Home > Blogs > VMware Tech Alliances (TAP) Blog

Recent Updates to the VMware Operations Management Portfolio

Leave a reply

VMware announced upcoming releases for its portfolio of operations management products – vRealize Operations 6.6, vRealize Log Insight 4.5, vRealize Business for Cloud 7.3 and vRealize Network Insight 3.4.

vRealize Operations 6.6

This release delivers several game-changing innovations, redesigned user experience, and greater/deeper integration across software-defined data center technologies and multiple public clouds. VMware vRealize Operations 6.6 delivers core capabilities around:

  • Application-aware SDDC and multi-cloud monitoring to help customers accelerate adoption of SDDC and integrate public clouds.
  • Automated and proactive performance management helps customers simplify operations, avoid disruption and free up time for more strategic tasks.
  • Cloud Planning, capacity optimization and compliance through a tight integration with vRealize Business for Cloud, which appears as “Business Management” tab within the vRealize Operations UI.

For more information on vRealize Operations 6.6, please visit the Cloud Management Blog.

vRealize Log Insight 4.5

VMware vRealize Log lnsight delivers heterogeneous and highly scalable log management with intuitive, actionable dashboards, sophisticated analytics, and broad third-party extensibility. With this new release, you’ll experience:

  • Full Integration in-context within vRealize Operations provides direct launch into Log Insight Dashboard and Log Insight Interactive Analytics mode, and object and vRealize Operations Alerts auto-initiated log management
  • New Server Capabilities including vUpdated Log Insight RESTful APIs and vComprehensive SSO support
  • Improved agent capabilities through vAgent multi-destination

Other new features and capabilities of vRealize Log Insight 4.5 can be found here.

vRealize Business for Cloud 7.3

The new release of vRealize Business for Cloud 7.3 continues to improve the ease-of-access and ease-of-use for private cloud cost management and delivers more visibility into public cloud spending. This new release allows you to:

  • Easier cost management with improvements to navigation, decision making tools, insight tools, and IT service pricing
  • More visibility to optimize cloud management with enhancements to usage and cost visibility

Details about the vRealize Business for Cloud 7.3 announcement can be found on the Cloud Management blog.

vRealize Network Insight 3.4

vRealize Network Insight 3.4 allows you to plan micro-segmentation, troubleshoot across virtual and physical infrastructure and manage and scale NSX deployments. Other capabilities of this new release include:

  • Manage public cloud security with visibility into your AWS infrastructure
  • Troubleshoot across the virtual and physical infrastructure by providing layer 2 network visibility in the VM to VM path and enhanced traffic and security analytics
  • Customize for maximum deployment flexibility by integrating with log management products

Full description of new features and capabilities of vRealize Network Insight 3.4 can be found here.

Now Available: vSphere 6.5 Update 1

VMware has announced the general availability of vSphere 6.5 Update 1, the first major update to the well-received vSphere 6.5 that was released in November of 2016. With this update release, VMware builds upon the already robust industry-leading virtualization platform and further improves the IT experience for its customers.

vSphere 6.5 focuses on 4 areas of innovation directly targeted at the challenges customers face as they digitally transform their businesses:

  • Simplified customer experience – Re-architected vCenter Server Appliance, streamlined HTML5-based GUI, and simple rest-based APIs for automation.
  • Comprehensive Built in Security – Policy-driven security at scale to secure data, infrastructure, and access.
  • Universal App Platform – A single platform to support any application, anywhere.
  • Proactive Data Center Management – Predictive analytics to address potential issues before they become serious problem.

Additional support and enhancements found in vSphere 6.5 Update 1 include:

  • vSphere Client Now Supports 90% of General Workflows
  • vCenter Server Foundation Now Support 4 Hosts
  • vSphere Support and Interoperability Across Ecosystems
  • vSphere 6.5 General Support Has Been Extended
  • Upgrade from vSphere 6.0 Update 3 Now Supported

Visit the vSphere blog to learn more about the new features included in vSphere 6.5 Update 1.

