Dell OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter

I am currently working on a fully new homelab environment running on Dell Poweredge hardware and considered the implementation of a plugin into my VMware vCenter server. Looking into other solutions it shows, in my opinion, that there is no software/hardware which is as tightly cooperating as Dell and VMware with their products and the OpenManage Integration für VMware vCenter.

 

Overview

The biggest benefit of the Dell OpenManage plugin is that you won’t need another tool or interface to manage the hardware running in your VMware cluster because it’s designed to streamline the processes by allowing you to use the VMware vCenter Server to fully manage the physical and virtual infrastructure!2021-01-08 16_43_51-Window

A few of the benefits and features:

  • Monitoring PowerEdge hardware in VMware vCenter Host and Cluster view
  • Managing firmware through integrated Wizard alongside vSphere Lifecycle Manager
  • Schedule and deploy firmware stack updates for PowerEdge servers directly within vCenter
  • Deep level hardware detail and full inventory information for PowerEdge servers and chassis
  • Pull hardware alerts into vCenter Server and allow for notifications

Full list of features is linked here!

The installation if this *.ova is quite simple. First you’ll need to download the files and extract it for later import into your environment. Won’t explain how to import ova-files, look here or here.

Compatibility matrix ( source Dell ):2021-01-08 16_39_48-Window

 

Quick installation

After importing the ova into the environment you’ll need to start it and open the remote console to get access. The first login using the username “admin” will prompt for a password to create for the admin and read-only user. The next step will bring up a GUI to configure time and network settings.2021-01-08 16_49_13-Window

After the initial setup on the remote console you’ll be able to access the web site using https://your-omivv-server-fqdn/ and login using your newly created admin password. Next step is to connect the vCenter Server with the OMIVV appliance.2021-01-08 16_50_35-Window

After the registration it shows up on the vCenter Server panel.2021-01-08 16_53_15-Window

The whole setup and installation instructions are located at the Dell Technologies Knowledgebase as PDF or website. More documents and handbooks available here.

 

Prepare hosts for use with OMIVV and create profile

As the plugin will need to collect hardware and system information you’ll need to provide:

  • Credentials for ESXi hosts
  • Credentials for integrated Dell Remote Access Controller ( iDRAC )

If not already started you’ll need to enable the CIM agent on your host to allow hardware inventory collection. The CIM (Common Information Model) is provided to monitor the system health. To enable the agent run this command on your host ( VMware KB1025757 ):

esxcli system wbem set –enable true

In the OpenManage Plugin Dashboard open the “Initial Configuration Wizard” to create a host profile, bind the needed credentials to it and define settings to when to pull the data from your hosts.2021-01-08 21_36_18-Window

OMIVV Plugin Initial Setup Wizard Start:2021-01-08 21_39_24-Window

Select your registered vCenter Server instance.2021-01-08 21_44_46-Window

Click on “Create Host Credentials Profile” and insert the needed credentials as mentioned earlier.2021-01-08 21_45_00-Window2021-01-08 21_45_06-Window2021-01-08 21_45_15-Window

Enable the inventory and warranty schedule and set up events and alarms.2021-01-08 21_45_56-Window

 

Edit settings in the OMIVV dashboard

Schedule settings may be edited later in the dashboard as well:2021-01-08 21_57_00-Window

Don’t forget to enable the warranty expiration notification in the dashboard:2021-01-08 21_58_25-Window

 

Start collection and view inventory

If you can’t wait to collect the information you may want to run the collection directly through the dashboard. Select the vCenter  at “Jobs – Inventory – Host Inventory” and hit the blue “Run Now” button.1231232021-01-08 22_00_42-Window

Done right you’ll be able to see a new option at the “Monitor” tab in Cluster as well as the hosts.image_2021-01-08_222107

Under the “Firmware” tab in the OpenManage plugin is an option to start the Firmware wizard. This enables you to define specific firmware version and schedule installations just like host updates using the vLCM!image_2021-01-08_222527

 

Update host firmware using OMIVV wizard 

Start the Firmware Wizard:2021-01-08 22_21_59-WindowSelecting the appropriate repository and bundle:2021-01-08 22_26_26-Window

Select components to update:2021-01-08 22_26_37-Window

Define schedule settings:2021-01-08 22_27_11-Window

Review and finish the wizard:2021-01-08 22_27_20-Window

 

Update OMIVV appliance

In the dashboard select the “Settings” page and click on “Start Admin Console” which will open a new tab with the management interface of the OMIVV appliance itself and login using the appropriate credentials.image_2021-01-08_224301

Select the “Appliance Management” and check for update information.image_2021-01-08_224721

Click on “Update Virtual Appliance”, review the details and start the update process. image_2021-01-08_224843    image_2021-01-08_224943

Notes

I want to share my personal view and opinion on this very underrated plugin. Screenshot details were altered. Don’t forget to review license details and how to buy. It is easy to set up and has a huge benefit on a daily basis. No need to switch between different panels or tools. Export of information into *.csv available. And many more…

For a full list of features and even more details on what is accomplishable view following links:

Dell Technologies OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter

Getting Started with OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter

OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter Features

OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter – Manuals Version 5.2

OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter – Manuals Other Versions

OpenManage Integration for VMware vCenter – Downloads

Whitepapers

Other Resources

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