Category Archives: DEMO Environments

Attending VMworld And Interested In vSphere 6.5 Security? Try My “vSphere 6.5 Security – Getting Started” Lab!

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Attending VMworld And Interested In vSphere 6.5 Security?

Try My “vSphere 6.5 Security – Getting Started” Lab!

If you are attending VMworld US 2017 from August 27-31st in Las Vegas, NV and you are interested in the new vSphere 6.5 Security feature sets, then I have a lab for you! I am a lab captain for the Hands On Labs and have two labs that I created for this years VMworld sessions.

These new labs as well as the many other will only be available at the VMworld US and Europe conferences initially. After both conferences are over, we slowly release most of the new labs to the public-facing Hands On Labs environment that anyone can get to with an internet connection. You will see some labs to start showing up on the public side right after VMworld and then the rest typically will be released within or month or so. No guarantee on what labs will make it to the public site and when they will show up though, that is just what I’ve typically seen over the past few years.

This is my first time as a lab captain and creating labs, so I would love to see some HUGE numbers of people taking my labs! It would make me feel good knowing that people learned something by taking my labs. If you end up taking either lab at VMworld or even after they have been released to the public-facing HOL site, let me know what you think! You can reach out to me on my social media outlets, the links to them are on the right side of the page.

Public Facing – Hands On Labs Site:  labs.hol.vmware.com

Below are the labs that I have built and a summary of each of them:

  • (HOL-1811-01-SDC) vSphere 6.5 – What’s New:
    • Description:  Explore some of the new features of vSphere 6.5 including VM Encryption, vCenter High Availability, and the new HTML5 vSphere Client. You will also learn about the improved vCenter Server Appliance and how to migrate from a Windows-based vCenter Server installation.
  • (HOL-1811-04-SDC) vSphere 6.5 Security – Getting Started:
    • Description:  Experience new security features of vSphere 6.5, including VM Encryption, Audit Quality Logging, Encrypted vMotion, Key. We also use our vRealize Log Insight solution to look at the enhanced logging of the vCenter server logs. Add Key Management Servers (KMS) to the vCenter server and create a trust between them. Then we use PowerCLI commands to encrypt/decrypt virtual machines as well as other encryption related tasks.

Don’t forget to stop into the Hands On Labs at VMworld and take some labs…see you there!

 

 

 

Technical 301 (DEMO) – How to Enable & Configure vSAN 6.5!

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Technical 301 (DEMO) – How to Enable & Configure vSAN 6.5!

 

In this session, I provide a demo of enabling and configuring the latest version of Virtual SAN (vSAN) – version 6.5 from within the vSphere Web Client. It is extremely easy to enable, configure, and manage vSAN even if you are not a storage expert! I used the “Hands On Labs (HOL)” environment to demo how to enable and configure it. The specific HOL lab is the “HOL-1731-SDC-1 – vSAN v6.5: What’s New” lab. The HOL is free to use by anyone and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. It is a techies playground to learn how to install, configure, and manage VMware solutions. So go out and register for an account and start using the Hands-On-Labs!

VMware vSAN is the industry-leading software powering Hyper-Converged Infrastructure solutions. vSAN is a core building block for the Software-Defined Data Center. There are more than 7,000 customers that have adopted vSAN in their production environments.

Enables You to Evolve Without Risk

Seamlessly extend virtualization to storage with an integrated hyper-converged solution that simply works with your overall VMware environment and reduces the risk in digital transformation by using existing tools, skillsets and solutions.

Reduces TCO

Lower total cost of ownership by 50% or more with capital and operational savings. Reduce storage CapEx with software-defined storage that leverages server-side economics and affordable flash. Avoid large capital expenses by growing-as-you-go with on-demand, granular scaling of compute and storage that delivers predictable performance and costs.

Scales to Tomorrow

Prepare for tomorrow’s dynamic business in the multi-cloud era with a solution designed to utilize the latest storage and server technologies and ready to support a wide range of applications, from current business critical applications to next-gen applications using containers.

Additional vSAN 6.5 Resources:   http://www.vmware.com/products/virtual-san.html

Technical 301 (DEMO) – How to Enable & Configure vSAN 6.5:   Click Here To Watch It!!

VMware’s Partner Provided – End User Computing (EUC) TestDrive DEMO Environment!

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VMware’s Partner Provided – End User Computing (EUC)  TestDrive DEMO Environment!

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For many of VMware’s partners, they don’t have a demo environment in which they can deploy VMware’s End User Computing solutions such as Horizon 7, App Volumes, User Environment Manager (UEM), etc. This is due to not having the spare server hardware or the funds to purchase hardware just for a demo environment. As a partner, they need to be able to demo the VMware EUC based solutions to their customers to show the value as it relates to the customer’s business needs.

