In a two-host cluster, keeping ESXi hosts configured identically is manageable manually. By the time you have six or eight hosts, configuration drift is inevitable unless you have a systematic approach. Host Profiles are VMware’s mechanism for capturing and enforcing ESXi host configuration state. What Host Profiles Cover A Host Profile captures the configuration of … Read more
vSphere Update Manager (VUM) is the centralized patch management component for ESXi hosts. When it works, patching 20 ESXi hosts is barely more effort than patching one. When it’s misconfigured or fighting with your environment, it creates a new category of problems. Here’s what to know before your first VUM deployment. VUM Architecture In vSphere … Read more
Running standalone ESXi hosts is a common starting point for small businesses. It’s simple, cost-effective, and covers a lot of ground. But there’s a clear inflection point where standalone hosts start to limit you — and adding vCenter is the change that unlocks the rest of the platform. What You Can’t Do Without vCenter Standalone … Read more