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 deploying opreating system to physical or virtual
machines. As part of the process, you can add newly provisioned machines to VCM.
About OS Provisioning
Some provisioned machines, for example Servers, are brought up quickly to meet expanding business
needs. 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 operating system and the VCM Agent. When the machines are
licensed, you can collect machine data, monitor the machines' state and status, and manage the security
and compliance of the machines.
OS Provisioning Components
The OS provisioning components include the Collector, the OS Provisioning Server, and the target
machines.
The OS Provisioning Server, when it is installed and configured for the network, serves as the engine for
OS provisioning; however, the process of initiating provisioning actions is managed through the VCM
Console.
The installation and configuration information for the OS Provisioning Server is provided in "Installing the
Operating System Provisioning Server" on page 23.
VMware, Inc. 177