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Home > Cloud & Networking > Cloud Computing > VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook
VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook
VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook

VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook: Master the configuration, programming, and interaction of plugins with Orchestrator to efficiently automate your VMware infrastructure

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VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook

Chapter 2. Optimizing Orchestrator Configuration

In this chapter, we will explore how to optimize the Orchestrator installation and look at the following recipes:

  • Plugin basics
  • Tuning the appliance
  • Tuning Java
  • Backup and recovery
  • Creating an Orchestrator cluster
  • Configuring the Orchestrator Service SSL certificate
  • Configuring e-mail
  • Redirecting the Orchestrator Syslog to an external Syslog server
  • Configuring the Kerberos authentication
  • Configuring access to the local filesystem
  • Updating Orchestrator

Introduction

Before we get into the recipes themselves, here is some background on how to configure service accounts and the information needed for firewall configuration.

Service accounts

As in all production environments, you should consider using dedicated service accounts for connections between different services. For Orchestrator, there are several connections that we should have a look at. The connections between Orchestrator and SMTP, LDAP, and the Orchestrator database should be facilitated with a normal AD service account. The connection between Orchestrator and SSO uses the registered SSO application user.

The connection between Orchestrator and vCenter depends on how you would like to handle the role and rights management between them. You can either use one administrative connection between Orchestrator and vCenter, or choose to limit access by the role and rights of the logged-in Orchestrator user. We will discuss some more details of this in the Plugin basics recipe in this...

Plugin basics

In this recipe, we will learn how to install and configure plugins for Orchestrator. We will only deal with the installation and base configuration of plugins in general and not any programing-related configurations. Programming-related configurations are discussed in Chapter 4, Working with Plugins.

Getting ready

We need an Orchestrator server installed and running.

You should be comfortable using the Orchestrator Configuration tool described in the Two ways to configure Orchestrator recipe in Chapter 1, Installing and Configuring Orchestrator, as there is currently no workflow-driven method.

How to do it...

This recipe is made up of four different parts: obtaining, authenticating, installing, and configuring plugins.

Obtaining plugins

You get plugins from these three main pages:

  • Go to www.vmware.com, navigate to your downloads for vSphere (or vRealize Automation) version, then click on Drivers & Tools, and then look for the vCenter Orchestrator plugins
  • VMware Solution Exchange...

Tuning the appliance

In this recipe, we will learn how to tune Orchestrator appliance. This includes changing, IP settings as well as switching off unused services to get more performance out of the appliance.

Getting ready

We need a configured and running Orchestrator appliance as well as a web browser and an SSH tool (such as putty).

How to do it...

There is a lot that could be done to tune the Orchestrator appliance.

Open the Orchestrator appliance admin area

  1. Open up a web browser and enter https://[vCO IP or FQDN]:5480.
  2. The typical VMware appliance console opens up. Depending on your environment, you might have to accept the SSL certificate.
  3. Enter root as the user name and the password you set during deployment.

Change the IP and hostname

The IP and hostname should normally be assigned when the appliance is deployed; however some aftercare has to be performed when using DHCP or VMware Workstation.

  1. Open the Orchestrator Admin area.
  2. Click on Network and select Address.
  3. Change all settings as required...

Tuning Java

This recipe shows how to increase the Java heap size so that Orchestrator performs better by making better use of the allocated memory resources.

Getting ready

First of all, we need more virtual memory allocated to the VM on which Orchestrator is running.

Then, we need to be able to log in to the operation system, that is, log in to Windows (RDP) or Linux (SSH).

How to do it...

Depending on the version of Orchestrator you have, you need to follow one set of instructions or the other.

Windows

  1. Log in to the Windows operating system of your Orchestrator.
  2. Stop the vCenter Orchestrator Server service.
  3. Open explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\VMware\Orchestrator\app-server\bin.
  4. Make a copy of the wrapper.conf file as a backup.
  5. Open the wrapper.conf file using Notepad.
  6. Find the wrapper.java.maxmemory=2048 line.
  7. The heap size is given in MB; change the setting to an appropriate setting and save the file.
  8. Start the vCenter Orchestrator Server service.