Well the VMware partners are in luck! VMware has provided a EUC demo environment called “EUC TestDrive” in which our partners can access to demo EUC solutions to your customers. Many of the below VMware solutions are installed and ready to demo in the EUC TestDrive environment.

So if you are a VMware partner that resells VMware’s EUC-based solutions, make sure you look into the below requirements to get an account and use the EUC TestDrive Demo environment! Also, I have created an enablement video where I go through the EUC TestDrive demo environment and provide you an overview of how to use the portal and what capabilities are offered in it. So check out my overview video listed below!

EUC TestDrive Demo Environment Overview Enablement Video:  https://youtu.be/zGqiS6Mf8gc

VMware Solutions in EUC TestDrive Demo Environment:

  • Horizon 7 (Virtual Desktops)
    • NVIDIA vGPU enabled virtual desktops (High Performance – Graphics Intensive Applications)
  • Workspace ONE / VMware Identity Manager (SSO Portal)
  • VMware Verify (2-Factor Authentication)
  • TrustPoint (Enterprise Endpoint Security)
  • App Volumes (Application Virtualization)
  • (UEM) User Environment Manager (User Profile Management)
  • Airwatch / Airwatch Express (Mobile Device Management)
  • vRealize Operations for Horizon (Operations & Monitoring)
  • vRealize Log Insight (Log Management)
  • NSX Integrations with EUC Solutions (Virtual networking & security)

Partner Requirements for EUC TestDrive Account:

EUC TestDrive DEMO Portal:  https://www.vmtestdrive.com

EUC TestDrive “How-To” Videos:  https://videos.vmtestdrive.com/

VMware Horizon Cloud Demo: Integration with VMware Workspace ONE

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VMware Horizon Cloud Demo: Integration with VMware Workspace ONE

VMware Horizon Cloud Demo: Integration with…

See what’s new to VMware Horizon Cloud and how you can integration your Horizon Cloud environment into your VMware Workspace ONE subscription. Learn more at https://blogs.vmware.com/euc/2017/02/vmware-horizon-cloud.html.

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Build Your Very Own VMware Hands-On-Labs! (with vRA and NSX)

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Build Your Very Own VMware Hands-On-Labs! (with vRA and NSX) – via Virtual Insanity

Build Your Very Own VMware Hands-On-Labs! (with…

Let’s get one thing straight: the authors of this article are HUGE fans of the VMware Hands-On-Labs (HOL). We think it’s unbelievably cool that at a moment’s notice you can spin up the newest version of vSphere, dive head-first into the vRealize Suite, or practice the latest integrations with Palo Alto Networks and Infoblox. Having essentially instant-access to cutting-edge labs is amazingly helpful.

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Building a Nested ESXi Lab For Your Company

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Building a Nested ESXi Lab For Your Company – via virtual insanity

Building a Nested ESXi Lab For Your Company

Let’s face it, most companies don’t have Labs for you to learn new software and operating systems, let alone test upgrades and changes to your existing environments.

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VMware NSX 6.2 Beginners Guide – From Zero to Full Deployment for Labs

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VMware NSX 6.2 Beginners Guide – From Zero to Full Deployment for Labs – via Virten.net

VMware NSX 6.2 Beginners Guide – From Zero to…

This beginners guide explains how to deploy NSX in your homelab even with limited physical ressources by downsizing NSX Manager and NSX Controller VMs.

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How to create a nested ESXi 6.5 Template

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How to create a nested ESXi 6.5 Template – via ESX Virtualization

How to create a nested ESXi 6.5 Template

The way of installing or creating ESXi hosts as VMs (mean nested virtualization) has changed many times in the past. But as VMware introduces new features and improvements in every release of vSphere, the time has come again to check what’s the best practices and How to create a nested ESXi 6.5 template.

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Building a vSphere 6.5 Home Lab

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Building a vSphere 6.5 Home Lab

Building a vSphere 6.5 Home Lab

So you decided to build your own home lab. Now what? Building a VMware home lab is one of the best ways to learn about VMware – check out this guide.

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DEMO: vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.5 – Part 2 (Configuration, Backup, & Restore)

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DEMO: vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.5 – Part 2

(Configuration, Backup, & Restore)

part2

This enablement video is part 2 of a video series. In part 1, I  showed you how to deploy the vCenter Server Appliance 6.5. In Part 2, I show you how to configure the appliance itself from the appliance admin console and go through some initial settings. Then I show you the new feature in the VCSA 6.5 appliance where you can directly backup and restore VCSA from the appliance itself. This is one of the new features of the VCSA 6.5. This like some of the other new features (Builtin  – HA / Update Manager) are only available in the VCSA 6.5, but not in the Windows-based version of vCenter Server 6.5.

