In the last post I showed how to deploy vROPs as a virtual appliance. Now I move onto configuring this as a first time deployment.

In the previous post where I deployed the virtual appliance I set up a name for the host as sto-vrops01.lab.local along with a static IP address . I can now browse to either of these to get started. In the screenshot below you can see that the Node is ready to be configured. As this is my first node in a new cluster I can choose to use Express Installation or better New Installation. Choosing Expand an Existing Cluster will be covered later.

Clicking on New Installation brings up a getting started Wizard which shows the steps that are required to get up and running. Click Next.

The first item is to set up an admin account for use when administering the node. Ensure that you note this down as you will require it later when accessing the admin UI for administrative tasks.

The next screen allows you to replace the certificate with one of your own. In this case I will use the default self signed certificate. (I will show the process for replacing a vROPs certificate at a later date.)

As this is the first node in a new Cluster I now enter a name that I want to give to the node along with specifying an NTP server.

Once ready to complete click finish and watch as the node is set up denoted by the Preparing Node for first use dialogue. This will take a few minutes to complete so be patient.

Once the node is configured the admin screen will refresh showing that the node is configured but that it is offline. You can also see the build number and version of the node. Click the Start vRealize Operations Manager button to start the cluster (one node in this example)

A warning will appear advising you to ensure that you have sized your cluster correctly. See https://kb.vmware.com/kb/2130551 for more information on sizing your cluster.

After the cluster starts the admin page will show the cluster state as running with a status of online. I can now browse to the nodes UI page and login using the previously set up admin account to view the product UI.

The first time I enter the product UI I will receive a Welcome setup message.    

Accept the EULA

If you have a license key enter it here. Otherwise the product will be in evaluation mode.

Choose if you want to be part of the Customer Experience Improvement Program and click next. On the next screen review settings and click finish.

You will now be in the product UI and be ready to configure Solutions in order to start monitoring. In coming posts I will set up a connection to vCenter as well as install additional Management pack(s).