How to Download Aria Operations: A Complete Guide

08/07/2024

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Introduction

Effective IT infrastructure monitoring and management are essential for businesses to maintain optimal performance in today’s digital landscape. VMware Aria Operations stands out as a powerful solution, offering comprehensive insights and control over complex environments. This guide offers a clear, step-by-step tutorial on downloading the latest version of Aria Operations software, helping users maximize its benefits for improving their IT operations

The following sections will cover essential aspects of obtaining and setting up Aria Operations. Readers will learn about system requirements, various installation options, and the best source for downloading Aria Operations. The guide also delves into post-download configuration steps, deployment best practices, and key features of the software. Whether users are looking for a free download of Aria Operations software or seeking to update their existing installation, this comprehensive resource will walk them through the entire process, from initial download to optimization.

System Requirements for Aria Operations

Supported Operating Systems

VMware Aria Operations supports monitoring for various platforms and applications. These include Red Hat Enterprise Linux (versions 7.x, 8.x, 9.x), CentOS (7.x, 8.x), Oracle Linux (7.x, 8.x, 9.x), Rocky Linux (8.x, 9.x), Ubuntu (18.04 LTS, 16.04 LTS, 20.x), VMware Photon Linux (1.0, 2.0, 3.0), SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (12.x, 15.x), and Windows Server (2019, 2016, 2012, 2012 R2, 2022). All supported platforms are 64-bit architectures.

Hardware Requirements

For optimal performance, VMware Aria Operations requires specific hardware configurations. The system needs a minimum of 16 GB RAM, with 32 GB or more recommended for enhanced performance. You need at least 8 vCPUs, but for larger environments, it’s recommended to use 16 vCPUs or more Storage requirements start at 500 GB, with 1 TB or more recommended for extensive data retention.

Network Requirements

Network requirements for Aria Operations include a minimum 1 Gbps network interface card (NIC), with 10 Gbps preferred for high-throughput environments. The system supports TLS versions 1.2 and 1.3. For optimal performance, network latency between platform VMs should not exceed 3ms, and between platform and collector VMs should be up to 150ms.

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Downloading Aria Operations from VMware Customer Connect

Creating a VMware Account

To access VMware Aria Operations, users must first create an account on VMware Customer Connect. This platform serves as the central hub for downloading VMware products and accessing support resources. During the registration process, users need to provide a valid email address and create a secure password. It’s important to note that usernames cannot contain spaces or special characters, so it’s advisable to use a combination of letters and numbers.

Navigating to the Download Page

Once logged in to VMware Customer Connect, users can navigate to the VMware Aria Operations download page. This page provides access to various versions of the software, including the latest releases and previous versions. Users should ensure they are in the correct organization if they have access to multiple VMware Aria Operations instances across different organizations.

Selecting the Correct Version

When choosing a version to download, users should consider compatibility with their existing infrastructure. VMware Aria Operations supports various operating systems, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux, CentOS, Oracle Linux, Rocky Linux, Ubuntu, VMware Photon Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and Windows Server. It’s crucial to select a version that aligns with the user’s specific environment and requirements.

Installation Options for Aria Operations

OVA Deployment

VMware Aria Operations offers a straightforward OVA deployment process. Users can download the OVA file from the VMware website and deploy it using the “Deploy OVF template” option in vCenter. After deployment, power on the virtual appliance and access the management IP via a web browser. Select “New Installation” and follow the prompts to configure the administrator account, cluster name, and NTP server.

ISO Installation

For those preferring an ISO installation, VMware provides an ISO file that can be mounted and installed. This method requires additional steps, including running specific commands to extract and execute the installer. The process involves using tools like 7zip to extract the ISO contents and chmod to set the appropriate permissions before running the installer.

Upgrade from Previous Version

Upgrading from a previous version of VMware Aria Operations (formerly vRealize Operations) is possible. The upgrade process includes running a pre-validation check, evaluating compatibility, and using the Pre-Upgrade Readiness Assessment Tool to ensure a smooth transition. This tool helps identify potential issues with metrics, dashboards, and other components before proceeding with the upgrade.

Post-Download Configuration Steps

Initial Setup Wizard

After downloading and installing VMware Aria Operations, users must complete the Initial Setup Wizard. This process guides them through essential configurations, including setting up data sources and user accounts. To begin, users navigate to the primary node’s IP address or name, where the setup wizard appears without requiring login . They can choose the Express Installation option, set an admin password, and click Finish to complete the initial setup.

Licensing Aria Operations

Configuring licensing is crucial for Aria Operations to function properly. If no valid license is available, the system operates in evaluation mode. Users can enter a valid license key in the License Expired wizard or add an entitled vCenter Server cloud account using the suite API. Once validated, Aria Operations exits restricted mode and functions according to the available edition.

