Virtual Machines

Virtual Machines (VMs)can be created either as part of a vApp, or as a separate virtual machine. Equinix advices to create a VM as part of a vApp. Later a VM can be switched to another vApp. It is also possible to create a network between two VMs in different vApps.

Advantages of creating a VM as part of a vApp are the abilities to:

• Group VMs for tasks, functions or backup / archive retention

• Configure the VM startup and shutdown sequence

• Obtain better insights into VM network configuration through vApp “Network diagram” function

• Apply delegated management by granting rights

The allocated storage resources of a VM count as used storage for the allocated Storage Policy. When you start a VM, the compute resources count as part of the compute quota of the virtual data center in which the VM was created.

Common OS installation options when creating a new VM are:

1. Creation of a new VM from a vApp template that already exists in a library (Catalog)

2. Selection of an ISO file from the library (Catalog) or from Equinix after a new VM is created – When you turn on the VM, it starts from the ISO file and the installation can be started

3. Creation of a new VM including vApp from an OVF / OVA file that exists at the administrator's workstation

Creating a virtual machine

1. Go to Applications > Virtual Machines on the main page, click Create VM or More at a vApp, and choose Add VM.

   

2. Follow the steps in the window, click OK and wait for the VM to be created.

   

   These steps are:

   1. Type a Name and Computer Name

   2. Choose New for Type

   3. Select Power On or the VM will start directly after creation

   4. Choose the OS Type

   5. Choose the Size of the VM – Standard sizes are available, but you can customize the size and change it later

   6. Enter the Networkto obtain its IP details if a network is already created, or customize networking information

3. On the Virtual Machine screen:

   1. Click Power to turn on, turn off, restart, or pause the VM – This is only possible if there are VMs in the vApp.

   2. Click More to mount installation media, work with snapshots to open the console, or to delete.

   3. Click View to add or change details for additional matters.

      

Link installation media from catalog

If a catalog is already present and installation media has been uploaded, it can be linked to the VM.

Steps for installation are:

1. Find the VM and click More.

   

2. Choose Insert Media and select the installation file. The file will be connected as a virtual CD player.

   

3. After a successful installation, decouple the installation file via Eject Media.

VM Console

A VM can be managed via the console without network connectivity until it is created (such as during installation). There are 2 different consoles:

1. Web console – Works without plugins on the browser

   

2. VM Remote Console – Works with plugins

   

A catalog is required to link a local installation file on the system to the VM in the Equinix Business Cloud via the console.

1. Find the VM from the vApp or the Virtual Machines overview.

2. Click More and choose the console type you want to use, the web console or the VM Remote Console.

   

Snapshots

A snapshot is a mechanism for taking a snapshot of the complete VM or vApp before an action. The vCloud Directory provides the ability to take only one snapshot without the active memory state. The snapshot mechanism doubles the storage usage of the VM or vApp.

1. Find the VM or vApp, click More, choose Create Snapshot, and confirm.

   

2. To go back to the stored status of the VM in the snapshot, choose Revert to Snapshot, and confirm.

3. To create a new snapshot, choose Create Snapshot again and confirm.

   Note: The previous snapshot will be overwritten.

4. To remove the snapshot, choose Remove Snapshot and confirm.

   

Note: It is not recommended to keep snapshots open for more than a week, because deleting the snapshot impacts the VM performance or landscape. In such a case, a clone or backup of the VM, vApp, or landscape is recommended.