VMware Preaches Process Automation to Cloud, Virtualization Partners
Most VMware (NYSE: VMW) channel partners know the basics of virtualization. But what about IT process automation? Expertise in that area will become critically important for VARs that are pushing beyond virtualization toward software-defined datacenter opportunities. So how can VMware partners automate their own cloud services or customers' clouds?
The answer involves VMware vCenter Orchestrator, notes VMware's Elaine Sherwood.
If your customer base levarages vCenter then they already have vCenter Orchestrator — an IT process automation tool, she says in a recent VMware blog. The tool allows VARs or their customers to automate clouds and integrate the VMware vCloud Suite with other management systems.
The key goals: Automate tasks (using a workflow designer), mitigate the risk of manual errors and drive down operating expenses. VARs or their end-customers can also launch workflows directly from the vSphere Web client.
Not sure how to write workflows? vCenter Orchestrator includes libraries of pre-defined workflows, and partners can download 3rd party plug-ins from the VMware Solutions Exchange
Still not sure how to get started? VMware is on the road educating partners and customers about vCenter Orchestrator. Two upcoming dates include April 17 in Chicago or May 29 in Boston.
If you take the training — or recently completed the training — then feel free to post a comment. The VAR Guy would welcome the opportunity to learn how the training turned out.