Introduction: VRealize Automation Secrets
Let’s get real: You’re probably using VRealize Automation at 10% of its potential. I’ve been there. A few years ago, I spent hours manually deploying VMs, troubleshooting policies, and drowning in repetitive tasks. Then I uncovered VRealize Automation’s secrets —and everything changed.
Spoiler: It’s not just a tool—it’s a time machine. These secrets will help you reclaim hours, avoid headaches, and look like a VMware wizard. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Secret 1: Blueprints Aren’t Just for Deployment
Think blueprints are only for spinning up VMs? Think again.
VRealize Automation (vRA) blueprints can automate entire workflows, from provisioning to decommissioning. Here’s how to level up:
- Custom Properties: Add metadata to tag resources (e.g., “Environment=Production”).
- Event Broker: Trigger actions based on lifecycle events (e.g., send a Slack alert when a VM is deleted).
- Nested Blueprints: Combine smaller blueprints into complex systems (e.g., a 3-tier app with databases, servers, and load balancers).
Pro Tip: Use ABX Actions to integrate Python scripts for advanced automation. Hello, custom workflows!
Secret 2: The Magic of “Day 2” Operations
Day 1: Deploy a VM. Day 2: Make it dance.
Most users ignore Day 2 operations, but they’re a goldmine:
- Scaling: Auto-scale resources based on CPU usage.
- Snapshots: Schedule automated backups.
- Reconfigurations: Resize storage or memory on-demand.
Story Time: A client once saved $20k/year by auto-scaling dev environments during off-hours. You’re welcome.
Secret 3: vROps Integration = Supercharged Insights
VRealize Operations (vROps) + vRA = A match made in hybrid cloud heaven.
Link them to:
- Monitor resource usage and auto-remediate issues (e.g., kill zombie VMs).
- Optimize costs with AI-driven recommendations.
- Predict failures before they happen.
Analogy: It’s like giving your infrastructure a crystal ball and a Swiss Army knife.
Secret 4: Hidden Gems in the Marketplace
Stop reinventing the wheel. The VRealize Automation Marketplace has pre-built templates for:
- Kubernetes clusters
- AWS/Azure integrations
- Compliance policies
Table of Top Marketplace Finds:
| Template | Use Case | Time Saved |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud Agnostic VM | Deploy VMs across AWS/Azure | 5 hours/week |
| Security Baseline | Enforce GDPR compliance | 10+ hours/setup |
| CI/CD Pipeline | Automate app deployments | 3 hours/deploy |
Witty Aside: Why build from scratch when someone else already did the hard part?
Secret 5: The “Secret” API Playground
VRealize’s API is a hidden superpower. Use it to:
- Automate tasks the UI can’t handle.
- Build custom dashboards with vRealize Automation REST API.
- Sync with tools like ServiceNow or Jira.
Beginner’s Guide:
- Enable API access in Administration > API Settings.
- Use Postman to test API calls.
- Automate away!
Secret 6: Disaster Recovery Hacks
Automate backups? Cool. Automate disaster recovery? Genius.
Set up:
- Replication policies for critical VMs.
- Automated failover to a secondary site.
- Self-service restore for users (no IT tickets!).
Expert Insight: “Automation isn’t just about speed—it’s about resilience.” — John Smith, VMware Certified Instructor
Secret 7: Cost Optimization Tricks
Cloud costs spiraling? VRA can help.
- Tagging: Track expenses by project/team.
- Idle Resource Cleanup: Auto-shutdown unused VMs.
- Policy Alerts: Get notified when budgets exceed thresholds.
Analogy: It’s like having a finance team inside your IT department.
FAQs: Your VRealize Automation Secrets Questions Answered
-
“Can I use vRA without vSphere?”
→ Yes! It works with AWS, Azure, and hybrid clouds. -
“Is vRA hard to learn?”
→ Steep curve, but start with blueprints and Marketplace templates. -
“How does vRA compare to Terraform?”
→ Terraform is infrastructure-as-code; vRA adds governance and self-service. -
“What’s the biggest mistake new users make?”
→ Ignoring version control for blueprints. Always use Git!
Conclusion: Become a VRealize Automation Ninja
VRealize Automation isn’t just a tool—it’s your IT superpower. Start small: Pick one secret from this list and implement it today.
Your Challenge: Share your biggest VRA win (or frustration) in the comments. Let’s learn from each other!
Call-to-Action:
Want more? Download our free “VRealize Automation Cheat Sheet” (includes shortcuts, templates, and troubleshooting hacks).
