6.0.2

Table Of Contents
Installing with an embedded Platform Services Controller has the following disadvantages:
n
There is a Platform Services Controller for each product which might be more than required. This
consumes more resources.
n
The model is suitable for small-scale environments.
vCenter Server with an External Platform Services Controller
vCenter Server and the Platform Services Controller are deployed on separate virtual machine or physical
server. The Platform Services Controller can be shared across several vCenter Server instances. You can
install a Platform Services Controller and then install several vCenter Server instances and register them
with the Platform Services Controller. You can then install another Platform Services Controller, congure it
to replicate data with the rst Platform Services Controller, and then install vCenter Server instances and
register them with the second Platform Services Controller.
Figure 12. vCenter Server with an External Platform Services Controller
Platform Services
Controller
Virtual Machine
or Physical Server
Virtual Machine
or Physical Server
vCenter Server
Virtual Machine
or Physical Server
vCenter Server
Installing vCenter Server with an external Platform Services Controller has the following advantages:
n
Less resources consumed by the combined services in the Platform Services Controllers enables a
reduced footprint and reduced maintenance.
n
Your environment can consist of more vCenter Server instances.
Installing vCenter Server with an external Platform Services Controller has the following disadvantages:
n
The connection between vCenter Server and Platform Services Controller is over the network and is
prone to connectivity and name resolution issues.
n
If you install vCenter Server on Windows virtual machines or physical servers, you need more
Microsoft Windows licenses.
n
You must manage more virtual machines or physical servers.
Mixed Operating Systems Environment
A vCenter Server instance installed on Windows can be registered with either a Platform Services Controller
installed on Windows or a Platform Services Controller appliance. A vCenter Server Appliance, can be
registered with either a Platform Services Controller installed on Windows or a Platform Services Controller
appliance. Both vCenter Server and the vCenter Server Appliance can be registered with the same
Platform Services Controller within a domain.
Chapter 1 Introduction to vSphere Upgrade
VMware, Inc. 17