine connected on that logical network VXLAN 5001.

The entry in the forwarding table of Host 2 VTEP is used during lookup process. The packet flow shown in the diagram below explains the forwarding table lookup for a unicast packet sent from a virtual machine on Host2.

Host 2 VTEP – Forwarding table Lookup

Virtual Machine MAC2 on Host 2 responds to the ARP request by sending a unicast packet with Destination Ethernet MAC address as MAC1. After receiving the unicast packet, the VTEP on Host 2 performs a lookup in the forwarding table and gets a match for the destination MAC address "MAC1". The VTEP now knows that to deliver the packet to virtual machine MAC1 it has to send it to VTEP with IP address "10.20.10.10". The VTEP creates unicast packet with destination IP address as "10.20.10.10" and sends it out.

The Host1 VTEP receives the unicast packet and it also learns about the location of the virtual machine MAC2 as shown in the diagram below.

Host 1 VTEP – Forwarding table entry

The packet is delivered to Host1 The VTEP on Host 2 receives the encapsulated packet. Based on the outer and inner header, it makes an entry in the forwarding table that shows the mapping of the virtual machine MAC address and the VTEP. In this example, the virtual machine MAC2 running on Host 2 is associated with VTEP IP "10.20.10.11". VTEP also checks the segment ID or VXLAN logical network ID (5001) in the external header to decide if the packet has to be delivered on the host or not. The packet is de-encapsulated and delivered to the virtual machine connected on that logical network VXLAN 5001.

As you can see the forwarding table entries are populated based on the inner and outer header fields of the encapsulated packet. Similar to the transparent bridge the forwarding table entries are removed after aging timer expires. One of the common questions I get is what happens after a virtual machine is vMotioned.

In the next few posts I will cover how the forwarding table entries get modified after vMotion of a virtual machine from one host to another.

Here are the links to Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Get notification of these blogs postings and more VMware Networking information by following me on Twitter:  @VMWNetworking

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