6.0.1

Table Of Contents
The database is installed and congured during vCenter Server installation.
If you are accessing your ESXi host directly through the vSphere Web Client,
and not through a vCenter Server system and associated vSphere Web Client,
you do not use a vCenter Server database.
tcServer
Many vCenter Server functions are implemented as Web services that require
the tcServer. The tcServer is installed on the vCenter Server machine as part
of the vCenter Server installation.
Features that require the tcServer to be running include: lCIM/Hardware
Status tab, Performance charts, WebAccess, Storage Policy-Based services,
and vCenter Service status.
vCenter Server agent
On each managed host, the software that collects, communicates, and
executes the actions received from vCenter Server. The vCenter Server agent
is installed the rst time any host is added to the vCenter Server inventory.
Host agent
On each managed host, the software that collects, communicates, and
executes the actions received through the vSphere Web Client. It is installed
as part of the ESXi installation.
Client Interfaces for vSphere
You have several ways to access vSphere components through vSphere interface options.
vSphere interface options include:
vSphere Web Client
The vSphere Web Client is a Web application installed on a machine with
network access to your vCenter Server installation. The vSphere Web Client
is the primary interface for connecting to and managing vCenter Server
instances.
vSphere Client
The vSphere Client is installed on a Windows machine with network access
to your ESXi or vCenter Server system installation. The interface displays
slightly dierent options depending on which type of server you are
connected to. A single vCenter Server system or ESXi host can support
multiple, simultaneously connected vSphere Clients.
For more information about the the vSphere Client, see vSphere
Administration with the vSphere Client.
vSphere Command-Line
Interface
A command-line interface for conguring an ESXi host.
See Chapter 11, “Reboot or Shut Down an ESXi Host,” on page 111 for information and instructions about
starting and stopping ESXi hosts and vCenter Server.
Chapter 1 vSphere Concepts and Features
VMware, Inc. 17