Creating a Provisioning operation

A Provisioning operation creates a new instance of a virtual machine (VM), including all computing, storage, and network capabilities and an unattended installation of an operating system. Optional post-install procedures can deploy software, run scripts, and perform other configuration actions on the newly provisioned server. A Provisioning operation is based on a virtual guest package (VGP) defined in BMC Server Automation. Currently, you can only use the Provisioning wizard to deploy VMware operating systems.

In the portal, a simple wizard helps you set up a Provisioning operation. The Provisioning wizard shares many common steps with the wizard you use for defining all other operations in the portal.

This topic describes the full capabilities available when you create a Provisioning operation. It includes the sections listed below. 

To create a Provisioning operation

  1. Click the Provisioning drop-down list and select one of the following options:
    • VMware — Generate a VMware Provisioning operation in three steps.
    • VMware Advanced — Generate a VMware Provisioning operation by defining multiple options needed to configure compute, storage, and network resources.

      The Create VMware operation opens. It presents the steps you must follow to create a provisioning operation. Headings in a ribbon of chevrons at the top of the page identify each step. For example, Definition, Content, or Notifications. After you provide all required information, proceed to the next page by clicking Next (at bottom) or clicking the next chevron in the ribbon at top.

      At any time you can click Back (at bottom left) to display the previous page in the process. Do not use the browser's Back button.

      The blue boxes at right summarize the information provided for each step in the process.

      VMwareOpDefinition.gif
       

  2. Depending on the type of Provisioning operation you selected in the first step, complete the steps listed below:

    If you are defining a VMware operation, select:

    If you are defining an Advanced VMware operation, select:

    b. Content 

    b. Content 

    e. Post Provisioning (optional)

    f. Notifications (optional)

    g. Schedule & Run (optional)

  3. When you have finished defining the operation, take any of the following actions:
    • Click Execute Now to save the operation and run it immediately.

    • Click Finish to save the operation.

      Note

      After you complete the Content page, you can click Finish to save the operation even if some pages are incomplete.

The following sections describe in detail each step in the Provisioning wizard.

Definition

The Definition page provides general information about the operation.

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Content

The Content page specifies the content that an operation uses when it executes. For Provisioning operations, the only content you can specify is the Virtual Guest Package.

With the Content page, you can specify content using the following approaches:

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System Info

The System Info page lets you select the virtual processor, memory, and disk settings appropriate for VM being provisioned.

The appearance of the System Info depends on whether you are defining a VMware or a VMware Advanced operation. The interface is more complex for a VMware Advanced operation (shown below).

VMwareOpSystemInfo.gif

To configure the VM to be provisioned

To add virtual disks for the VM to be provisioned

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Network Info

The Network Info page lets you specify network settings and adapters for the VM being provisioned.

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Post Provisioning

The Post Provisioning page lets you specify Batch Jobs that can install software and perform other configuration tasks after a VM is provisioned.

You can specify Batch Jobs using the following approaches:

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Notifications

The Notifications page defines notifications that are generated based on conditions you specify. For example, you can instruct the portal to send an email when an operation fails or aborts. 

OperationNotifications.gif

To add a notification

  1. From the Notify On drop-down list, select the operational status that generates a message:
    • Success
    • Failed
    • Aborted
    • Consistent (only available for Compliance operations)
    • Inconsistent (only available for Compliance operations)
  2. From the Notification Method drop-down list, select the type of notification to be generated: Email or SNMP.
  3. For Recipient(s), enter email addresses to notify when a job completes with the status that you specify. Separate multiple email addresses with semicolons. For SNMP traps, enter email addresses or names of servers to notify.
  4. Click AddButton.gif.

To remove a notification

Find the row for the notification you want to delete and click DeleteIcon.gif under Remove.

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Schedule & Run

The Schedule & Run page lets you schedule an operation to run. It also lets you run the operation immediately.

OperationSchedule2.png

To run an operation immediately

Click Execute Now, at bottom. The operation is saved and runs immediately.

After you have defined content for an operation, the Execute Now option is always available.

To schedule an operation

  1. Specify a time for the operation to run by clicking the clock icon ClockIcon.gifbeside Start At.
    An interface similar to a digital clock appears.
    DigitalClock.gif
  2. Set the hour and time. Then click AM or PM to toggle between those choices.
  3. At right of the clock icon, select a time zone.
  4. Set the interval at which the operation runs:
    • Run Once
    • Daily
    • Weekly—If you select this option, you must also select the day of the week and specify the weekly interval, such as every 2 weeks.
    • Monthly—If you select this option, you must also select one of the following options for when the operation runs:
      • A date, such as Day 15.
      • A weekday, such as Second Monday,.
      • The last day of the month.
    • Interval—If you select this option, you must also select the first date for running the operation and the interval at which it runs afterwards, such as every 8 hours.
  5. Click SetSchedule.gif.
    The operation appears in the list of scheduled job runs.

To delete a scheduled job run

Select the job run and click Remove DeleteIcon.gif.

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