A recap of key capabilities offered in vSphere 6.5 can be found here.

Can’t Miss Opportunities at VMworld and Partner Exchange 2017

Partner Exchange and VMworld US 2017 are only a month away! At these events, you’ll learn how to better leverage new partner programs, differentiate your business, and make more money with VMware.

Meet with a TAP Program Manager

Technology Alliance Partners who are planning on attending the annual VMworld conference can now request a one-on-one meeting with a member of the TAP team. Partners can utilize this time to learn more about the program and provide valuable feedback about their partnership.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and availability is limited, so fill out the application today to apply for a meeting.

Reach a Global Audience of Thousands as an Exhibitor and Sponsor

To become a sponsor for VMworld US means being a part of the preeminent virtualization and cloud infrastructure event. You’ll reach thousands of technology experts, practitioners, hands-on users and key decision makers and influencers at the cutting edge of powerful trends such as the software-defined data center, IT-as-a-service, hybrid cloud and workforce mobility.

Key benefits of exhibiting and sponsoring VMworld include:

  • Generate qualified leads: Make valuable connections as you interact with thousands of VMware loyalists and key industry leaders.
  • Increase brand awareness: Improve your exposure and visibility as you position your organization as an essential VMware partner.
  • Establish thought leadership: Take your place among the visionaries shaping the new mobile-cloud era of IT.
  • Amplify your message: Use speaking opportunities to show your company’s industry experience and insight.

Sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are still available for both VMworld US and VMworld Europe! For information about sponsorship and exhibitor packages, please contact:

Companies A-K: Shana McMahon 617-807-6011

Companies L-Z: Bethany Porrazzo 617-848-8765

Attend Sessions Specifically Designed for Technology Alliance Partners

VMworld and PEX offer a curriculum of more than 500 breakout sessions, plus a wide range of additional session types to help you create an agenda tailored to your goals. Unique sessions for Technology Alliance Partners include:

Technology Partner Programs and Marketplace Revolution

Join us to hear the latest Technology Partner Program updates, as well as new marketplace opportunities, including an in-product marketplace experience that will allow you to bring your solutions directly to VMware customers.

You Want to Be an NSX Technology Partner – Partner Program and Enablement for the SDDC

A new SDDC architecture to deliver on promises of better and more relevant security control is open to integration by technology partners. How will this ecosystem be enabled through VMware? What solutions and services are NSX proven? How does a VMware technology alliance partner engage with VMware to envision, build and deliver for the NSX marketplace? Global Technology Alliances and Ecosystem Services are your VMware partners for the SDDC program offerings to enable Network and Security development for NSX. We’ll introduce you to the SDK and certification materials for NSX Advanced Services Insertion for Endpoint and Network. Find out from your alliance and ecosystem team, the qualifications for program participation and the structure of this partner program and deliverables.

Acting as One: Plug in to vSphere

If you have ever wondered how to develop, deploy and update multiple solutions with the vSphere client, test custom solutions without having to set up complex infrastructure, transition from Flex to HTML plugins or run plugins without affecting vSphere client performance, you’ll want to hear from our panel of developers who are working to provide a seamless experience for solutions integrating with the new vSphere HTML client. We will also share details on the certification program introduced in vSphere 6.5 for HTML as well as Flex solutions.

Register Today

The VMworld and Partner Exchange Content Catalog and Schedule Builder are now live. Filter and search through all VMworld and Partner Exchange sessions, and pre-register and reserve seats at your top choice sessions. Register now for VMworld and PEX, as you have to be registered to access Schedule Builder and sessions fill up quickly.

Important Changes to the Partner Code of Conduct

VMware is committed to conducting business ethically and in compliance with current laws and regulations. Partners are required to conduct their business with integrity and to the highest ethical standards. The Partner Code of Conduct is an integral part of the VMware Partner Integrity Initiative.