Configuring Data Sources

To gather data, users must add data sources in VMware Aria Operations. This process involves connecting to various sources such as databases and log files. The system categorizes data sources and displays details like type, name, and last collection timestamps. Users can customize polling intervals and use the “Collect Now” option for immediate data collection.

Understanding Aria Operations Editions

VMware Aria Operations offers three distinct editions: Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise. Each edition provides a different set of features to cater to various organizational needs.

Standard Edition

The Standard edition includes essential operational functionality such as log analysis, visualization, capacity management, workload balancing, and policy management. It also offers performance monitoring and analytics, change, configuration, and compliance management, and application dependency mapping.

Advanced Edition

Building on the Standard edition, the Advanced edition adds features related to business and automation. It includes consumption analysis, data center optimization, custom reporting, self-service provisioning, and resource lifecycle management. This edition also incorporates VMware Aria Automation Config and VMware Aria Automation Orchestrator.

Enterprise Edition

The Enterprise edition offers the most comprehensive set of features. It includes all capabilities from the Advanced edition and adds advanced automation features such as multi-cloud capabilities, code streaming for DevOps, application provisioning, and Kubernetes support . Uniquely, this edition provides application monitoring functionality.

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Preparing Your Environment for Aria Operations

Sizing Considerations

Before deploying VMware Aria Operations, users must consider sizing requirements. The system needs a minimum of 16 GB RAM, with 32 GB or more recommended for optimal performance. At least 8 vCPUs are necessary, but 16 vCPUs or more are advised for larger environments. Storage requirements start at 500 GB, with 1 TB or more recommended for extensive data retention.

Network Planning

Network planning is crucial for Aria Operations. The system requires a minimum 1 Gbps network interface card (NIC), with 10 Gbps preferred for high-throughput environments. Network latency between platform VMs should not exceed 3ms, and between platform and collector VMs should be up to 150ms. For multi-data center deployments, latency between data centers should be less than 10 milliseconds.

Security Requirements

To ensure security, VMware recommends using a valid certificate signed by a trusted Certificate Authority for production instance. Users should secure the VMware Aria Operations console and manage Secure Shell (SSH), administrative accounts, and console access. It’s essential to deploy the system with secure transmission channels to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.

Step-by-Step Download Process

Accessing VMware Customer Connect

To download VMware Aria Operations, users must first log in to VMware Customer Connect. Navigate to the platform using a web browser and enter the username “admin” along with the password defined during the primary node configuration. After logging in, users may need to start the VMware Aria Operations cluster, which can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the environment.

Locating Aria Operations Files

Once logged in, users can find the Aria Operations files in the designated download section. The platform offers various versions, including the latest releases and previous versions. Users should ensure they select the correct version compatible with their infrastructure and requirements.

Verifying File Integrity

VMware provides MD5 and SHA1 checksums for all downloadable product packages on the Customer Connect portal. Users can use these checksums to verify the integrity of downloaded files. For additional security, users can manually verify the digital signature of VMware Aria Operations installation PAK files before applying them, especially if downloaded from untrusted sources.

Deployment Best Practices

Single-Node vs Cluster Deployment

VMware Aria Operations offers flexibility in deployment options. For smaller environments, a single-node deployment may suffice.

However, for larger infrastructures, a cluster deployment is recommended. Clusters consist of a primary node, an optional replica node for high availability or continuous availability, and optional data nodes. This setup allows for scalability as the environment grows

Configuring High Availability

High Availability (HA) in VMware Aria Operations protects against node loss. It creates a replica of the primary node, ensuring 100% data backup. To activate HA, at least one data node is required in addition to the primary node. HA can survive the loss of one node without data loss, but it’s crucial to deploy nodes on separate hosts for redundancy.

Performance Tuning Tips

To optimize performance, consider vertical scaling by adding more vCPU/Memory instead of horizontal scaling. For instance, deploying 4 Extra Large nodes for 180,000 objects is more efficient than 12 Large nodes, saving half the CPU. Increasing RAM size can be beneficial when object numbers approach the upper limit. Additionally, scaling down CPU configuration can improve performance if nodes stay within a single socket.

Key Features of Aria Operations

Intelligent Operations Management

VMware Aria Operations provides centralized monitoring and alerting for proactive management of system failures. It offers self-monitoring capabilities to receive alerts about its operational state. The platform collects metrics from various components, including vSphere, vSAN, NSX, and VMware Identity Manager. It uses integrations and management packs to gather raw metrics, calculate capacity metrics, and monitor system health.

Capacity Planning and Optimization

Aria Operations offers powerful capacity optimization functions, including capacity overview, workload balancing, and resource repurposing. It provides precise tracking, measuring, and forecasting of data center capacity, usage, and trends. The platform identifies underutilized workloads and calculates potential cost savings from resource reclamation. What-If Analysis allows users to run scenarios to determine where additional system resources can be deployed.

