Archive for the ‘VMware’ Category

VMware vCenter Server 5.0 & MS SQL Server ODBC

February 17th, 2012 Simon Seagrave
VMware
In my vSphere lab environment I like to try and run things as closely as possible to how it would be run in the “real world”.  Of course this isn’t always possible due to hardware and budget limitations although there are a few things I can do such as running a dedicated database (DB) server VM(s) from which to run the different vSphere related DB instances, such as vCenter, Update Manager, View, etc.  This is as opposed to running a locally installed SQL Server Express instance for every database in the lab environment.
Admittedly this does involve some extra leg-work though there is definitely value in this approach as it does expose you to extra best practices and gotchas that you can then directly apply to that “real world” environment.  Always better to cut your teeth, learn and make mistakes in a lab environment. Winking smile

vCenter Server 4.1 & 5.0+ require a 64-bit ODBC DSN Connection

vCenter Server 64 bit ODBCAnyway, when taking this approach and not installing Microsoft SQL Server locally on your physical or virtual vCenter Server machine then, unless its already been installed, you won’t have the necessary 64-bit SQL Server Native Client driver to establish the required 64-bit ODBC DSN connection between the vCenter Server and the MS SQL Server.

By default Windows Server 2008 R2 only installs a 32-bit version of the Microsoft SQL Server driver (ie: ‘SQL Server v6.0.1.xxxx.xxxxx) used to establish an ODBC connection to a Microsoft SQL Server.  This may be ok for some applications though VMware vCenter Server from version 4.1 onwards requires that a 64-bit driver and ODBC DSN connection be used.

All this means is that on your Windows OS operating system (OS) based vCenter Server machine you will need to download and install something called the Microsoft SQL Server Native Client, which will provide the required 64-bit ODBC driver (ie: SQL Server Native Client 10.0).  To ensure you are running one of the later versions of this Native Client I recommend you use the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client version.  There are details below on where to download this version of the Native Client.

Use the 64-bit Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client

Click here to visit the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client download page and scroll halfway down the page to find the three different download links (ie: x86, x64 and IA64) – for vCenter Server 5 you will want to download the x64 package. Then run this downloaded executable from the machine which will be running your vCenter Server instance.  Even if you’re running an earlier version of Microsoft SQL Server (eg: 2000, 2005 or 2008) this version of the SQL Server native client will still work.

VMware-vSphere-vCenter-5-ODBC-DSN-64[2]

For added convenience I have created an ISO file of the x64 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client which you can download from here. Note: Always check however that there isn’t an updated version of the client available for download from Microsoft.

Before installing the x64 Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client you will only see this 32-bit version of the ODBC driver when creating a new ODBC DSN.

Windows Server 2008 R2 ODBC 64 bit driver vCenter

After installing the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Native Client you will see the inclusion of a new driver entitled”: “SQL Server Native Client 10.0”. This is the x64 driver you want to use to make the ODBC DSN connection between your vSphere vCenter Server server or VM to the MS SQL Server.

VMware vSphere vCenter x64 ODBC DSN download

 

Then after creating the ODBC DSN (using the 64-bit driver)  and getting to the stage in the vCenter Server installation process where you have to select an “existing supported database” you will see the name of the vCenter related database you created the 64-bit ODBC DSN for, as opposed to a blank white area with no SQL Servers specified. Hurray!

vCenter Server 5 ODBC Windows Server 2008 R2

Is it working? Other gotchas …

As mentioned above, after configuring your ODBC DSN connection using this freshly installed x64 SQL Server Native Client driver you should now be able to successfully find the MS SQL server and pre-created vCenter DB instance from the drop-down list box during the vCenter installation process. If the vCenter Server is still unable to connect or find the MS SQL server then go through all of the ‘standard’ type trouble shooting steps, such as double-checking the networking configuration of both machines (ie: vCenter Server and MS SQL Server) and confirming that the relevant services are up and running.

But if all of that checks out ok you will likely find, especially if running Windows Server 2008 R2, that the relevant MS SQL Server ports are blocked at the operating system firewall level or on a firewall appliance between the vCenter and SQL Server. Ensure that port TCP 1433 is open on any firewall between the vCenter Server and the SQL Server machines.

VMware vCenter Server Database Options & Prerequisites

As you’ve probably gathered the database of choice in my vSphere lab environment is always Microsoft SQL Server, rather than Oracle or IBMs DB2 databases which can also be used for vCenter Server 5.0.  The reason being is that I’m familiar with MS-SQL and have access to the software via the SQL Express edition or my MS TechNet subscription.

