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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Deploy template with customization

Hi,

I'm a beginner on vCO and I would like to create a workflow to deploy  template with customization.

My difficulty to use the storage profils and the customization already existing in "customization specification manager"

At the end, I would like a workflow with this step :

1- VM NAME

2- Chose tempate = Win2kxx, RHEL6, etc...

3- Chose Storage profil = Prod, Dev, etc..

4- IP address

5- Backup = Yes or No (if Yes, add NIC2 and give IP address)

During the customization the Windows VM must to be integreat the Domain, may be using an domain admin account in the workflow.

If you are an idea....

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18 Replies
tschoergez
Leadership
Leadership

Hi!

For the customization specification see htis thread, it includes examples: http://communities.vmware.com/thread/286988

Adding a second NIC will introduce some scriptiong effort, because you have to change a bit more in the customization specification (the number of IP mappings has to match the number of the NICs in the VM).

I recommend to split up the process:

1. Clone the Template, no customization (and no power on)

2. change the new VM's hardare (if necessary)

3. Customize the VM (yes, this can be an extra workflow/task in vCO, it's not exposed in the vSphere Client!)

For Storage Profiles this example might help: http://communities.vmware.com/thread/420938

(depends on your architecture)

In General: Onyx is your friend: http://www.vcoportal.de/2012/05/using-onyx-for-fast-workflow-development/

Cheers,

Joerg

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Thank you for this  answer.

How to split up the process ?

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Hi Jeremie,

Create a workflow which will do each step by itself. Then create a workflow that links all these workflows together.

Cheers,

Dave

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Ok thanks.

Is it possible to add  text field in the workflow ?

Example : N° of project, comments for additional information, ...

Because I would like to propose my workflow like a form with approvement.

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Yes, you can definitely do that. Create some input parameters of type string (or number or boolean) and you can use those to contain the data you require.

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Cool but how ?

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Open the Orchestrator Client and edit the workflow. Go to "Inputs" and add the parameters.

It might be best if you go through some of the introductory videos on www.vcoteam.info to get an idea on how to work with Orchestrator and creating a basic workflow.

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

No, it's ok for that but I don't understand "you can use those to contain the data you require"

I want requiered fields, if I create a input parameter I need to use this , if not I have a warning on my workflow.

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

I am not sure what exactly you are needing here.

Do you want to have your own text on the workflow input (in which case you can place that in the presentation, or create an action which populates an input parameter) or do you want the requester to input the data (in which case it has to be an input parameter).

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

I need the requester input the data (ex : N° of project) but I need required fields (no empty possible)

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Okay, gotcha. Go to Presentation, select your input parameter, go to Properties and add the property "Mandatory Input" and make sure it is "Yes".

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Yes, cool, thank you.

Now I would like to send an email with all selections and descriptions (N° of project, VM name, datastore,...) to approver (YES or NO), if YES the workflow play if NO worlflow cancel.

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

There is an example workflow for that "Example interaction with email".

Base it off that and customise as you need.

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

Ok thank you

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Jeremie_R
Contributor
Contributor

I'm trying to use "Customize, Windows with single NIC and credential" just after my first Workflow "deploy_Template".

My problem is : during the workflow "deploy_Template" the VM Name is a "String" but the workflow "Customize..." need "VC:VirtualMachine", I can't link string and VC:VirtualMachine.

How can I link this workflows ?

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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

If you go through the input parameters for the workflow, you will find the description tells you what the parameter is for.

You are trying to assign your VM name against the input parameter "vm" I assume, which is the "Virtual machine to clone". You are probably wanting to assign it against "name" which is the "New virtual machine name".

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cdecanini_
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

http://communities.vmware.com/thread/342686

If my answer resolved or helped you, please mark it as Correct or Helpful to award points. Thank you! Visit http://www.vcoteam.info & http://blogs.vmware.com/orchestrator for vCenter Orchestrator tips and tutorials - @vCOTeam on Twitter
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KiwiDave
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Try running the "Customize, Windows with single NIC and credential" workflow by itself so that you understand what inputs it expects, then you can set about mapping those from your other workflow.

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