Performance Monitoring

The platform enhances monitoring capabilities for Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), crucial for virtualized environments. It introduces new GPU metrics at the Cluster and Host level for ESXi hosts. Aria Operations also simplifies vSAN Infrastructure health visibility with a new Health Score for each vSAN Cluster. The platform provides enhanced network visibility across clouds, including application discovery, network troubleshooting, and multi-cloud networking insights.

Initial Configuration Walkthrough

Deploying the Aria Operations Appliance

After deploying the .ova file, users navigate to the VMware Aria Operations appliance address and select ‘New Installation’. They set credentials, choose deployment settings, and add NTP server addresses.

Next, the appliance configures the node and starts Aria Operations. Users must accept the EULA, enter the product key, and choose whether to join the VMware Customer Experience Improvement Program.

Configuring Network Settings

To configure network settings, users log into the VMware Aria Operations Admin UI as the local admin user. They can modify IP addresses, subnet masks, gateways, and DNS settings through the vSphere UI . For static addresses, users run a specific command to update IP properties. It’s crucial to update these settings in various configuration files to ensure proper functionality.

Integrating with vCenter

To integrate with vCenter, users configure a cloud account for each vCenter Server instance. This requires credentials with sufficient privileges to connect and collect data.

Users navigate to the appropriate tab, click “Add,” and select “vCenter.” They then enter the vCenter Server’s FQDN or IP address, add credentials, and specify the cloud proxy as the collector.

Additionally, users can activate Near Real-Time Monitoring for 20-second data collection intervals.

Installation Methods for Aria Operations

vSphere Client Deployment

VMware Aria Operations can be deployed using the vSphere Client. Users can deploy the OVA file by selecting “Deploy OVF template” in the vSphere Client. The process involves specifying the virtual machine name, selecting deployment configuration, and configuring network settings. After deployment, users power on the virtual appliance and access the management IP via a web browser to complete the initial setup.

Command-Line Installation

Command-line installation is available for both Windows and Linux agents. For Windows, users can install or update the agent using an .msi file with specific command-line parameters.

Linux installations can include options to configure deployment settings, such as server host, protocol, and port number. These options correspond to settings in the liagent.ini file.

Scripted Installation Options

Scripted installation allows for automated deployment of agents on target machines. Prerequisites include having the unzip package available and proper user permissions. The script can install or uninstall agents, and requires specific VMware Aria Operations user permissions, including access to REST APIs and the ability to manage Telegraf agents.

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Post-Installation Tasks and Optimization

Applying Latest Updates

After installing VMware Aria Operations for Logs, users should upgrade to the latest version by applying incremental software updates. Before upgrading, it’s important to create a snapshot or backup of the virtual appliance and download the upgrade bundle (.pak file). Additionally, users should run the Pre-upgrade Readiness Assessment Tool to assess the impact on their environment and receive recommendations for any necessary changes.

Configuring Alerts and Notifications

VMware Aria Operations allows users to configure notification rules for outbound alerts. These rules can be set up for various systems, including Standard Email, REST, SNMP Trap, and Log File. Users can limit the alerts sent to external systems based on specific criteria, ensuring that only relevant notifications are delivered.

Setting Up Custom Dashboards

Custom dashboards in VMware Aria Operations provide visual overviews of performance and state of objects in the virtual infrastructure. Users can create dashboards using widgets, views, badges, and filters to focus on specific information. Popular widgets include object lists, heat maps, and health charts. Dashboard interactions can be added to display data dependencies, enhancing the overall monitoring experience.

Conclusion

VMware Aria Operations stands out as a powerful solution to manage and monitor complex IT infrastructures. Its comprehensive features, from intelligent operations management to capacity planning and performance monitoring, have a significant impact on optimizing IT operations. The step-by-step guide provided in this article equips users with the knowledge to download, install, and configure Aria Operations, enabling them to leverage its full potential to enhance their IT environment.

FAQs

What was VMware Aria Operations previously known as?

Previously, VMware Aria Operations was known as vRealize Operations. This name change was part of a recent rebranding effort by VMware to enhance their platform for intelligent IT operations management.

How can I download and install VMware Workstation?

Currently, the specific steps to download and install VMware Workstation are not provided here. It is recommended to visit VMware’s official website or contact their support for detailed instructions.

What exactly is VMware Aria Operations?

VMware Aria Operations, previously known as VMware vRealize Operations Cloud, is a sophisticated operations management platform designed specifically for VMware Cloud on AWS. It helps in streamlining and optimizing IT operations.

What is the procedure to restart VMware Aria Operations?

To restart VMware Aria Operations for Logs, navigate to the Cluster page within the Web user interface. Please note that restarting the operations will close all active user sessions, requiring users to log in again. Proceed with caution to avoid disrupting ongoing operations.

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