User`s guide

C HAPTER 3

Parallels Virtual Automation Basics

The main thing about Parallels Virtual Automation you should know before starting to

use it, is that Parallels Virtual Automation is a Web service that enables you to manage

physical servers and the virtual environments residing on them over a network. This

means that Parallels Virtual Automation is not a conventional application you can

launch by opening an EXE or RPM file, but rather a low-level software that enables you

to remotely access physical servers and the virtual environments they host via LAN or

Internet.

Parallels Virtual Automation is an advanced, yet an easy-to-use tool, that couples

intuitive interface with extensive functionality. With Parallels Virtual Automation, you

can manage separate physical servers and each of their virtual environments, organize

servers into server groups and administer the resulting units; supervise user accounts

and privileges, and much more. For more information about the Parallels Virtual

Automation features, see Parallels

Virtual Automation Administrator's Guide.

This chapter provides basic information about the Parallels Virtual Automation concept

and usage.

In This Chapter

Getting Started.........................................................................................................20

Interface Overview ...................................................................................................22

Getting Started

To start managing your virtual infrastructure with Parallels Virtual Automation, do the

following:

1 Install PVA Management Server component on the Master Server (p. 7), which will

provide you with the access to all registered physical servers and <virtual-server>s.

We strongly recommend you to install PVA Management Server on a stationary

physical server that is maintained, powered on, and connected to the network for

long periods. Thus you will secure access to the PVA infrastructure at any time and

for any administrator.

Note: Management Server component is always installed together with Control

Center subcomponent, which cannot be disabled.