Partners should have received a digital notice of VMware’s Code of Conduct via email by the first week of July 2017. An authorized employee at the Partner’s organization should review, digitally sign and submit the Code of Conduct within 30 days of receipt.

All partners who signed a VMware agreement prior to July 2016 or whose program renewal occurs after December 2017 are required to acknowledge the Code of Conduct in effect as of July 2016. To comply with the request, partners should follow the steps listed below and in the file attached to the initial email sent to the partner to sign the VMware Partner Code of Conduct.

How to Sign the Partner Code of Conduct

  1. You will receive an email from VMware Partner Network (with the email address echosign@echosign.com) asking you to review and sign VMware’s Partner Code of Conduct.
  2. Click the link to review and sign the VMware Partner Code of Conduct.
  3. Review the Code of Conduct by scrolling through the pages.
  4. You can download the Code of Conduct by clicking the download icon in the grey bar at the bottom of the page.
  5. The last page is the signature page – your Partner ID & company name per VMware’s Partner Central portal is displayed at the top.
  6. Select the “Click here to sign” box to display the signature window.

Questions?

Information about the Partner Integrity program and the Partner Code of Conduct are available on Partner Central.

If you have concerns about the Partner Code of Conduct, reach out to PartnerIntegrity@vmware.com.

Get the Most out of the VMware Solution Exchange

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAWVAAAAJGI5MjEwMjI3LWZkNTEtNDM5MS1hYjJjLTMzNDMyZjRiMmUwMQ

Ted Dunn is the Program Manager of the VMware Solution Exchange. In this post, Ted will provide an overview of the VMware Solution Exchange and share insider tips on how to get the most out of the platform.

The VMware Technology Alliance Partner team is excited to introduce our partners and customers to our new and improved Solution Exchange (VSX) Marketplace! The new marketplace is much more than just an update. We’ve completely restructured the entire marketplace and moved to a new, more flexible platform.

What’s the same?

The new VSX Marketplace still gives Technology Alliance Partners the ability to showcase their products and solutions using a self-service portal. Customers can still research, review and download products and solutions and view their compatibility with VMware Products.

What’s changed?

The new VSX Marketplace platform improves the look and feel of the site, and makes the marketplace easier, faster, more reliable and more effective for our partners and customers. We’ve integrated with the MyVMware single-sign in to make logging in to the marketplace more convenient, updated the home page and improved the keyword and filter search for products.

Screen Shot 2017-07-20 at 3.10.08 PM

The administration menu has been completely rebuilt to improve the experience of adding and editing listings. Because of the new platform we will be able to add new and improved reporting and user management and continue to add to and update the marketplace like never before.

We’ve migrated all of the content from the old marketplace to the new, and we’re working with our partners to update each and every listing. We’re implementing tools to keep content fresh and accurate so that visitors to the site know that they are finding the latest and greatest partner solutions. We’ll be reaching out with more information as we continue to add tools and resources to the marketplace in the future.

Screen Shot 2017-07-20 at 3.00.47 PM

What do I do now? 

As a Technology Alliance Partner we’re asking for you to help us make sure the content in the marketplace is as up-to-date as possible. Please log in to your account and check that all listings are current and accurate, and check your company profile to make sure it is correct as well.

For more information about how to interact with the VSX Marketplace please see the information and resources on the Partners page and, as always, the VSX Alliance Team is available to help with any questions about the VSX Marketplace and to provide assistance if any issues may arise.

For any questions about the marketplace please reach out to vsxalliance@vmware.com

Monthly NSX Customer Advisory – June 2017

In this communication, we detail the top trending issues with VMware NSX for vSphere and provide you with helpful information on how to address the issues while we build a permanent fix.

For up-to-date Top Trending NSX issues, previous and current, see KB Article Trending support issues in VMware NSX for vSphere 6.x (2131154).

