VCenter Linked Mode

[heinzel0302]

Hi there,

we have two seperate domains (both 2003 Domain/Forest functional Level) which form a two-way non-transitive Trust. In both domains we are running separate Vsphere Environment. I would like to form a linked mode between the two Virtual Center Servers. I also already read the Vmware documentation but I still have some questions.

In the best practise documents it is stated that both Vcenters should have the same Version and Build Number, but the online library does not state this at all. So is it really required? Thing is, that we have different Versions of Vcenter: Version 4.1.0 Build 491557 & 4.1.0 Build 258902. Is this an Issue?

Furthermore docu says that if there are duplicate named roles when joining VCs together it will rename the duplicate roles. We are only using the default roles. Any things to consider on that?

Databases in the the backend are also different MS SQL Server & Oracle 10, but that should not be an Issue?

Maybe you guys can share experiences or pitfalls.

Thx...Andy

[vJJSosa]

Hi Heinzel,

There is no restriction between build versions, but there is some restrictions between vSphere versions. Check this:

"vCenter Server 4.0, vCenter Server 4.0 Update 1, and vCenter Server 4.1 can be joined in the same Linked Mode group, but both vSphere Client 4.0 and vSphere 4.1 are required to log in to the Linked Mode group."

Source: http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-4-esx-vcenter/index.jsp?topic=/com.vmware.vsphere.installclassic.doc_...

"vCenter Server does not support Linked Mode groups that contain both version 5.x and pre-5.0 versions of vCenter Server. Similarly, vCenter Server does not support Linked Mode groups that contain both version 5.1.x and 5.0.x versions of vCenter Server. vCenter Server 5.0.x can be joined in a Linked Mode group only with other instances of vCenter Server 5.0.x. vCenter Server 5.1.x can be joined in a Linked Mode group only with other instances of vCenter Server 5.1.x. After all vCenter Servers in the group are upgraded to version 5.0.x or all vCenter Servers in the group are upgraded to version 5.1.x, you can rejoin them."

Source: http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-51/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.vmware.vsphere.vcenterhost.doc%2FGUID-7634B...

You don't need to be worry for Database or Roles, this feature only add the possibility to see all vCenters from a single vSphere Client.

I hope this be useful for you

Regards

[Ethan44]

Hi

Welcome to the communities.

Here is the prerequisites.

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-4-esx-vcenter/index.jsp?topic=/com.vmware.vsphere.dcadmin.doc_41/vsp_... .

"a journey of a thousand miles starts  with a single step."