If you missed Part 1 of this demo series, I highly recommend you watch it first before watching Part 2. Then after watching Part 1 & 2, watch Part 3 which covers configuring the vCenter Server via the vSphere Web Client.

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 1 (Deploying):   https://youtu.be/h8zmNXSlIu0

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 2 (Configuration, Backup, & Restore):   https://youtu.be/s3fbojeXzys

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 3 (vCenter Configuration):   https://youtu.be/sO7rfqtv_S0

DEMO: vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.5 – Part 1 (Deploying)

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DEMO: vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.5 – Part 1 (Deploying)

2017-01-25_10-27-48

 

Are you looking to deploy the new vCenter Server Appliance (VCSA) 6.5 into your lab or production environment? If so, check out my demo video that will walk you through how to deploy the VCSA 6.5. I cover the basic configuration settings to get you up and running quickly!

After you watch this video, then watch Part 2 & 3 of this demo series covering the configuration of the appliance itself from the appliance admin console and then from within the vSphere Web Client.

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 1 (Deploying):   https://youtu.be/h8zmNXSlIu0

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 2 (Configuration, Back, & Restore):   https://youtu.be/s3fbojeXzys

DEMO: VCSA 6.5 – Part 3 (vCenter Configuration):   https://youtu.be/sO7rfqtv_S0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VMware vCloud Air Network Free Trial

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[Video] VMware vCloud Air Network Free Trial

VMware vCloud Air Network Free Trial

Find your ideal partner in the cloud, Ease your journey with a vCloud Air Network free trial to ensure the services you select meet your expectations and business requirements. Go to vcloudairnetwork.com.

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New Product Walkthrough – Hybrid vSphere SSL Certificate Replacement – via VMware vSphere Blog

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New Product Walkthrough – Hybrid vSphere SSL Certificate Replacement – via VMware vSphere Blog

New Product Walkthrough – Hybrid vSphere SSL…

The VMware Certificate Authority (VMCA) was first introduced in vSphere 6.0 to improve the lifecycle management of SSL Certificates. This post will explain a little bit about the VMCA and its capabilities while also making a recommendation on how to deploy certificates in your environment. Finally, a new click-by-click walkthrough has been created to serve as a guide as you are planning the certificate replacement process.

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How to Netboot install ESXi onto Apple Mac Hardware? – via virtuallyGhetto

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How to Netboot install ESXi onto Apple Mac Hardware? – via virtuallyGhetto

How to Netboot install ESXi onto Apple Mac…

The ability to perform an ESXi Scripted Installation over the network has been a basic capability for non-Apple hardware customers since the initial release of classic ESX. However, for customers who run ESXi on Apple Mac Hardware (first introduced in vSphere 5.0), being able to remotely boot and install ESXi over the network has not been possible and customers could only dream of this capability which many of us have probably taken for granted.

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HOL Three-Tier Application, Part 1

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HOL Three-Tier Application, Part 1

HOL Three-Tier Application, Part 1

This is the first post in my series about the multi-tier application we use in some of the VMware Hands-on Labs to demonstrate, among other things, network connectivity, microsegmentation and load balancing. This post will cover downloading the base operating system and performing the configuration tasks common to all of the VMs in the solution. As with anything, there are multiple ways to do this. This represents the way that worked for me.

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Get step-by-step guidance for installing, configuring & managing VMware products & solutions

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Get step-by-step guidance for installing, configuring & managing VMware products & solutions

Get step-by-step guidance for installing,…

The VMware Feature Walkthrough site provides step-by-step guidance for installing, configuring & managing VMware products & solutions.

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Test-Drive The Full Capabilities Of vSphere 6.5 By Running The New Hands-On Lab!

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Test-drive the full capabilities of vSphere 6.5 by running the new hands-on lab!

Test-drive the full capabilities of vSphere 6.5…

Explore new features of vSphere 6.5 including encrypted VMs, HTML5 Host Client and the vCenter Server appliance. – See more at: https://my.vmware.com/en/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=vsphere-17-hol#sthash.uLIjx4Wl.dpuf

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Try VMware NSX For Free In VMware’s Hands-On Labs!

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Test-drive VMware NSX right from your browser with either the free intro or advanced hands-on lab

Try VMware NSX for free with intro and…

Our Hands-on Labs provide an easy, no-cost way to evaluate the features and functionality of VMware NSX.

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New Walkthroughs for vCenter High Availability

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New Walkthroughs for vCenter High Availability

New Walkthroughs for vCenter High Availability

I am excited to announce two new walkthroughs for vCenter High availability on the VMware Feature Walkthroughs site! These two new click-by-click product walkthroughs will show you how to enable vCenter High Availability (also known as vCenter HA) and give you the confidence you need to use this exciting new feature in your own environment! The post New Walkthroughs for vCenter High Availability appeared first on VMware vSphere Blog .

