Migrate Windows vCent to vCSA

[10barrel_LAB]

I would like to know if I am on the right track.

Goal: Get off Windows vCent and Enable Enhanced Link Mode for ease of management and cross site vMotion

Current State:

Site 1: Windows vCent 6u3 with Embedded PSC, SQL DB, External VUM

Site 2: Windows vCent 6u3 with Embedded PSC, Internal DB, Internal VUM

Future state...

Site 1: vCSA 6.7d with External PSC, Internal DB & VUM

Site 2: vCSA 6.7d with External PSC, Internal DB & VUM

Is this the preferred method for performing this change?

Spin up an External PSC at each site. Stage 1 - Deploy the OVA File of the New Platform Services Controller Appliance

Take Snapshot of vCenter/VUM/New PSC

Point auth to the new PSC Reconfigure a Standalone vCenter Server with an Embedded Platform Services Controller to a vCenter Server with an Extern…

Unregister embedded PSC  VMware Knowledge Base

Install the migration assistant on Win vCent, VUM Download and Run VMware Migration Assistant on the Source Windows Machine

Run the Migration tool to deploy a vCSA

Verify successful upgrade

Remove snaps

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks

[a_p_]

Are you aware of vCenter Embedded Linked Mode for a vCenter Server Appliance with Embedded Platform Services Controller

This may make life easier once set up.

André

[10barrel_LAB]

Sounds great, I was not aware.  thank you

[dockeryJ]

Embedded Linked mode is for Greenfield deployments, correct? We are looking to utilize Embedded linked mode, but can only find documentation for Greenfield deployments.

[a_p_]

Embedded Linked mode is for Greenfield deployments, correct?

That's correct for current versions. However, vSphere 6.7 Update 1 will come with a "vCenter Server Converge Tool".

See e.g. Under the Hood - vSphere 6.7 Update 1 - VMware vSphere Blog

André