Virtually Speaking: Inventory and Calculator…

Virtually Speaking: Inventory and Calculator scripts for VMware Cloud Foundation VCF and vSphere Foundation VVF

Virtually Speaking: Inventory and Calculator…

On this episode of the Virtually Speaking Podcast Pete and John welcome William Lam to discuss the details of some new tools for VMware Cloud Foundation VCF and VMware vSphere Foundation VVF.


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Upgrade Path to Usage Meter v4.8: Ensuring Compliance with the Broadcom Advantage Program

In the dynamic landscape of IT infrastructure management, staying updated with the latest tools and versions is not just beneficial; it’s essential. With the upcoming Broadcom Advantage Program set to commence on April 1st, 2024, it’s crucial for organizations to ensure their metering tools are up to par. The spotlight is on the Usage Meter, specifically version 4.8, which now fully supports separate clusters. This capability is not just an improvement; it’s a necessity for effectively metering your environment under the new program requirements.

Why Upgrade to Usage Meter v4.8?

The Usage Meter v4.8 isn’t just another version; it’s a significant upgrade that ensures your metering practices are both efficient and compliant with the Broadcom Advantage Program. Its enhanced features and improved support for separate clusters make it an indispensable tool for organizations looking to streamline their metering processes. Upgrading to or installing version 4.8 is not just recommended; it’s imperative for compliance and operational efficiency.

How to Upgrade to Usage Meter v4.8

For those who prefer maintaining a connection to the server during the upgrade process, here’s a straightforward guide to upgrading your current Usage Meter instance to version 4.8. This process involves an in-place upgrade, which is both efficient and user-friendly.

Step 1: Login to the Console

Ensure you have administrative access to the console of the server where the Usage Meter is installed. A stable connection is crucial throughout the upgrade process to avoid any interruptions.

Step 2: Create an Upgrade Directory

Before proceeding with the upgrade, you’ll need to prepare the environment. Create a dedicated directory for the upgrade files:

mkdir /root/upgrade

Step 3: Mount the CD Drive

With the directory in place, the next step involves mounting the CD drive to access the upgrade files:

mount -o loop /dev/cdrom /root/upgrade

This command effectively links the CD drive to the upgrade directory, allowing you to access the necessary files for the upgrade.

Step 4: Initiate the In-Place Upgrade

To start the upgrade process, execute the upgrade script from the mounted directory:

bash /root/upgrade/upgrade-um.sh

This script automates the upgrade process, ensuring that your Usage Meter is updated to version 4.8 without any hassle.

Step 5: Reboot the Appliance

Upon completing the upgrade script, you’ll be prompted to reboot the appliance. This step is crucial for finalizing the upgrade and ensuring that all new configurations and updates are correctly applied.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to Usage Meter v4.8 is not just a technical requirement; it’s a strategic move to ensure your organization is aligned with the Broadcom Advantage Program’s requirements. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth transition to version 4.8, thereby enhancing your metering capabilities and compliance posture.

Remember, staying proactive in your upgrade path is key to leveraging the full benefits of your IT infrastructure and tools. Don’t wait until the last minute to make these critical updates. Prepare your environment today to take full advantage of what Usage Meter v4.8 has to offer.

Quick Tip – Block or remove download URL for…

Quick Tip – Block or remove download URL for VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP)

Quick Tip – Block or remove download URL for…

There was a new VMware Security Advisory (VMSA-2024-0003) that was published this week that affects the deprecated VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP) and as part of the remediation, per VMware KB 96442, there are instructions on how to uninstall the EAP plugin from desktop systems […]


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Automate the deployment & initial configuration…

Automate the deployment & initial configuration…

I love writing automation, especially for deploying a consistent and repeatable environment for testing or learning purposes. I recently deployed the latest Aria Suite Lifecycle Manager 8.14 (formally vRealize Suite Lifecycle Manager or vRSLCM) manually using the graphical Easy Installer method [..]


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Automating certificate-manager CLI operations…

Automating certificate-manager CLI operations…

I recently had a customer inquiry where they were interested in automating the certificate replacement for vCenter Solution Users when using the /usr/lib/vmware-vmca/bin/certificate-manager CLI, which is found within the vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA). Note: One important thing to understand […]


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Preserving VM snapshot hierarchy across vCenter…

Preserving VM snapshot hierarchy across vCenter…

On occasion, you might find yourself needing to take multi-level VM snapshots for various testing or development purposes, not an uncommon task for IT administrators. In the past, if you needed to move the VM and preserve its snapshot hierarchy, it was usually difficult and involved manual tasks […]


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