Provider \ Update it? DashboardLast Updated February 20, 2025
The
Provider \ Update it?
dashboard complements the main vSphere
configuration dashboards by displaying the actual vSphere objects, with their relevant
information. The dashboard is designed for vSphere administrators and the platform team. The
Provider \ Update it?
dashboard is one of the eight dashboards that
checks the environment for optimization opportunities. As part of operations best practices,
keep the infrastructure up to date. Running outdated components that are too far
behind the latest version, can cause support problems or upgrade problems. It is
common that the fix for the problem is only available in the later versions.
Outdated hardware can also result in higher operating costs. Outdated hardware might
cost more data center footprint, such as rack space, cooling, and UPS. Refreshing
your technology and consolidation are two common techniques to optimize cost.
Design Considerations
The
Provider \ Update
it?
dashboard follows the same design considerations specified in the
Consumer \ Correct
it? dashboard. The eight Configuration > Review dashboards form an
optimization flow and are designed as a set. Use them together, as you go through
the optimization review process. How to Use the Dashboards
The
Consumer \ Update
it?
dashboard is a collection of tables (List View) that can be
reviewed independently. Click the object name to navigate to the Object Summary page
to view more configurations. There can be valid reasons why specific configurations
are not followed. It is recommended that you discuss best practices with VMware.- Outdated vSphere Components Widgets:
- Lists all the vCenter Servers versions that are not 6.7 or 7.0.
- Lists all the ESXi host versions that are not 6.5, 6.7, or 7.0.
- Lists all the vSAN ESXi host versions that are not 6.7 or 7.0. A more stringent filter is applied for vSAN because of a relatively higher maturity in the latest release. FromVMware Aria OperationsandvRealize Log Insight, there are more counters, properties, and events that improve monitoring and troubleshooting.
- Lists all the vSphere distributed switches, regardless of the version.
- You should tailor the filter to fit your operational needs.
- Outdated Server BIOS Widget:
- Lists all the ESXi hosts regardless of the BIOS version. Edit the widget and tailor the filter to fit your operational needs.
- Other than customizing the existing widgets, consider adding the following checks:
- ESXi hosts with outdated hardware, using a filter based on your environment.
- ESXi hosts that are no longer on warranty. Create a custom property to capture the end of warranty.
- Physical storage arrays with outdated firmware, model, and an expiring warranty.
- Physical network switch with an outdated OS version and hardware modelInstall the relevant management pack for the last two points.
Points to Note
See the
Points to
Note
section as specified in the Consumer \ Correct it? dashboard. This dashboard follows the same design
considerations, and as a result, shares limitations and customization ideas.