Daniel Micanek virtual Blog – Like normal Dan, but virtual.
Back for a fifth year, the Extreme Performance Series will continue the tradition of exploring some of the exciting work being done at Broadcom. The following series of blog posts is all new for 2025 and will be released starting during the week of VMware Explore.
Holodeck 9.1 deploys nested VCF 9.1, 9.0.x and 5.2.x labs. HoloRouter, host requirements, download location, deployment commands and known issues.
Short answer: Holodeck is VMware’s free toolkit for deploying a nested VCF lab. It runs on a single ESX host or on a vSphere cluster. The current release, Holodeck 9.1, deploys VCF 9.1.0.0, 9.0.x and 5.2.x, plus VVF. You download the HoloRouter OVA from the Broadcom Support Portal and upload the VCF Installer and ESX binaries to it. Then you run New-HoloDeckConfig and New-HoloDeckInstance in PowerShell on HoloRouter. It is a lab tool only; VMware does not support it.
The table below is taken from the official Holodeck release notes. Each release lists the minimum ESX version for the physical host.
| Holodeck release | Released | VCF versions it deploys | Minimum ESX on target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.1 | 2026 (release notes: May 2026) | 9.1.0.0, 9.0.2.0, 9.0.1.0, 9.0.0.0, 5.2.4, 5.2.3, 5.2.2, 5.2.1, 5.2 (plus VVF 9.x) | 8.0 U3 |
| 9.0.2 | February 2026 | 9.0.2.0, 9.0.1.0, 9.0.0.0, 5.2.2, 5.2.1, 5.2 | 8.0 U3 |
| 9.0.1 | October 2025 | 9.0.1.0, 9.0.0.0, 5.2.2, 5.2.1, 5.2 | 8.0 U3 |
| 9.0 | June 2025 | 9.0, 5.2.x | 8.0 U3 |
Version notes from the docs:
-InstanceID is mandatory. The Day 2 tasks that used to run with -Interactive now live in Update-HoloDeckInstance.HoloRouter is a Photon OS appliance, delivered as an OVA, and it is the backbone of every Holodeck lab. The Holodeck PowerShell module comes built into it. HoloRouter provides these services to the nested environment:
Holodeck 9.1 adds several services, all on the fixed vcf.lab domain behind HTTPS: Technitium DNS, HashiCorp Vault, Authentik SSO, an internal CA, and an optional GitLab (“Enable GitOps”) that can trigger deployments from a pipeline.
Default networking uses the 10.1.0.0/20 range for Site A and 10.2.0.0/20 for Site B. The VLANs are 0 and 10–25 for Site A and 40–58 for Site B. You can pass your own /20 CIDR, a VLAN start value and a DNS domain instead. The deployment runs against a centralized JSON config and is idempotent: if it fails, you rerun the same command and it continues where it stopped.
These are the recommended physical host resources from the official pre-requisites. Holodeck 9.1 applies soft validation: it warns you instead of blocking when you are below them.