Spotlight Issues

NSX for vSphere Version Component Issue Summary Resolution/Work around KB Number
6.2.x Controller NSX controller shows as disconnected in the web client leading to data path issues for VNIs handled by the disconnected controller. This issue is resolved in VMware NSX for vSphere 6.2.4.
If you choose not to upgrade, as a workaround, you can make an API call to the controller communications and disable IPsec for controller.		 2146973
6.2.x,6.3.x ESXi ESXi 5.5 and 6.0 hosts fail with a purple diagnostic screen (PSOD): VMCIEventDelayedDispatchCB@com which occurs due to race condition in dvfilter vmci socket deregistration. This issue is resolved in ESXi 5.5 Patch 8 and ESXi 6.0 Patch 3.
To work around this issue, uninstall the dvfilter-dsa driver.		 2149242
6.2.x,6.3.x ESXi Connectivity issues when using Emulex elxnet Driver. Packets get dropped, resulting in intermittent connectivity issues and loss of ping packets. This issue is resolved in Emulex elxnet Driver version 10.5.65.4. For more details, refer the KB article. 2091192
6.2.x NSX Manager vsfwd connection to the NSX Manager fails. Running the esxcli network ip connection list |grep 5671 command, you see entries similar to: tcp 53 0 10.20.2.56:23897 10.20.1.10:5671 CLOSED 75797 newreno vsfwd This issue is resolved in ESXi 6.0 Patch Release, ESXi600-201610001. For more details, refer the KB article. 214687

 Trending KB

Issue: Status of TLSv1.1/1.2 Enablement and TLSv1.0 Disablement across VMware products.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Resolution:The KB / Solution explains the current status of implementation of TLSv1.1 or TLSv1.2 protocol across applicable VMware products. For more details, please refer to: KB: 2145796.

VMware Recommended Release

VMware recommends NSX 6.2.6 for new deployments. The minimum version a customer should be running is NSX 6.2.2 based on critical bug fixes identified as having a general impact in an NSX environment. For more information, see Minimum recommended version for NSX for vSphere with GID, ESXi, and vCenter Server (2144295).

Don’t Forget!

Subscribe to my.vmware.com to get timely notifications on NSX Product Releases, Fixes and upcoming patches.

It’s not too Late to Register for Partner Exchange @ VMworld 2017

VMworld is the industry’s top cloud infrastructure and digital workspace event that kicks off in Las Vegas with Partner Exchange on August 27. This is VMware’s main partner event and it offers all partners types the content and tools necessary to succeed in partnering with VMware. At Partner Exchange and VMworld, you can:

  • Participate in the pre-conference technical and sales partner bootcamps on August 26
  • Get updated on what’s new and what’s next at the partner general session
  • Attend keynotes, solution selling tracks, and route-to-market discussions
  • Build an agenda from over 50 partner-specific breakout sessions split across technical and sales focus areas
  • Enjoy the amenities of the Partner Exchange Lounge

The VMworld and Partner Exchange Content Catalog is now live. Carve out some time now to view all the sessions available, so that you will be ready to plan an agenda that will set you up for success when Schedule Builder goes live later this month. Partner Exchange sessions designed for Technology Alliance Partners include:

  • How Partners Onboard onto VMware Cloud on AWS
  • Technology Partner Programs and Marketplace Revolution
  • Accelerate Your Partner Technology Solution with Ecosystem Services
  • You Want to Be an NSX Technology Partner – Partner Program and Enablement for the SDDC
  • VMware Cloud Foundation: What, Why, and How?
  • I Want to Be in the SDDC – Partner Program and Enablement for the Quickest Route to Partner Value With vSphere HTML 5 Plugins
  • Increasing NSX Value with SDDC Automation for Partner Solutions
  • Acting as One: Plug in to vSphere

The VMworld Plus Partner Exchange pass will give you access to both events. To register for VMworld and Partner Exchange, please visit the VMworld website.

Announcing the New VMware Solution Exchange Marketplace

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new VMware Solution Exchange Marketplace!  The new marketplace is now accessible through the solutionexchange.vmware.com URL as well as the new marketplace.vmware.com URL.

