Accessing the Webvault VMware vSphere Environments to Manage Virtual Machines

Introduction

This article provides Webvault clients with instructions on how to access and manage their virtual machines through a Webvault VMware vSphere Environment.

Step 1: Connecting to the Webvault Network

If you have a Webvault internet connection, you have a direct route to the management server, provided it has been whitelisted. If your connection is not whitelisted or if you do not have a Webvault internet connection, you will require a Cisco AnyConnect account.

• Connecting with Cisco AnyConnect:

  • If no direct internet connection is available, use your Cisco AnyConnect account to connect.

  • For instructions on how to install and use Cisco AnyConnect, refer to this knowledge base article: Cisco AnyConnect VPN Client Setup on Microsoft Windows.

Step 2: Duo 2FA Enrollment for Webvault Access Cloud

You must be enrolled with Duo Two-Factor Authentication (2FA). The Duo Mobile App should be installed on your phone.  Please note this enrollment is specifically for Webvault Access Cloud and is seperate to any other accounts you may have already enrolled with Duo.

• Account Naming: The account name in Duo must match your fully qualified username used to access the remote desktop, e.g., myusername@accesscloud.vmnetwork.com.au.

• Enrollment Issues: If you are not enrolled, reach out to Webvault Support to request an enrollment email.

Step 3: Connecting to the vSphere Environment

You will connect to the published remote app for the relevant vSphere environment via the Webvault Access Cloud Remote Desktop Environment.

1. Download the RDP Configuration Files:

   • Dasher (NEW) vSphere Environment: Download Here

   • vCenter1 (Legacy) vSphere Environment: Download Here

2. Unzip and Run the RDP Configuration Files:

   • Execute the RDP profile to initiate the connection.

   • Ensure you are connected to the Webvault network (Step 1) and enrolled with Duo (Step 2).

3. Login Instructions:

   • Use your ACCESSCLOUD\ username to connect to the remote application.

   • Authenticate using the Duo application code when prompted.

Step 4: Accessing the vSphere Environment

Once connected to the browser-based vSphere environment via remote desktop application, log in using your vSphere credentials. Usernames are in the format @vsphere.vmnetwork.com.au.

Step 5: Managing Virtual Machines

To locate and manage your virtual machines:

1. Navigate to the Virtual Machine Folders:

   • Click on the "Virtual Machine Folders" icon in the top left (second icon from the left).

   • Navigate to your managed folder in the tree and click on your virtual machine.

2. Available Functions:

   • Shutdown Guest: Gracefully shuts down the guest operating system.

   • Restart Guest OS: Gracefully restarts the guest operating system.

   • Power Off VM: Forces a power-off of the virtual machine. Warning: This is equivalent to unplugging a physical machine.

   • Power On VM: Starts the virtual machine if it is powered off.

   • VMware Snapshots: Creates a snapshot of the VM at a specific point in time. Warning: Do not leave snapshots in place long-term, as this will adversely impact server performance and delay backups.

   • Accessing VM Console: Allows direct console access to the virtual machine for management tasks.

Additional Assistance

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, please contact Webvault Support for assistance.