What is VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)?
Here you will find out:
- what VMware Cloud Foundation is
- what VMware Cloud Foundation components and architecture models are
- how DiskInternals software can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
About VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF)
VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is a single platform that includes:
- Compute Virtualization (VMware vSphere)
- Network Virtualization (VMware NSX)
- Storage Virtualization (VMware vSAN)
- Cloud Management and Monitoring (VMware vRealize Suite)
VCF can be deployed in an on-premises environment where the customer is responsible for managing the physical infrastructure and virtual machine workloads. Vmware VCF can also be used as a service in a public cloud where the cloud provider manages the underlying infrastructure and the client manages the virtual machine workloads.
About VMware Cloud Foundation components
VCF is fully integrated software based on Hyper Converged Infrastructure concepts that accelerate the provision of Virtual Infrastructure (VI) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).
VMware Cloud Foundation uses the following components:
- VMware vCenter Server to monitor, manage, and deliver virtual machines
- SDDC Manager to automate the startup, configuration, and provision of the entire SDDC stack
- vSAN to speed up and simplify the use of external storage and provisioning of virtual machines
- NSX for vSphere and NSX T (mainly for new application platforms), which provide networking and sufficient security for the vSphere Environment
- vRealize Suite (vRealize Log Insight, vRealize Operations, vRealize Automation) for easier and faster preparation of the application environment by administrators
What are VCF architecture models?
There are currently two main VCF architecture models:
The Standard Architecture Model has a dedicated management domain for absolutely all Cloud Foundation management components. The standard architecture model is most commonly used for medium to large deployments (vCenter Server instances run in tied mode with a maximum of 14 VI workload domains). Here, custom workloads run in the VI workload domain. This creates a separation between the management domain and the VI workload domains intended for custom workloads.
The Consolidated Architecture model is simpler and is used for small deployments (up to 6 hosts), where the management domain and the custom workload domain run in the management domain. This provides isolation between the management domain and the VI workload domain using vSphere resource pools.
How can your information be recovered?
There is nothing to worry about: DiskInternals VMFS Recovery can recover all inaccessible data in VMFS format. The application deeply scans VMFS partitions created in VMware vSphere 3.5-6.5 and ESX / ESXi VMware ESX Server™, retrieves all possible information, and then lets you view the found files for free. DiskInternals VMFS Recovery also recovers VMDK images stored on disks formatted with VMware ESX / ESXi Server as needed. This VMDK recovery tool allows you to mount virtual disks as local disks so that they can be accessed in Windows Explorer, etc. So you have nothing to worry about: this application has been used by customers for over 15 years and has earned a lot of trust among both professionals and amateurs.
Be sure to carefully read this guide to working with DiskInternals VMFS Recovery:
Download and install the tool. As soon as you open the application, click on the Wizard icon and start the data recovery process (connect via SSH if necessary).
After that, open the drive (local drive or SSH) and click on the Scan button. In the new window, find the files you want and mount the VMDK file. Then open this VMDK file and look at all the files found to check for their integrity.
Then purchase a license on the company's website and complete the entire process by exporting data, with help from an export wizard who will not steer you wrong.
If the architecture of your virtual machine is complex enough, or during the recovery of VMDK files you find yourself in a difficult situation, you can contact the remote service center at Diskinternals and receive highly qualified assistance.