Our goal with this new marketplace is to provide our customers and partners an easy, fast, reliable, and more effective way to learn about partner products that integrate with VMware products.

Not only does this new platform give us the ability to improve the performance, look, and feel of the marketplace, it will also give us an opportunity to build and improve the marketplace to keep up with the needs of our customers and partners. As a current TAP partner and user of the VSX you will notice some changes in the way you login and edit your listings:

  • We’re integrating with the MyVMware single-sign in to make logging in to the marketplace more convenient.
  • We’re updating the home page and the way customers search for products.
  • We’re updating our Administration menu to improve the experience of adding or editing listings.
  • By updating our platform we will be able to add new and improved reporting and user management.

VSX Homepage

Because we’ve moved so much of the information from one marketplace platform to another we would ask that you review your listings to make sure that they look correct and up-to-date.  For more information about how to view your account and listings please use the information available on the marketplace Partner Page.

If you have any questions or comments please contact the VSX Alliance Team at vsxalliance@vmware.com.

Partner Exchange @ VMworld 2017 Updates

Once again Partner Exchange 2017 US (PEX) will be held in conjunction with VMworld 2017 US on Sunday, August 27, at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas.  On Sunday morning, PEX will kick off with partner breakout sessions starting at 8:30 AM and at 9:45 AM. The PEX General Session will be from 11:15 AM – 12:30 PM presented by VMware’s Executives as well as Channel and BU Leaders.  Partners will be able to pick from over 50-partner specific breakouts.

PRICING

  • VMworld + Partner Exchange – Early Bird (ends on June 12) is $2,190 and Regular Rate (after June 12) is $2,490
  • Partner Exchange Only – $795 flat rate

PEX PASS INCLUDES

  • Partner General Session presented by top VMware Executives and Channel Leaders
  • Regional Updates (in US) and RTM Updates (in Europe)
  • Technical Partner Breakout Sessions + Partner Programs & Incentives Updates
  • Special TAP Only Content (further details will be made available shortly)
  • Exclusive Access to the Partner Exchange Lounge with additional meeting rooms for partner meetings (open all week)
  • Special Invitation to the Partner Exchange Reception on Sunday evening

REGISTRATION UPDATE

VMworld + PEX registration is now live! See the VMworld Registration page for more details.

PEX LOUNGE

Once again we will have a Partner Exchange Lounge that will open on Sunday and run all week during VMworld. Only those partners who purchase the PEX pass will have access to the PEX lounge.  More details will be made available shortly.

IMPORTANT DATES

Early Bird Registration Ends for US – June 12 (June 20 for Europe)

Global Content Catalog Live – June 20

Schedule Builder Live for US – July 18 (July 27 for Europe)

 

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to the team at vmworldteam@vmware.com.

 

Monthly NSX Customer Advisory – May 2017

In this communication, we detail the top trending issues with VMware NSX for vSphere and provide you with helpful information on how to address the issues while we build a permanent fix. Please review the left column of the chart below to search for issues specific to your environment, and click on the hyperlinks to access more detailed information on each.

For additional up-to-date, top trending NSX issues, previous and current, please see KB Article Trending support issues in VMware NSX for vSphere 6.x (2131154).

 

NSX for vSphere Version

 Component Issue Summary Resolution/Work-Around

KB Number
6.2.x , 6.3.x ESXi ESXi 5.5 and 6.0 hosts fail with a purple diagnostic screen (PSOD): VMCIEventDelayedDispatchCB@com which occurs due to race condition in dvfilter vmci socket deregistration. This issue is resolved in ESXi 5.5 Patch 8 and ESXi 6.0 Patch 3.

To work around this issue, uninstall the dvfilter-dsa driver.

