VMware vRealize Automation 7.6 Deployment

It’s been a while since I did any hands-on with VMware vRealize Automation (vRA), formerly known as vCloud Automation Center, but a while ago I was asked to do some integration work between vRA and Nutanix Era. Before jumping in and developing vRealize Orchestrator (vRO) workflows I obviously need a vRA environment:)

This blog post will cover the initial vRA virtual appliance (VA) deployment and there are two more blog posts in this series:

• vRA initial configuration
• VMware vRealize Automation XaaS Architect Configuration

It’s a very easy process so just follow the below steps and you’ll have your vRA VA up and running in a few minutes. Since this is deployed in my home lab with limited functionality I used the ESXi host web UI for the deployment meaning accessing the ESXi host via https://IP_or_FDQN/ui/.
Normally you would use vCenter Server for the vRA VA deployment.

1. !!!!—-Add a DNS record for your vRA VA—-!!!!
2. 🙂 !!!!—-Make sure the DNS record works —!!!! 🙂
3. Download the vRA VA from VMware download center.
4. Access the ESXi host or vCenter Server and click Create/Register VM
   
   Yes i know an old ESXi version but it serves its purpose.
5. Select Deploy a virtual machine from an OVF or OVA file -> click Next
   
6. Enter the VM name -> click Next
7. Select target datastore -> click Next
   
8. Click I agree on the License Agreement page -> click Next
   
9. Select the Network port group where your vRA VA will be hosted, if you want thin or Thick provisioning and finally if you want the VM to power on after deployment  -> click Next
   
10. The additional settings page is where you need to provide most details including:
    1. Application
       1. Initial root password
       2. If you want SSH to be enabled or not – me like 🙂
       3. Hostname
    2. Network Properties
       1. Default Gateway
       2. Domain Name
       3. Domain search Path (if you want)
       4. Domain Name Servers
       5. Network 1 IP Address
       6. Network 1 Netmask
          
11. Verify you settings and click Finish
    
12. Sit back and wait for the deployment to be completed.
    

When done, access the vRA VA via https://IP_or_FQDN:5480 to start the initial configuration/setup process which will be covered in the next blog post.