Linux

This how-to is for vCO 5.5 and higher...

Backup and recovery

In this recipe, we look into backing up and restoring the Orchestrator configuration. To back up and restore single packages or workflows, please see the Importing and exporting Orchestrator elements and Working with packages recipes in Chapter 5, Basic Orchestrator Operations.

Getting ready

We need an installed and running Orchestrator server.

You should be comfortable with using the Orchestrator Configuration tool described in the Two ways to configure Orchestrator recipe in Chapter 1, Installing and Configuring Orchestrator, as there is currently no Workflow-driven method.

How to do it...

A backup (or restore) of the Orchestrator configuration is easy to make using the Orchestrator Configuration tool.

Backup

  1. Open the Orchestrator Configuration tool.
  2. Click on the General section.
  3. Select Export Configuration.
  4. You can choose a password to protect the exported values.
  5. Click on Export.
  6. If you are using the Windows installation, the backup file will be stored in C:\Program Files\VMware...

Creating an Orchestrator cluster

In this recipe, we explore how to create clustered Orchestrator servers. Clustered Orchestrator servers guarantee high availability and load balancing to protect production installations, such as vRealize Automation.

Getting ready

We need two Orchestrator installations. One should be fully configured and the other should be a completely new installation. We will call the configured one the first Orchestrator server, and the new one will be called the second Orchestrator server.

We also need access to the Orchestrator database that is configured with the first Orchestrator server.

How to do it...

This recipe is divided into different sections. The database section and the first server section only have to be performed once, but the last sections might need to be repeated for different servers.

Configuring the database

We have to configure the database to prepare it for multiple servers writing into it.

SQL Server

Using SQL Server, we need to set the following two...

Introduction

Before we get into the recipes themselves, here is some background on how to configure service accounts and the information needed for firewall configuration.

Service accounts

As in all production environments, you should consider using dedicated service accounts for connections between different services. For Orchestrator, there are several connections that we should have a look at. The connections between Orchestrator and SMTP, LDAP, and the Orchestrator database should be facilitated with a normal AD service account. The connection between Orchestrator and SSO uses the registered SSO application user.

The connection between Orchestrator and vCenter depends on how you would like to handle the role and rights management between them. You can either use one administrative connection between Orchestrator and vCenter, or choose to limit access by the role and rights of the logged-in Orchestrator user. We will discuss some more details of this in the Plugin basics recipe in this chapter...

Plugin basics

In this recipe, we will learn how to install and configure plugins for Orchestrator. We will only deal with the installation and base configuration of plugins in general and not any programing-related configurations. Programming-related configurations are discussed in Chapter 4, Working with Plugins.

Getting ready

We need an Orchestrator server installed and running.

You should be comfortable using the Orchestrator Configuration tool described in the Two ways to configure Orchestrator recipe in Chapter 1, Installing and Configuring Orchestrator, as there is currently no workflow-driven method.

How to do it...

This recipe is made up of four different parts: obtaining, authenticating, installing, and configuring plugins.

Obtaining plugins

You get plugins from these three main pages:

  • Go to www.vmware.com, navigate to your downloads for vSphere (or vRealize Automation) version, then click on Drivers & Tools, and then look for the vCenter Orchestrator plugins

  • VMware Solution Exchange...

Tuning the appliance

In this recipe, we will learn how to tune Orchestrator appliance. This includes changing, IP settings as well as switching off unused services to get more performance out of the appliance.

Getting ready

We need a configured and running Orchestrator appliance as well as a web browser and an SSH tool (such as putty).

How to do it...

There is a lot that could be done to tune the Orchestrator appliance.

Open the Orchestrator appliance admin area

  1. Open up a web browser and enter https://[vCO IP or FQDN]:5480.

  2. The typical VMware appliance console opens up. Depending on your environment, you might have to accept the SSL certificate.