 KB : 2149242
6.3.x ESXi Hosts fails with a purple diagnostic screen when retrieving flows for ALG enabled protocols. To work around this issue, disable flow monitoring related features: IPFix, LiveFlow, Application Rule Manager, Flow monitoring-global flow collection. KB : 2149908

 

Top Issues + Resolution / Workaround

NSX for vSphere 6.3.x, 6.2.x

Issue #1: Process to change VXLAN port from 8472 to 4789 may fail or never complete.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Symptom:

  1. The process may fail or never complete while changing the VXLAN port from 8472 to 4789 (standard port assigned by IANA).

Resolution: To resolve the issue, run the REST API calls to check the status of the job and resume the change. For more details, please refer to KB 2149996.

 

Issue #2: Guest Introspection USVM reports disk is full.

Affected Version: 6.3.x

Symptom:

  1. You receive an alert that the /var/log disk space is full or almost full on one or more of the Guest Introspection USVMs.
  2. This issue occurs as there is a problem with the internal log maintenance task that causes log files to grow indefinitely, eventually leading to a full disk situation.

Resolution:  To work around this issue delete the Guest Introspection USVM. Click on resolve to redeploy. For more details, please refer to KB 2149856.

 

Issue #3: Distributed Firewall (DFW) packets hitting Default Rule instead of previous Rule allowing/blocking designated traffic.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Symptom:

  1. In examining Distributed Firewall (DFW) behavior, you may see some packets having a source, destination, and protocol (service) defined in a configured rule hitting the Default rule at the very end of the firewall rule list.
  2. In the dfwpktlogs or in LogInsight, you may see that the SYN packets and the ACK packets are being processed by the configured rule allowing/blocking the defined traffic.
  3. For the same traffic, you see RST and FIN ACK packets hitting the default block/allow rule, meaning that it is not hitting the previously-configured rule.

Resolution: To verify the rules ascribed to the filter or vNIC, type the vsipioctl getrules -f <filtername> command. From this output, you can verify that the configured rule(s) are being applied to the virtual NIC as expected. For more details, please refer to KB 2149818

 

Issue #4: VMs are removed from Exclusion List while adding new VM.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Symptom:

  1. When attempting to add a virtual machine to the NSX Manager’s Exclusion List to remove the DFW filter from the virtual machine, all other existing excluded virtual machines disappear from the Exclusion List.
  2. In the Web UI, after making the second or duplicate attempt, you may see an error similar to:
    Member: VM is already present in exclude list.

Resolution: To avoid this issue, refresh the UI page before adding the VM to the exclusion list. Refreshing the UI will clear any stale sessions and ensure that if another user has already added the VM, it is now reflected in the UI. For more details, please refer to KB 2149997.

 

Issue #5: Backing up the NSX Manager to OpenSSH 7.x or later fails.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Symptom:

  1. This issue occurs because the SFTP jar files in the NSX Manager is out of date.

Resolution: To work around this issue, use OpenSSH version 6.x or earlier as your SFTP backup endpoint. For more details, please refer to KB 2150053.

 

Trending KB

Issue #1:  Re-installing NSX to upgrade vCNS Endpoint to NSX Guest Introspection.

Affected Version: 6.2.x, 6.3.x

Symptom: How to KB.

Resolution: The KB/Solution explains the procedure to upgrade from vCNS to NSX in the environments where vCNS is configured and used for Endpoint only. For more details, please refer to KB 2150140.

 

VMware Recommended release

VMware recommends NSX 6.2.6 for new deployments. The minimum version a customer should be running is NSX 6.2.2 based on critical bug fixes identified as having a general impact in an NSX environment. For more information, see Minimum recommended version for NSX for vSphere with GID, ESXi, and vCenter Server (2144295).

 

Have feedback on this NSX Customer Advisory?

We would like to hear from you. Send us your feedback by providing comments on the Feedback Box (available at the bottom of KB Article) Trending support issues in VMware NSX for vSphere 6.x (2131154).


Thank you for helping us continually improve this communication.

 

DO NOT FORGET

Subscribe to my.vmware.com to get timely notifications on NSX Product Releases, Fixes and upcoming patches.

login