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TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions

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TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions – VMware Blogs

TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch…

Moving to Windows 10 is a struggle for customers even though they understand the urgency driven by the Windows 7 end of life coming next July. Some of these customers are in the planning stages while others are still researching what to do and developing a plan. Partners, especially those in trusted advisor roles, are […] The post TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions appeared first on Power of Partnership .

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VMware’s EUC TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions

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TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions – VMware Blogs

TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch…

Moving to Windows 10 is a struggle for customers even though they understand the urgency driven by the Windows 7 end of life coming next July. Some of these customers are in the planning stages while others are still researching what to do and developing a plan. Partners, especially those in trusted advisor roles, are […] The post TestDrive Accelerates Windows 10 and AirWatch Solutions appeared first on Power of Partnership .

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New Feature Added to EUC TestDrive Demo Environment: VMware Verify!

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New Feature Added to EUC TestDrive Demo Environment:

VMware Verify!

 

2016-12-09_10-45-08

 

TestDrive is a fully featured, integrated and globally available demonstration environment provided by VMware for use by our Field, Partners and Customers. Powered by VMware Workspace Suite, TestDrive features: Workspace ONE, Horizon Desktop and Application Virtualization, Horizon FLEX and AirWatch Enterprise Mobility Management. Check out our knowledge base for assistance with Registration, activation, passwords, customer invites and demo walkthroughs.

VMware Identity Manager has integrated with two-factor authentication solutions up to this point using SAML and RADIUS protocols.  However, customers who did not already have a 2FA solution had to purchase one separately. Now, VMware Verify is built in to VMware Identity Manager at no additional cost, providing a 2FA solution for Workspace ONE applications.

VMware Verify can be set as a requirement on a per app basis for web or virtual apps on the Workspace ONE launcher OR to login to Workspace ONE to view your launcher in the first place. The VMware Verify app is currently available on iOS and Android.

VMware Verify supports 3 methods of authentication:

  • OneTouch approval
  • One-time passcode via VMware Verify app (soft token)
  • One-time passcode over SMS

 

VMware Verify (FAQ, Walkthrough Info & Talking Points):  http://support.vmtestdrive.com/article/252-vmware-verify-demo-walkthrough

VMware Verify Walkthrough Video – Direct Link:  https://videos.vmtestdrive.com/cards/46058c7c-9177-4f1e-9c53-a58b5475eeda

Sign Up for EUC TestDrive (VTSP-Mobility Accreditation Required):  https://portal.vmtestdrive.com/session/new

 

There’s a Lab for That! Try VMware Products From the Convenience of Your Browser via Hands-on Labs (HOL)

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There’s a Lab for That! Try VMware Products From the Convenience of Your Browser via Hands-on Labs (HOL)

There’s a lab for that! Try VMware products…

VMware Hands-on Labs demonstrate the value of VMware solutions in real-time. Get up and running with the latest HOL’s in your browser in mere minutes, via hands-on labs – no installation required.

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There's a Lab for That! Try VMware Products From the Convenience of Your Browser via Hands-on Labs (HOL)

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There’s a Lab for That! Try VMware Products From the Convenience of Your Browser via Hands-on Labs (HOL)

There’s a lab for that! Try VMware products…

VMware Hands-on Labs demonstrate the value of VMware solutions in real-time. Get up and running with the latest HOL’s in your browser in mere minutes, via hands-on labs – no installation required.

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Install VMware ESXi 6.5 on Intel NUC (Part 1/2)…

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Install VMware ESXi 6.5 on Intel NUC (Part 1/2) – T.B.D.

Install VMware ESXi 6.5 on Intel NUC (Part 1/2)…

With VMware vSphere 6.5 released recently, I decided to rebuild my Intel NUC based homelab.

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Last of the 2017 Hands-on Labs Released!

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Last of the 2017 Hands-on Labs Released! – VMware Blogs

Last of the 2017 Hands-on Labs Released!

It’s the final day of releasing labs the 2017 catalog and we have some rather unique labs for you. We are releasing the VxRail, VMware Learning Platform and vCloud Director for Service Providers Hands-on Labs today.

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Two vCPU NSX controller for lab environment

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Two vCPU NSX controller for lab environment -VMGuru

Two vCPU NSX controller for lab environment

When installing NSX in a environment, you will at some point need to deploy NSX controllers. By default these controllers are equiped with four vCPU’s, which is fine for a production environment. Butif you want to play around withNSX in a lab environment like I wanted to, then you might not have the hardware (in my case 1 CPU, 2 cores) to support those four vCPU’s. In this article I will describe how I managed to deploy a two vCPU NSX controller for lab environment. Before we start I need to…Read More

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