  3. Enter root as the user name and the password you set during deployment.

Change the IP and hostname

The IP and hostname should normally be assigned when the appliance is deployed; however some aftercare has to be performed when using DHCP or VMware Workstation.

  1. Open the Orchestrator Admin area.

  2. Click on Network and select Address.

  3. Change all settings as required...

Tuning Java

This recipe shows how to increase the Java heap size so that Orchestrator performs better by making better use of the allocated memory resources.

Getting ready

First of all, we need more virtual memory allocated to the VM on which Orchestrator is running.

Then, we need to be able to log in to the operation system, that is, log in to Windows (RDP) or Linux (SSH).

How to do it...

Depending on the version of Orchestrator you have, you need to follow one set of instructions or the other.

Windows

  1. Log in to the Windows operating system of your Orchestrator.

  2. Stop the vCenter Orchestrator Server service.

  3. Open explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files\VMware\Orchestrator\app-server\bin.

  4. Make a copy of the wrapper.conf file as a backup.

  5. Open the wrapper.conf file using Notepad.

  6. Find the wrapper.java.maxmemory=2048 line.

  7. The heap size is given in MB; change the setting to an appropriate setting and save the file.

  8. Start the vCenter Orchestrator Server service.

Linux

This how-to is for vCO 5.5 and higher...

Backup and recovery

In this recipe, we look into backing up and restoring the Orchestrator configuration. To back up and restore single packages or workflows, please see the Importing and exporting Orchestrator elements and Working with packages recipes in Chapter 5, Basic Orchestrator Operations.

Getting ready

We need an installed and running Orchestrator server.

You should be comfortable with using the Orchestrator Configuration tool described in the Two ways to configure Orchestrator recipe in Chapter 1, Installing and Configuring Orchestrator, as there is currently no Workflow-driven method.

How to do it...

A backup (or restore) of the Orchestrator configuration is easy to make using the Orchestrator Configuration tool.

Backup

  1. Open the Orchestrator Configuration tool.

  2. Click on the General section.

  3. Select Export Configuration.

  4. You can choose a password to protect the exported values.

  5. Click on Export.

  6. If you are using the Windows installation, the backup file will be stored in C:\Program Files\VMware...

Creating an Orchestrator cluster

In this recipe, we explore how to create clustered Orchestrator servers. Clustered Orchestrator servers guarantee high availability and load balancing to protect production installations, such as vRealize Automation.

Getting ready

We need two Orchestrator installations. One should be fully configured and the other should be a completely new installation. We will call the configured one the first Orchestrator server, and the new one will be called the second Orchestrator server.

We also need access to the Orchestrator database that is configured with the first Orchestrator server.

How to do it...

This recipe is divided into different sections. The database section and the first server section only have to be performed once, but the last sections might need to be repeated for different servers.

Configuring the database

We have to configure the database to prepare it for multiple servers writing into it.

SQL Server

Using SQL Server, we need to set the following two settings...

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Description

If you are a VMware administrator who is interested in automating your infrastructure, this book is for you. An understanding of basic programming concepts is advised. No previous knowledge of Orchestrator is required, although some previous knowledge of it will allow you to get started more easily.

Who is this book for?

If you are a VMware administrator who is interested in automating your infrastructure, this book is for you. An understanding of basic programming concepts is advised. No previous knowledge of Orchestrator is required, although some previous knowledge of it will allow you to get started more easily.

What you will learn

  • Install, configure, and optimize Orchestrator installations (Windows, Appliance as well as vRA integrated)
  • Explore all the visual programming elements without the need for additional infrastructure
  • Work with plugins such as SSH, mail, SQL, PowerShell, AD, SOAP, SNMP, AMQP, and REST
  • Discover how to create VMware automation
  • Get to grips with user management, synchronization, and packaging applications
  • Understand policies and resources
  • Work more efficiently with distributed Orchestrator environments

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Feb 27, 2015
Length: 382 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784393700
Vendor :
VMware
Category :
Cloud & Networking
Concepts :
Cloud Computing
Tools :
vRealize

What do you get with eBook?

