VMware deployment checklist

Before deploying VMware, the requirements in the following checklist must be completed. For ease of use, the checklists are all grouped together in Appendix Appendix E, “Design and Deployment Checklists.”
VMware deployment checklist
Complete
Task
Description
Related documentation
o
Check BIOS settings.
Ensure that the following BIOS-specific settings are enabled to ensure compatibility with the VMware ESX Server:
  • Hardware-assisted virtualization is enabled.
  • All processor cores are enabled.
  • Hyperthreading is enabled.
o
Check VMware configuration settings.
Check the following VMware settings:
  • vSphere version is current, with all maintenance patches applied.
  • VMware Tools is installed on each VM.
  • Auto notify, not auto upgrade, is enabled for VMware Tools.
  • Latest virtualized network adapter (VMXNET3) is selected for each VM.
  • vSwitches are configured so that VM traffic is separate from ESX management traffic.
  • At least four vCPUs are assigned to
    IP Availability Manager
    , and at least two vCPUs are assigned to the
    Global Manager
    .
  • Maximum memory is available to the VMs that are running
    IP Availability Manager
    and the
    Global Manager
    .
VMware configuration guidelines
o
Ensure general software recommendations are met.
Scheduling a software deployment varies, depending on the size and scope of the deployment and the organization’s requirements. Some prerequisites are:
  • Ensure that all VMs are running the same OS version and patch level.
  • Ensure that all
    s are at the same version and patch level.