To install a virtual vSnap server in a VMware environment, deploy an Open Virtualization Format (OVF) template. This creates a machine that contains the vSnap server.
Before you begin
For easier network administration, use a static IP address for the virtual machine. Assign the address by using the NetworkManager Text User Interface (nmtui) tool.
For instructions, see Assigning a static IP address, Work with your network administrator when configuring network properties.
Procedure
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Download the vSnap server template file <part_number>.ova from Passport Advantage Online. For information about downloading files, see Download Information.
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Deploy the vSnap server. Using the vSphere Client (HTML5) or the vSphere Web Client (FLEX), click the Actions menu and then click Deploy OVF Template.
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Specify the location of the <part_number>.ova file and select it. Click Next.
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Provide a meaningful name for the template, which becomes the name of your virtual machine. Identify an appropriate location to deploy the virtual machine. Click Next.
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Select an appropriate destination to compute resource. Click Next.
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Review the template details. Click Next.
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Read and accept the End User License Agreement. Check I accept all license agreements for vSphere Client or click Accept for vSphere Web Client. Click Next.
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Select the storage to which the virtual appliance is to be installed. The datastore of this storage must be configured with the destination host. The virtual appliance configuration file and the virtual disk files will be stored in it. Ensure the storage is large enough to accommodate the virtual appliance including the virtual disk files associated with it. Select a disk format of the virtual disks. Thick provisioning allows for better performance of the virtual appliance. Thin provisioning uses less disk space at the expense of performance. Click Next.
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Select networks for the deployed template to use. Several available networks on the ESX server may be available by clicking Destination Networks. Select a destination network that allows you to define the appropriate IP address allocation for the virtual machine deployment. Click Next.
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Enter network properties for the virtual machine default gateway, DNS, search domain, IP address, network prefix, and machine host name. If you are using a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) configuration, leave all fields blank.
Restriction: A default gateway must be properly configured before deployment of the OVF template. Multiple DNS strings are supported, and must be separated by commas without the use of spaces. The network prefix should be specified by a network administrator. The network prefix must be entered using CIDR notation; valid values are 1 - 24.
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Click Next.
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Review your template selections. Click Finish to exit the wizard and to start deployment of the OVF template. Deployment might take significant time.
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After the OVF template is deployed, power on your newly created virtual machine. You can power on the VM from the vSphere Client.
Important: It is important to keep the VM powered on.
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Record the IP address of the newly created VM.
The IP address is required to access and register the vSnap server. Find the IP address in vSphere Client by clicking the VM and reviewing the Summary tab.
Note: By default, the deployed virtual machine has an older virtual hardware version to maintain compatibility with a range of older VMware vSphere versions. You can continue to run the VM as-is, or you can update the virtual hardware as needed to bring it up to date with the latest version of VMware vSphere. For more information about upgrading the virtual hardware version of a VM, refer to the VMware ESXi documentation.
What to do next
After you install the vSnap server, complete the following actions:
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Add the vSnap server to IBM Storage® Protect
Plus and configure the vSnap environment. For more information, see Managing vSnap servers.
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For easier network administration, assign a static IP address for the virtual machine. Use the NetworkManager Text User Interface (nmtui) tool to assign the IP address. For instructions, see Assigning a static IP address.
Work with your network administrator when configuring network properties.
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All vSnap servers running in VMware environment will need to make sure that Enhanced vMotion Compatibility (EVC) is enabled with a CPU mode that supports Advanced Vector Extensions (AVX).