User`s guide

Table Of Contents
Getting Started with Operating System Pro-
visioning
11
Getting Started with Operating System
Provisioning
Operating system (OS) provisioning is the process of installing operating systems to physical or virtual
machines. As part of the provisioning process, you can add newly provisioned machines to VCM.
OS provisioning enables you to quickly deploy one or more physical or virtual machines to meet
expanding business needs. Some of these machines may have limited use and lifespan, and may be re-
provisioned for other purposes. Other machines are provisioned and distributed for long term use.
The provisioning process installs the supported operating system and the VCM Agent. When the target
machines are licensed, you can collect machine data, monitor the machines' state and status, and manage
the security and compliance of the machines.
Troubleshooting information is available in the VCM Troubleshooting Guide.
OS Provisioning Components
The OS provisioning components include the VCM Collector, the OS Provisioning Server, and the target
physical or virtual machines.
The OS Provisioning Server, when it is installed and configured in your environment, serves as the engine
for OS provisioning. However, the process of initiating provisioning actions is managed through the VCM
Console.
VMware, Inc. 199