User`s guide

Table Of Contents
vCenter Server Collections
When collecting data from vCenter Server, you must license the Windows machine running the vCenter
Server and install a VCM Agent (version 5.4 or later), PowerShell, and vSphere PowerCLI. The Agent runs
the vCenter Server collection by using vSphere PowerCLI to access the vSphere API on vCenter server.
The data is relayed to the Collector and added to the database.
Configuring vCenter Server Data Collections
Collecting vCenter server data is based on a process that extends beyond the standard Windows
collection. The configuration of the process has several prerequisites. When the prerequisites are met, data
is collected from vCenter Server by using default collection filters.
The configuration process includes several tasks.
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"vCenter Server Collection Prerequisites" on page 135
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"Collect vCenter Server Data" on page 137
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"Reviewing Collected vCenter Server Data" on page 137
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"Troubleshooting vCenter Server Data Collections" on page 138
vCenter Server Collection Upgrade Considerations
A new method for collecting vCenter Server data is introduced in VCM 5.4 that is simpler to implement
and manage. The older method (5.3 and earlier), implemented using Windows remote commands, has
been replaced with this new method.
Data that you previously collected by using the vCenter Server remote commands is no longer available.
You must recreate scheduled collections to accommodate the new method. However, previously
configured compliance rules, reports, and alerts based on the previously collected data are automatically
redirected to the data in the new data grids.
vCenter Server Collection Prerequisites
The vCenter Server collection prerequisites prepare your environment for collecting data from vCenter
Servers.
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"Configure the VCM Agent with HTTP Communication" on page 135
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"Add vCenter Server User with Administrator Role" on page 136
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"Remove PowerShell v1.x from vCenter Servers" on page 136
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"Download and Install PowerShell v2.0 " on page 136
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"Download and Install VMware vSphere PowerCLI" on page 137
Configure the VCM Agent with HTTP Communication
You must configure the VCM Agent (5.4 or later) on the vCenter server with HTTP communication. You
cannot collect vCenter Server data if the Agent is not configured to use HTTP.
Prerequisites
Install the Agent (5.4 or later) on the vCenter server. See "Discover, License, and Install Windows
Machines" on page 69.
Getting Started with VCM for Virtualization
VMware, Inc. 135