As organizations prepare to upgrade to VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, understanding Day 2 operational changes becomes critical for a successful transition.
In previous versions such as VCF 5.2, many administrative tasks—such as network pool creation, host commissioning, and workload domain deployments—were tightly coupled with SDDC Manager and performing them outside of it often led to issues. VCF 9.0 introduces significant enhancements in Day 2 operations, offering greater flexibility by shifting many of these tasks to more familiar tools such as VMware vCenter and VCF Operations.
This evolution not only streamlines workflows but also empowers administrators with more direct control. This post highlights 10 key operational changes that organizations should consider when planning and executing an upgrade to VCF 9.0. While not an exhaustive list, these insights are based on recurring themes in customer conversations and real-world upgrade experiences.
Enhancement 1: Network Pool Creation/Expansion/Deletion
In VCF 5.2, network pool creation, expansion, and deletion are performed in SDDC Manager. Administration -> Network Settings -> Network Pool
In VCF 9.0, these tasks are performed through vCenter. You do not need any additional configuration to act on the Management Domain networks, however you must be using VCF SSO and vCenter Server Linking for Workload Domains.
Global Inventory List -> Hosts -> Network Pools
Enhancement 2: Host Commissioning and Decommissioning for Existing or New Workload Domains
In VCF 5.2, host commissioning/decommissioning for existing or new workload domains are done in SDDC Manager.
Inventory -> Hosts
In VCF 9.0, these tasks are performed through vCenter.
Global Inventory List -> Hosts -> Unassigned Hosts
Enhancement 3: Workload Domain Deployment
In VCF 5.2, Workload Domain deployment is done in SDDC Manager.
Inventory -> Workload Domains
In VCF 9.0, new Workload Domains are deployed through VCF Operations.
Inventory -> VCF Instance
Enhancement 4: Cluster Creation and Expansion
In VCF 5.2 cluster creation and expansion are done in SDDC Manager.
Inventory -> Workload Domains -> Clusters -> Add Cluster or Inventory -> Workload Domains -> Clusters -> Add Hosts -> Add Unassigned Hosts
In VCF 9.0 creation and expansion of clusters is performed through vCenter.
Hosts and Clusters -> Datacenter Object -> New Cluster -> New SDDC Cluster
You do not need any additional configuration to act on the Management Domain vCenter, however you must be using VCF SSO and vCenter Server Linking for Workload Domains.
Cluster Creation
Enhancement 5: VCF Backup Configuration
In VCF 5.2, configuring backups of VCF components are done in SDDC Manager.
Administration -> Backup
In VCF 9.0, backups are configured through VCF Operations.
- Fleet Management backups cover Management Nodes, VCF Automation, and VCF Identity Broker.
- Fleet Management -> Lifecycle -> Settings -> SFTP Settings / Backup Settings
- VCF Instance backups can be configured independently for each instance.
- Inventory > VCF Instance > Actions > Manage VCF Instance Settings -> Backup Settings
Fleet-Level Settings
VCF Instance Settings
SDDC Manager Backup
Enhancement 6: Network Settings Configuration (DNS/NTP)
In VCF 5.2, configuring DNS and NTP are done in SDDC Manager.
Administration -> Network Settings
In VCF 9.0, DNS and NTP are configured through VCF Operations.
Inventory -> VCF Instance -> Actions -> Manage VCF Instance Settings -> Network Settings
DNS Settings
NPS Settings
Enhancement 7: Certificate Authority Configuration
In VCF 5.2, configuring the certificate authority is done in SDDC Manager.
Security -> Certificate Authority
In VCF 9.0, configuration of the certificate authority occurs in VCF Operations.
Fleet Management -> Certificates -> Configure CA
Enhancement 8: Certificate Management
In VCF 5.2, certificate management is done in SDDC Manager.
Inventory -> Workload Domains -> Workload -> Certificates
In VCF 9.0, certificate management (including new auto-renewal functionality) occurs in VCF Operations.
Fleet Management -> Certificates
Management
Enhancement 9: Password Management
In VCF 5.2, password management is done in SDDC Manager.
Security -> Password Management
In VCF 9.0, password management occurs in VCF Operations.
Fleet Management -> Passwords
VCF Management
VCF Instance
Enhancement 10: Deploying NSX Edge Cluster
In VCF 5.2, deploying a NSX Edge Cluster is done in SDDC Manager.
Inventory -> Workload Domains -> Actions -> Add Edge Cluster
In VCF 9.0, NSX Edge Cluster deployment is initiated through vCenter.
vCenter Network Object -> Network -> Network Connectivity
Make sure to take a look at other networking improvements, including the new Transit Gateway to determine if these new network architectures make sense for your organization!
The Evolution of VCF 9.0 Continues
As VCF 9.0 continues to evolve, Broadcom’s commitment to driving innovation and operational excellence across the VMware technology stack remains steadfast. The latest release reinforces our ongoing investment in simplifying Day 2 operations through deeper automation, lifecycle management enhancements, and tighter integrations across the stack. These enhancements underscore our commitment to enabling IT teams to spend less time on routine maintenance and more time delivering value to the business.
Not on VCF 9.0 yet? Work with your VCF TAM or VCF Professional Services to upgrade your environment and take advantage of its new capabilities.
