User`s guide

Getting Started with VCM for Active Direc-
tory
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Getting Started with VCM for Active
Directory
VCM for Active Directory collects Active Directory objects across domains and forests, and displays them
through a single console. The information is consolidated and organized under the Active Directory slider,
allowing you to view your Active Directory structure, troubleshoot issues, detect change, and ensure
compliance.
You can filter, sort, and group Active Directory data to pinpoint the specific area of interest. You can also
view a subset of your Active Directory (a forest, domain, or specific organizational unit branch) by setting
the Active Directory location in the AD Location field near the top of VCM. Dashboards display high level
information in graphical form, alerts notify you about problems or misconfigurations, and change
management tracks changes to the Active Directory objects or configuration by data type.
Configure Domain Controllers
To manage your Active Directory environment, you must verify domains and accounts, discover and
license domain controllers, install the VCM Agent, and collect data from the domain controllers.
Procedure
1. "Verify Available Domains" on page 250
Allow VCM access to each domain so that the VCM Collector can interact with the domain controllers
in your environment.
2. "Check the Network Authority Account" on page 250
Verify that at least one domain account with administrator privileges is available to act as a network
authority account for VCM.
3. "Assign Network Authority Accounts" on page 251
Select and assign the network authority account that you identified for VCM access to the domain
controllers.
4. "Discover Domain Controllers" on page 251
Identify the domain controllers in your network that you are managing with VCM.
VMware, Inc. 249