VMware vSphere vCenter 5 database DSN

 

  • The IBM DB2 database is only supported for vCenter Server. There is no support for Update Manager or any plug-in that requires a database.
  • Update Manager still requires the use of a 32-bit DSN.
Just a quick reminder (though I’m sure you haven’t forgotten) – Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express (vSphere 4) & SQL Server 2008 R2 Express (vSphere 5) should only be used for small deployments of up to 5 ESXi hosts and/or 50 VMs.  In many situations this makes it ideal for smaller vSphere lab environments (if you don’t have a MS TechNet subscription), and although not the full-blown version of MS SQL, by installing it on a dedicated VM and have it servicing all of your lab’s vSphere related MS SQL DB requirements can make it an effective and low cost solution.
VMware-vSphere-vCenter-5-database-DS[2]Before installing vCenter Server 5.0 there are a couple of pre-requisites for the server onto which you’re installing vCenter.  These pre-requisites are Microsoft .NET 3.5 SP1 and if you intend to install the Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database then the Windows Installer 4.5 is also required (if your OS doesn’t already have it installed).  For added convenience the install files for both of these can be found in the VMware vCenter Installer window (see image below).

 

VMware vCenter 5 pre-requisites

 

 Useful Links

Here are a couple of links containing very useful information on vCenter Server 5.0 and vSphere 5.0 itself.

 

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vChat Episode 23 – From VMware PEX 2012

February 16th, 2012 Simon Seagrave
VMware

Unfortunately I couldn’t make it to VMware Partner Exchange (PEX) 2012 this year, though the good news is that both David and Eric made it and had time to record this shortened vChat.  In this episode (23) they talk about the latest news and happenings at VMware Partner Exchange (PEX) 2012.  The next vChat will contain the results of the annual vSphere-Land top virtualization blog awards. Watch this space!

vChat is a regular virtualization video chat covering VMware vSphere, Cloud Computing, Virtualization News, and maybe some geeky humor. Regular contributors are 3 vExperts – Simon Seagrave (TechHead.co.uk), Eric Siebert (vSphere-Land.com), and David Davis (VMwareVideos.com).

You can now SUBSCRIBE TO VCHAT on iTunes!

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Studying for your VMware VCP 5 Certification – Part 1

February 14th, 2012 Simon Seagrave
VMware

VMware VCP study informationIt’s that time again where I need to look at upgrading my VMware VCP certification, this time from VCP4 to VCP5.  Admittedly I am a little late, as due to personal and work commitments I haven’t had any time spare to start studying for my VCP5 exam so am now in a rush to try and make it happen, though I’m guessing that I am not alone in my plight.

Those of you who currently hold a VCP4 are probably aware that you have until the 29th February 2012 to sit an exam to upgrade to VCP5. Book your seat at the Pearson VUE testing centre now else if you leave it past this date you will have to attend VMware’s VMware vSphere: What’s New [v5.0] course before sitting the VCP5 exam and being awarded VCP5 status.

I thought it’d be useful to put together a post or two on VMware’s certifications, studying for the exams and also any useful study resources I come across.  So, let’s kick things off with taking a high level look at the certifications offered by VMware.

 

VMware Certifications – The Offerings …

There are two main VMware virtualization certification categories with associated certifications and exams linked to them.  The first is …

VMware Certification - VCA-DT VCP-DTDesktop Virtualization:  As you’d expect this covers the area of VMware View and consists of two, soon to be three, certifications. The clue is that each of the certification names end with ‘DT’ for ‘Desktop’.

The second certification category focuses around the area of …

VMware vSphere VCP VCAP VCDXDatacenter Virtualization: Although I don’t have any statistics to back it up I think it is safe to assume that these certifications are the more popular of the two category types (ie:datacentre vs desktop virtualization).

Most of you are probably familiar with the VCP certification and may have heard of the much sought after VCDX, which really separates the men from the boys and women from the girls (delete as appropriate).  The lesser known, and newest, certification under the ‘Datacenter Virtualization’ category is the intermediate level VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification which comes in two flavours; Datacenter Administration (DCA) and/or Datacenter Design (DCD). Meaning that you could end up with a VCAP#-DCA or VCAP#-DCD.  The VCAP is intended for those IT professionals who want to progress from the VCP certification and demonstrate a deeper level of understanding around VMware’s datacentre focussed products.

The focus for me at the moment is upgrading my VCP4 to a VCP5 though ultimately I would like to go for my VCDX, though at my current rate of progress this could be a little way off.

What vSphere 5 certifications are available?

VMware VCP5As at the time of writing this blog post (Feb 2012) the only vSphere 5 certifications available is for the VMware VCP5 (exam: VCP510) and .  VCP5 – Desktop (exam: VCP510-DT).  The VCAP5-DCD exam is coming soon and currently in beta, check out Jason Boche’s post here on his experience with the beta version of this exam.  Keep a regular eye on the VMware Certification page here for any vSphere 5 updates to the other VMware certifications.


Obtaining the VCP5 Certification

There are various paths to gain your VCP5 certification with much of it coming down to whether you currently hold a VCP3 or VCP4 certification and if you go to sit the VCP5 exam before 29th February 2012. If none of this affects you then the steps involved are pretty standard.

The graphic below provides a nice clear outline of the steps required to become VCP5 certified covering most common scenarios. 

