5.7

Support for VMware Cloud Infrastructure
Use VCM to collect data from vCenter Server, vCloud Director, and vShield Manager. The collection runs
on the supported platforms using the VMware API/SDK through a Managing Agent.
To collect ESX Linux Data Types from the ESX Service Console OS, including ESX Logs, you use an Agent
Proxy.
Cloud and Virtualization Infrastructure Platforms
Use the VMware product interoperability matrix to determine the cloud and virtualization infrastructure
platforms from which VCM can collect. See partnerweb.vmware.com/comp_guide2/sim/interop_
matrix.php.
Managing Agent Requirements
To collect virtual environments data, you use Managing Agent machines. A Managing Agent is a Windows
machine running Windows 7, 64-bit, or Windows Server 2008, 64-bit.
Agent Proxy Requirements for VMware ESX and ESXi
To collect ESX Service Console OS Linux data types, including ESX logs, you use an Agent Proxy rather
than installing the VCM Agent directly on the ESX Servers.
When collecting data from ESX Servers, you must configure at least one VCM Agent Proxy machine. You
can configure the Collector as the Agent Proxy or configure standalone Agent Proxy machines. The
Collector communicates with the Agent Proxy and the Agent Proxy then directly communicates with the
ESX Servers using SSH and/or Web Services for necessary data collection actions. The data is processed by
the Agent Proxy and relayed to the Collector.
The minimum operating system and hardware requirements for each Agent Proxy machine are based on
the following criteria.
n
Number of machines from which you are collecting data
n
Type of data collected and filters used
n
Frequency of collections
n
Data retention
Minimum Operating System Requirements for Agent Proxy Machines
The Agent Proxy machine must be running Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows Server 2003 SP2. For
more information to install and configure the Agent Proxy, see the VCM Administration Guide.
Minimum Hardware Requirements for Agent Proxy Machines
The Agent Proxy is installed on the Collector by default. Although the Agent Proxy is available on the
Collector, it requires special configuration to operate. You must configure an Agent Proxy server to collect
data from ESX Servers. If more than 50 ESX Servers are managed, additional Agent Proxy servers must be
configured to maintain the ratio of one agent proxy for each 50 ESX Servers.
The designated VCM for Agent Proxy servers should meet the following minimum requirements for
physical hardware or virtual machines. An Agent Proxy server meeting these requirements can manage
approximately 50 ESX Servers.
Hardware and Operating System Requirements for VCM Managed Machines
VMware, Inc.
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