| Target | Single site CPU / RAM / disk | Dual site CPU / RAM / disk |
|---|---|---|
| VCF 9.1 | 48 / 650 GB / 2.2 TB | 96 / 1.5 TB / 5 TB |
| VCF 9.0 (VCF Automation, vSAN OSA) | 24 / 325 GB / 1.1 TB | 48 / 768 GB / 2.5 TB |
| VCF 9.0 (VCF Automation, vSAN ESA) | 32 / 325 GB / 1.1 TB | 64 / 768 GB / 2.5 TB |
| VVF 9.1 | 24 / 512 GB / 2 TB | 48 / 1 TB / 4 TB |
| VVF 9.0 | 12 / 256 GB / 1 TB | 24 / 512 GB / 2 TB |
| VCF 5.2 | 16 / 384 GB / 2 TB | 32 / 1 TB / 4 TB |
Other requirements from the docs:
/holodeck-runtime/bin/9.0.2.0/ or /holodeck-runtime/bin/9.1.0.0/.scp /<local-path>/<ESX ISO File Name> root@<Holorouter-IP>:/holodeck-runtime/bin/9.0.2.0/
scp /<local-path>/<VCF Installer OVA File Name> root@<Holorouter-IP>:/holodeck-runtime/bin/9.0.2.0/
ssh root@<holorouter-ip>
pwsh
New-HoloDeckConfig -Description <Description> -TargetHost <vCenter/ESX IP or FQDN> -Username <user> -Password <password>
New-HoloDeckInstance -Version "9.0.2.0" -InstanceID <id> -ManagementOnly -vSANMode OSAIf you leave out -ManagementOnly, you get a full stack: a 4-host management domain plus a 3-host workload domain. Optional switches add more components:
-NsxEdgeClusterMgmtDomain adds an NSX Edge cluster in the management domain.-DeployVcfAutomation deploys VCF Automation.-DeploySupervisorMgmtDomain or -DeploySupervisorWkldDomain deploys a Supervisor.-DepotType Offline uses the offline depot.-ProvisionOnly deploys only the nested hosts and the VCF Installer, for a manual greenfield install.-VVF deploys VVF instead of VCF.In a new PowerShell session, reload the config with Get-HoloDeckConfig and then Import-HoloDeckConfig -ConfigId <id> -Site a. In 9.1, -Site is mandatory. Use one config per deployment.
I hit a different problem myself: Holodeck 9.0.2 stuck at the VCF Installer bundle step. The fix is in the related post below.
Holodeck was presented at VMware Explore 2025 in session CODEQT1247LV, “Automagically Deploy VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 in Homelab Using VMware Cloud Foundation Holodeck Toolkit”:
At today’s VMware Explore general session, Chris Wolf showcased Intelligent Assist for VMware Cloud Foundation — bringing AI-powered assistance directly to our users.
Today at VMware Explore’s general session you saw Chris Wolf demonstrate Intelligent Assist for VMware Cloud Foundation, providing AI-powered assistance for our users. In this blog, we’ll take a step behind the curtain to see how these capabilities are running in VCF, using AI features that […]
Today at hashtag#VMwareExplore, Broadcom and AMD announced an expanded collaboration to deliver private, secure, and high-performance AI infrastructure for enterprises.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, and Generative AI (Gen AI) is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating new content and redefining value creation. However, enterprises face significant challenges in AI adoption, especially concerning privacy, data […]
VMware Private AI Services Now Included in VCF Subscription
Big news from today’s VMware Explore general session with Chris Wolf 🎉
What was once sold separately is now part of the platform — VCF Private AI Services are now included in your VMware Cloud Foundation subscription.
This marks a major step forward in unleashing the power of Private AI, fueled by Broadcom and NVIDIA innovations.
Enterprises can get tremendous productivity and business transformation from AI. With VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA, Broadcom and NVIDIA aim to unlock AI and unleash productivity with lower TCO. Recently with VCF 9.0, Broadcom and NVIDIA released several features in VMware Private AI Foundation with NVIDIA to further our mission of providing private and … Continued The post Unleashing the Power of Private AI: New Innovations from Broadcom with NVIDIA appeared first on VMware Cloud…Read More
The Communities Lounge is the main place for the VMware community to meet and reconnect at Explore, right at the center of the event. I like to think of it as one of the great train stations of old cities. It carries a timeless feeling: the place where journeys cross, where you meet faces […]
VMware Explore 2025 in Las Vegas | Day 1 Recap
VMware Explore 2025 in Las Vegas Day 1 Recap | August 25, 2025 If you heard the collective buzz across the Venetian Convention and Expo Center today, that was Day 1 of VMware Explore in Las Vegas coming to life. You crushed it—140 sessions across all four tracks, endless hallway conversations, and a few “just … Continued The post VMware Explore 2025 in Las Vegas | Day 1 Recap appeared first on VMware Explore Blog.