Product feature icon Instant access to your Digital eBook purchase
Product feature icon Download this book in EPUB and PDF formats
Product feature icon Access this title in our online reader with advanced features
Product feature icon DRM FREE - Read whenever, wherever and however you want
OR

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Product Details

Publication date : Feb 27, 2015
Length: 382 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784393700
Vendor :
VMware
Category :
Cloud & Networking
Concepts :
Cloud Computing
Tools :
vRealize

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Table of Contents

8 Chapters
1. Installing and Configuring Orchestrator Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
1. Installing and Configuring Orchestrator
Introduction
Getting Orchestrator running in 5 minutes (or less)
Deploying the Orchestrator appliance
Installing Orchestrator on Windows
Two ways to configure Orchestrator
Important Orchestrator base configurations
Configuring Orchestrator with an external LDAP or Active Directory
Integrating Orchestrator into SSO and vSphere Web Client
Configuring an external database
2. Optimizing Orchestrator Configuration Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Optimizing Orchestrator Configuration
Introduction
Plugin basics
Tuning the appliance
Tuning Java
Backup and recovery
Creating an Orchestrator cluster
Configuring the Orchestrator Service SSL certificate
Configuring e-mail
Redirecting Orchestrator Syslog to an external Syslog server
Configuring the Kerberos authentication
Configuring access to the local filesystem
Updating Orchestrator
3. Visual Programming Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Visual Programming
Introduction
Workflow basics
Version control
Working with logs
Error handling in workflows
Resuming failed workflows
Using the workflow debugging function
Working with decisions
Working with loops
Working with presentations
Working with configurations
Working with actions
Linking actions in presentations
Waiting tasks
Sending and waiting for custom events
Using asynchronous workflows
Working with user interactions
Changing credentials
4. Working with Plugins Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Working with Plugins
Introduction
Working with the API
Working with mails
File operations
Working with SSH
Working with XML
Working with SQL
Working with PowerShell
Working with SOAP
Working with REST
Working with Active Directory
Working with SNMP
Working with AMQP
5. Basic Orchestrator Operations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. Basic Orchestrator Operations
Introduction
Basic Orchestrator operations for Orchestrator elements
Changing elements in a workflow
Undelete workflows and actions
Importing and exporting Orchestrator elements
Synchronize Orchestrator elements between Orchestrator servers
Working with packages
User management
User preferences
Scheduling workflows
Workflow auto documentation
Orchestrator and vSphere Web Client
6. Advanced Operations Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Advanced Operations
Introduction
Accessing the Orchestrator API via REST
Working with resources
Working with tags
Working with locks
Language packs (localization)
Working with policies
Managing remote Orchestrator
7. Working with VMware Infrastructure Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. Working with VMware Infrastructure
Introduction
Unmounting all the CD-ROMs of all VMs in a cluster
Provisioning a VM from a template
An approval process for VM provisioning
Working with the vCenter API (to change a VM's HA settings)
Standard vSwitch and Distributed Switch ports
Executing a program inside a VM
Configuring a vRA instance in Orchestrator
Configuring an external Orchestrator in vRA
Adding an Orchestrator endpoint
Integrating Orchestrator workflows in vRA
Managing AD users with vRA
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index

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Jason Gaudreau Jul 31, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
The VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook is a great read for people that want to automate routine task in their vSphere environment. This book not only covers how to use vRO, but also goes into integrating it with vRA to have an extensive automation solution. The book jumps right into basic workflows and workflow constructs in Chapter 3, I found the examples provided in the book were very clear and intuitive, and I was able to run them in my lab environment and learn how to create my own orchestrations.In Chapter 4, there are some great samples of working with SQL plugins that I found very helpful, especially using a SQL query and sending the results to a CSV file. vRealize Orchestrator is an often overlooked tool because it can be viewed as complex, this breaks it down in simple terms and really makes vRO approachable.If you are interested in automating routine tasks in the datacenter, this is a great book to have on your desk.
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Andrea Jul 04, 2015
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Orchestration in VMware environments is something still not so well explored and explained.Historically there was only vCenter Orchestrator from one side (if you are looking something at high level) and scripting from the other (if you know PowerShell or other scripting languages). Now for the first part there is vRealize Automation, but still the Orchestrator part could be necessary (for example to use vRealize Automation with VMware NSX).The book “VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook” has the ambition purpose to explain how to master the configuration, programming, and interaction of plugins with Orchestrator to efficiently automate your VMware infrastructure.The preface is really well done with a useful paragraph on how reading this book in the right way and a simple image that explain how much important is the Orchestrator in all the automation solutions of VMware (and also 3rd part solutions).This book include only few chapters:Chapter 1, Installing and Configuring Orchestrator, shows in a simple way how to install, configure, and access the various Orchestrator installation types. Well done (although there are already good online resource that covers this aspects).Chapter 2, Optimizing Orchestrator Configuration, dives into more specialized setups, such as clusters, and how to tune the Orchestrator appliance. This is usually more complex than the installation part and not so well covered by on-line resources. In this book is well explained.Chapter 3, Visual Programming, introduces and dives into the visual programming of Orchestrator. A really good overview on how powerful is Orchestrator, understandably also by people that have never see or use it. Probably the best part of the book.Chapter 4, Working with Plugins, showcases how to use the different plugins of Orchestrator with detailed examples. This part become more technical and deep, but the examples (really good and well done) help a lot.Chapter 5, Basic Orchestrator Operations, teaches you how to operate Orchestrator, working with user management, packages, and more.Chapter 6, Advanced Operations, dives into more advanced operations such as language packs, resources, and policies.Chapter 7, Working with VMware Infrastructure, teaches you how to automate the vSphere infrastructure as well as use Orchestrator workflows in vRealize Orchestrator. This part will apply all what you have learn on the basics of Orchestrator to a VMware environment, again with several useful examples.So finally a book that maintain the promise of the title and the purpose of it. In little less than 400 good pages a must if you plan to use vRealize Orchestrator or tools that require it.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Chris Williams Jul 16, 2015
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Orchestrator is one of the most powerful, yet most underutilized tools in a VMware admins toolbelt.This book will help you:Understand what it can & can't do.Think about the design of your environment & where Orchestrator fits in.Get it installed & tuned up.Learn a bit about JavaScript for the creation of workflows.A really cool part of the recipes in this book is the "How it works..." section, which gives you the *why* behind what you are doing.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
JimM Dec 22, 2015
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Written to be understood.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
De Wilde Philippe Apr 21, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
Complete book when you are new with orchestrator
Amazon Verified review Amazon

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About the author

Profile icon Daniel Langenhan
Daniel Langenhan
Daniel Langenhan is a Virtualisation expert with formidable skills in Architecture, Design and Implementation for large multi-tier systems. His experience and knowledge of process management, enterprise-level storage, Linux and Windows operation systems has made him and his business a highly sought after international consultancy in the Asia-Pacific and European regions for multinational clientele in the areas of Finance, Communication, Education and Government. Daniel has been working with VMware products since 2002 and is directly associated with VMWare since 2008. His proven track record of successful integrations of Virtualisation into different business areas while minimizing cost and maximizing reliability and effectiveness of the solution for his clients. Currently, Daniel is operating in the Europe and Asia-Pacific region with his company vLeet GmbH and Melbourne Business Boosters Pty Ltd. Daniel's expertise and practical approach to VMWare has resulted in the publication of the following books: Instant VMware vCloud Starter, Packt Publishing VMware View Security Essentials, Packt Publishing VMware vCloud Director Cookbook, Packt Publishing VMware vRealize Orchestrator Cookbook, Packt Publishing VMware vRealize Orchestrator Essentials, Packt Publishing He has also lent his expertise to many other publishing projects as a Technical Editor.
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