Upgrading from VCP4 to VCP5

Though to put it even simpler still:

  1. Attend a qualifying VMware authorized course – see graphic above for the course names.

      Already a VCP4? There is no course requirement until February 29, 2012.
  2. Gain hands-on experience with VMware vSphere 5. (Definitely a nice to have)
  3. Pass the VCP5 Exam.

This is a useful link to VMware’s site (where I gathered the graphic and information above) that you may find of use.

 

Upgrading from VCP4 to VCP5

There is a limited period of time (ends 29th February 2012) where you will be able to upgrade your VCP4 certification to VCP5 without any requirement to attend the VMware vSphere: What’s New [v5.0] course before sitting the exam. So get in quick! 

 

Upgrading from VCP3 to VCP5

If you are currently a proud owner of a VCP3 certification and never upgraded to a VCP4, though would like to obtain VCP5 status then there is an upgrade path for you.  For this you will have to attend the following course(s) before sitting the VCP5 exam:

“VMware vSphere: What’s New [V5]” This is a two-day course targeted at the differences between vSphere 4 and vSphere 5. Until February 29, 2012, this class meets the course requirement for the VCP3 upgrading to VCP5.

After the 29th February 2012 deadine, VCP3s will be required to take either the “VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V5]” or the "VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V5]" course before being able to sit the VCP5 exam.

 

VCP5 Exam Format & Other Useful Information

VMware VCP 5 exam format

Here is some useful information covering the main points around planning to sit the VCP5 exam.

Exam Number: VCP510

Number of exam questions: 85 including a short, pre-exam survey (8 questions)

Pass Mark: To pass you need a score of 300 or greater out of 500. the various 85 questions have different weightings associated with them.

Duration: 90 minutes  + 15 minutes for the pre-exam survey

Additional time: An extra 30 minutes is allowed if English is a second language, ie: you’re not from Australia, Belize, Bermuda, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Other languages:  The VCP510 exam is also available in Japanese and Korean (as well as English of course)

Cost:  £145.00 (UK) – cha-ching.. It’s not cheap in any currency, so try and pass it the first time.

When do I find out if I’ve passed? Immediately after completing your VCP5 exam at the Pearson VUE testing centre you will receive your exam score. If you have achieved a score of 300 or greater (and have sat the necessary pre-requisite course, if required) then you have passed.

Other interesting information: After sitting and successfully passing the VCP5 exam you will receive your VCP certificate 4 – 6 weeks later, though before this time you can download and use the VCP5 logo (you will receive an email from VMware in the next 10 days confirming your certification status and you’ll have to agree to the certification agreement).

VMware VCP study guideWhat’s Next?

I hope this information has been of use so far.  In the next blog post I will cover in more detail what’s involved in studying for the VCP5 exam and will take a look at the available VMware VCP blueprints which can greatly help with your study, along with other useful resources (eg: online, books, etc).

 

Useful Links:

These VMware links are worth a look if you require a deeper level of understanding or information around VMware’s available certifications

VMware vSphere VCP exam guide

 

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Can you run a x64 OS VM under VMware vSphere on an HP Microserver?

February 13th, 2012 Simon Seagrave
Hewlett Packard (HP) VMware

I was recently asked by a TechHead reader whether the HP Microserver’s AMD Athlon II Neo based CPU, the N36L (on older models) or the N40L (on newer models), has AMD-V capabilities and can support x64 operating systems, for example Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2.  This definitely warranted a quick post just to help clarify things, as this may be a question that HP Microservercrossed the minds of a few of you. 

Well, the good news is that both the AMD Athlon II Neo N36L & N40L processors have the AMD-V virtualization instructions on the CPU and are capable of running x64 operating system based VMs under VMware vSphere.  And to prove this, here is a couple of screen shots from one of my HP Microservers (N36L) running VMware ESXi 5 with a Windows Server 2008 R2 (x64) VM.

HP Microserver vSphere 5 x64 OS

Will an x64 OS run on an HP Microserver running vSphere 5

Hope this helps answer this question, and as always feel free to drop me a line with any such questions.  Thanks to Adam McAndrew for the original question that inspired this post.

 

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vChat Episode 23 – The first one for 2012

February 10th, 2012 Simon Seagrave
VMware

Welcome to vChat 23, in this episode David Davis, Eric Siebert and myself talk about…

  • Top Blog voting update, how it work, when we will make the announcements
  • Simon’s trip to Cisco Live UK 2012
  • VMware Partner Exchange (PEX) 2012 Plans (*Update: Unfortunately I will no longer be making it to PEX)
  • and, of course, home labs, iPads, video games, and more!

 

vChat is a regular virtualization video chat covering VMware vSphere, Cloud Computing, Virtualization News, and maybe some geeky humor. Regular contributors are 3 vExperts – Simon Seagrave (TechHead.co.uk), Eric Siebert (vSphere-Land.com), and David Davis (VMwareVideos.com).

 

You can now SUBSCRIBE TO VCHAT on iTunes!

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