Deploying virtual systems using a Virtual Guest Package

You can build a repeatable process for deploying new virtual systems by using a Virtual Guest Package (VGP). The VGP describes the new virtual system you want to add.

For example, you can base the VGP on an existing VMware vCenter template, or create the VGP using values of your own, if you do not have an existing machine or template on which to base the configuration. Having a base package from which to deploy new Virtual Machines helps enforce consistency and standards, such as including Antivirus and management software on any new Virtual Machine.

A VGP bundles configuration changes so they can be deployed to hosts/clusters using a Virtual Guest Job. A VGP consists of an instruction set and any files needed for implementing configuration changes. Configuration changes can consist of additions, deletions, and modifications to any of the server objects BMC BladeLogic supports on all operating systems. This capability allows you to create multiple VGPs, each designed and tailored for a specific use.

Before you begin

• You should create Virtual Guest Packages from VM Templates that adhere to the requirements described in Creating-virtual-machine-templates.
• Create Virtual Guest Packages in the CSM_Virtual_Guest_Packages folder (under Depot) in the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation Console.
• To support hostname configuration in the Virtual Guest, select the Custom option in the VM Config Type Settings tab. For more information, see "VMware - Config" in the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation Users Guide.
• To ensure the VMs provisioned using Virtual Guest Packages can be enrolled in BMC BladeLogic Server Automation successfully, the primary DNS server specified on the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation Server should be the same DNS server utilized by the Virtual Center. Otherwise, BMC BladeLogic Server Automation is forced to wait for DNS propagation before it can communicate with the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation Agent on the virtual guest.

• Make sure that your role has the required permissions to create a Virtual Guest Package for a specific platform. The following table lists the permissions required to create a Virtual Guest Package for each of the supported platforms.
  Virtual Guest Package permissions, by platform

  Virtual environment	Permission
  VMware vSphere	VirtualGuestPackage.*
  Citrix XenServer	VirtualGuestPackageCitrixXen.*

Best practices

• Do not include any static IP addresses in the configuration of the VGP.
• Do not include any information that is instance-specific, such as a hard-coded host name.
• If you are creating a Virtual Guest Package that includes VMware virtual disk files, note that these files can be extremely large---often measured in gigabytes. Make certain your file server has sufficient disk space. Take care not to create unnecessary copies of these Virtual Guest Packages. Packaging a Virtual Machine or any of its storage information will not include the associated disk files in the package. Only the storage configuration information will be included in the Virtual Guest Package.

To create the Virtual Guest Package

1. From the Depot folder, right-click the depot folder where you want to add the Virtual Guest Package. From the pop-up menu, select New => Virtual Guest Packageand then the virtualization platform type for the package (VMware or Citrix XenServer).

   Warning

   Note

   You should create Virtual Guest Packages in the Depot in the CSM_Virtual_Guest_Packages folder.

2. On the Virtual Guest Package dialog, enter the following:

   Field	Description
   Name	Enter a name for the package.
   Description	Enter a brief description of the package.
   Member of	Browse to the folder in the Depot where you want the Virtual Guest Package to be created.
   VM Guest Package type	For VMware, choose VMware Virtual Machine to configure the package and create a new Virtual Machine, or select VMware Virtual Machine Template to base it on an existing template.
   VM Guest Package type	For Citrix XenServer, see Creating Citrix XenServer templates.
   VMware VC Template (VMware only)	Browse to the location of a template on which this Virtual Guest Package will be based.

3. Click Next.
4. On the Permissions panel, enter the permissions for the Virtual Guest Package.
    The Permissions panel is an access control list granting roles access to this Virtual Guest Package. Access to all objects, including the sharing of objects between roles, is controlled through ACLs. Make sure that your role has the required permissions to create a Virtual Guest Package for a specific platform. For more information, see the "Browsing virtual inventory" section in the BMC BladeLogic Server Automation User Guide.
5. After completing the last step of the wizard, click Finish.
    A dialog displays, indicating that the package is being saved to the Depot. After the Virtual Guest Package is saved, you may want to use the Virtual Guest Package editor to modify the Virtual Guest Package.

Creating Citrix XenServer templates

1. Click the Browse button to choose a Citrix XenServer template, Custom template, or Virtual Machine on which to base the new Virtual Machine.
2. On the Select Citrix XenServer Template dialog box, select the server that contains the template or Virtual Machine.
3. Select the Virtual Machine or Template Type, either a XenServerprovided template, custom template, or Virtual Machine.
4. Select the Virtual Machine or template from the displayed list, and click OK.

Related topics

Links to related topics