Getting started with DSM 9.0 and VCF Automation (Videos)
Continuing on from the VMware Data Services Manager (DSM) 9.0 introductory videos from my most recent post, these next two videos look at how to configure VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) Automation in VCF 9.0 with DSM to provide a true DBaaS (Database as a Service) experience to your VCF tenants […]
Things to do in Las Vegas beyond the casinos, for VMware Explore attendees with a free afternoon or an extra day.
I hope you’re enjoying yourselves in the spectacular city of Las Vegas! While the Strip is world-famous for its casinos and neon lights, there’s so much more waiting for you beyond the roulette tables. If you find yourself with a bit of spare time, here are some gems you won’t want to miss.
Kick off your adventure at the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, located at the southern end of the Strip. It’s the ultimate photo stop and a must-see landmark for every visitor. Arrive early in the morning if you’d like to beat the crowds and grab your selfie without waiting in line.
One of the easiest—and most affordable—ways to explore Las Vegas is the Deuce bus, which runs 24/7 along the Strip. For just a few dollars, you can travel all the way from the Las Vegas sign to downtown. Along the ride you’ll pass mega-resorts, quirky hidden gems, and plenty of photo-worthy spots.
💡 Tip: Tickets are simple to get—just download the RideRTC app
At the end of the bus ride, you’ll land in downtown Las Vegas, the birthplace of the city’s casino culture. Don’t miss Binion’s Casino, where you can take a free photo with one million dollars in cash (yes, real bills!).
By night, Fremont Street transforms into a festival of sound and light, with live music stages, street performers, and the jaw-dropping Fremont Street Experience—a massive canopy that comes alive with LED animations and booming music.
When the neon starts to feel overwhelming, step into nature. Just a short drive away lies Red Rock Canyon, a breathtaking desert escape with scenic drives and hiking trails. Or head to Lake Mead, the vast reservoir created by the Hoover Dam. Whether you swim, kayak, or simply relax by the shore, it’s the perfect place to recharge away from the Strip.
Looking for a true bucket-list experience?
💡 Tip: To easily browse and book tours, check out the GetYourGuide app
Las Vegas isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a gateway to adventures, culture, and some of the most stunning natural wonders in the American Southwest. So pack your curiosity, grab your camera, and start discovering!
No in-place upgrade from Aria Operations for Logs 8.18 to VCF Operations for Logs 9.0: deploy fresh, run both, move integrations, then retire 8.18.
Short answer: there is no in-place upgrade from Aria Operations for Logs 8.18.x to VCF Operations for Logs 9.0. Deploy VCF Operations for Logs 9.0 fresh, keep 8.18.x running for historical logs, move integrations and log sources to the new instance, optionally transfer old logs, then decommission 8.18.x (KB 402314).
With the release of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, Aria Operations for Logs has officially been rebranded as VCF Operations for Logs. However, if you were expecting a simple in-place upgrade, there’s an important caveat: no direct in-place upgrade is supported.
Instead, administrators must deploy VCF Ops for Logs 9.0 as a fresh installation and gradually migrate integrations and data sources from their existing Aria Ops for Logs 8.18.x environment.
VMware Aria Operations for Logs version 8.18.x does not support an in-place upgrade path to version 9.0. The architectural and platform changes introduced in VCF 9.0 require a clean deployment.
This means that if you are currently running Aria Ops for Logs 8.18.3, you cannot simply apply an upgrade package. Instead, both versions must temporarily coexist while you complete the transition.
Broadcom’s official upgrade guidance outlines the following steps:
If your organization relies heavily on VMware Aria Operations for Logs today, be prepared for a stepwise migration process rather than a straightforward upgrade. By planning the deployment of VCF Ops for Logs 9.0 carefully—and keeping the old instance online for historical data—you can ensure a smooth transition without losing valuable log visibility.
For more details, consult Broadcom’s official documentation:
