2V0-71.23 information hunger - VMware Tanzu for Kubernetes Operations Professional (VCP-TKO) Updated: 2024

VMware partners that invest in learning the vendor's new storage and networking technologies may soon get a shot at potentially lucrative professional services projects.

In a pilot program unveiled Tuesday at VMware's partner conference in San Francisco, VMware will let services-savvy partners which meet its requirements sell and deliver professional services to customers.

VMware has its own professional services organization, but with new products like NSX, VSAN and vCloud Air now on the market, it's looking to leverage partners' services muscle to meet expected future demand.

"We've grown up as a company that needs professional services. Now, for scale, we need to [bring] partners into the services value channel. Partners that make the investment will get rewards," Dave O'Callaghan, senior vice president of channels and alliances, said in a press conference at the event.

VMware will bring a "limited number" of partners into the program during the first half of the year, and plans to expand its scope in the second half, the Palo Alto, Calif.-based vendor said in a press release.

[Related: VMware Execs Say Software-Defined Data Center Is A 'Bridge To The Future' For Customers]

VMware says partners with skills that span the whole VMware software-defined data center portfolio get priority consideration for the program. While most every partner knows vSphere server virtualization, a lesser number are up to speed on VMware's storage and networking technologies.

Partners in the program will sell services to customers directly, owning the billing relationship. They'll also have free access to VMware's software-defined data center experts, as well as discounted training and other benefits.

Jason Silva, principal at Revel Technology, a Houston-based solution provider and VMware channel partner, told CRN he was impressed that VMware is launching a channel program specifically for professional services.

"VMware for years had ESX," Silver said. "Now it has NSX, AirWatch, and other new things that need to be integrated. I think VMware is trying to round out its partners' professional services capabilities so that they are not just relying on VMware's own professional services."

Getting certified and up to speed on professional services for VMware's growing solution set is a big differentiator for channel partners, Silva said. "This will be beneficial to us," he said. "This is not just a discount on products. We will need to show we are dedicated to the solution set."

In another sign of VMware's commitment, the vendor has hired a new vice president specifically for the program, Silva said. "This is the first time VMware had someone specific to professional services through the channel," he said.

VMware, which plans to make a big channel push with Airwatch this year, also launched a mobility competency for partners. And in Q2, VMware says it plans to launch a software-defined data center competency.

McCormick's Virtual Computer Lab (powered by VMWare Horizon) is available for academic use anywhere there is an internet connection and provides remote access to key engineering software using a full Windows desktop environment from your personal device. The Virtual Computer Lab is available 24/7 and enables access to the most commonly used software applications required in McCormick classes.

This is an on-campus service.  To access the virtual computer lab from off-campus, you will need to use the GlobalProtect VPN. Please visit the Northwestern IT Knowledge Base for VPN set-up and use instructions.

For the best experience, use a computer with a keyboard and the VMWare Horizon desktop client, though HTML access is also available.

Options for accessing the virtual computer lab are at: vdi.mccormick.northwestern.edu

Download the VMWare Horizon client appropriate for your device. High level instructions are below for Windows and MacOS, though clients are also available for Linux, iOS and Android.

Windows

1. Review the minimum system requirements for Windows clients.
2. Download and install VMWare Horizon Client for Windows.
3. When the installation finishes, you may be asked to restart your machine.
4. After the installation, launch the VMWare Horizon Client desktop app by double-clicking its desktop shortcut icon or by going to the Windows Start Menu and choosing VMware | Horizon Client.
5. Select Add Server and enter vdi.mccormick.northwestern.edu as the Connection Server name.
6. Go to Settings > Security and change the certificate checking mode to "Thumbprint or PKI Verification".

Mac OS

1. Review the minimum system requirements for Mac clients.
2. Download and install VMWare Horizon Client for macOS.
3. When the installation finishes, you may be asked to reboot your machine and may need to grant access to the VMWare Horizon client to receive keystrokes in System Preferences.
4. After the installation, go to your Applications folder and launch VMWare Horizon Client.
5. Select Add Server and enter vdi.mccormick.northwestern.edu as the Connection Server name.
6. Go to the VMWare Horizon Client Preferences > Security and select the certificate checking mode to "Do not verify server identity certificates".

HTML Access

Browser access is available, though should be used specifically on devices where the client is not compatible or not working properly.

Review the minimum system requirements for HTML Access.

• Install the latest .NET Framework: Go to the Microsoft .NET Framework download page. Click on the latest version. Click on Download .NET Framework under Runtime. Your browser will get a small installer file. Run the installer. Follow the instructions of the installer
• Install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables: Go to the Visual C++ Redistributables get page. Scroll to Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019 and download both x86 and x64. Run the installers. If the installer states that there are newer version of Visual C++ Redistributables installed, go to the Control Panel and uninstall the latest version and run the installer again

• Disable antivirus protection TEMPORARILY: Open the taskbar tray and right click on your antivirus software. The tray is located at the bottom right of your desktop. Depending on your antivirus software, you will see different options. You need to look for “Dashboard”, “Temporarily Disable Active Protection”, “Exit” or similar keywords. You need to find a way to either temporarily disable Active Protection feature or exit the antivirus software completely (not minimize back to tray). Once the antivirus software is disabled, run the installer. Regardless of the outcome, please re-enable the antivirus

Client Not Loading or Loading Slowly

• Check your internet connection and speed: Your connection must be stable and fast enough to support your use of Northwestern online resources. Typically, 10-20 Mbps upload and get speeds will support typical work activities, though other devices on your network will impact your speed (such as streaming or online gaming). To test your connection, go to SpeedTest.net and click GO

• Review the size of the app: If using a tablet or mobile phone, check your respective app store to see how big the installation file is and how long it may take to load
• Run the latest version of the app: Go to the ellipses in the top right hand corner of the app and click on Software Updates

• Restart your device or the app: Doing so will reload all settings and functions and, if necessary, re-establish connections to the App Store

Certificate Errors

• Check your certificate checking mode: In the client, go to Settings > Security and ensure the mode is set to "Thumbprint or PKI Verification" on a Windows or Preferences > Security and ensure the mode is set to "Do not verify server identity certificates" on a Mac

Save Your Work

Be sure to save frequently to cloud storage using your virtual desktop’s web browser or your connected device. Links to Northwestern’s cloud storage options include

You will not be connected to the same desktop each time you log in and each desktop is refreshed upon session termination.

Before you close the app, go to the location on your computer where you saved the file, make sure it is there, and that you can launch it.

• I can’t log into the VDI, what could be wrong?
  • Make sure you are connecting with the latest client and connection server name: vdi.mccormick.northwestern.edu
  • Error: Timeout was Reached: If you are connecting from off campus, ensure you are on the GlobalProtect VPN
  • Unknown user name or bad password or You are not authorized to use this: Your username is just your Northwestern NetID. Ensure you typed in your NetID password correctly (you will be locked out of the environment after a number of failed login attempts). All McCormick students should have access to the virtual computer lab. If you are not a McCormick student but are registered in a McCormick class or belong to a McCormick-sponsored club / student group, contact labs@mccormick.northwestern.edu with proof of registration in order to be added to the permissions list
  • Connect desktop failed or The display protocol for this desktop is currently busy processing a request or Unable to allocate a desktop - pool refresh is in progress: Close your connection, wait a few minutes, and restart the VMWare View client or reconnect through the HTML access
  • The desktop source for this desktop are not responding. Please try connecting to this desktop again later, or contact your system administrator or Unable to Allocate Desktop, No Desktops Available. All desktops in pool are currently in use: The virtual computer desktop pool for the number of concurrent users may have reached its limit. Close your connection and try again in a few minutes
  • The Connection Server Authentication failed. The tunnel server presented a certificate that didn't match the expected certificate. Ensure the security settings in the client are set to allow "Thumbprint or PKI Verification"
  • Check that your connection has not timed out. Users will be logged out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so save frequently
  • Check that you aren’t trying to access the virtual computer lab during a scheduled/ emergency maintenance window. Weekly updates will occur on or after 11:00 am on Saturdays; Quarterly updates will be scheduled around academic breaks
• Can I print while logged into the virtual computer lab?
  • The virtual computer lab desktops are not currently integrated with NUPrint. However, you can print to a local printer from your virtual desktop
• Can I access my Northwestern email on a virtual desktop?
  • You can access your Northwestern email via a web browser on your virtual computer lab desktop on webmail
• How do I save and access files on my local machine?
  • Files saved to the Desktop or in This PC on a virtual computer lab desktop do not persist across sessions. You should save your files to a cloud storage solution like OneDrive or Google Drive via a web browser or using a USB drive
• How do I adjust display settings in the VMWare Horizon Client desktop application?
  • Application windows launched through the VMware Horizon Client can be resized just like application windows on your local computer. The screen can be resized by dragging a corner of the remote desktop window to the desired size. If you encounter issues with resolution or scaling check the display settings on your local computer

• Can I use the Virtual Computer Lab for research?
  • No. The software available in the virtual computer lab is licensed for academic use only

10 VMware Backups Best Practices

VMware is the market leader in the virtualization sector, and, for many IT pros, VMware vSphere is the virtualization platform of choice. But can you keep up with the ever‑changing backup demands of your organization, reduce complexity and out‑perform legacy backup?

Download now!

Sponsored by

VMware has agreed to acquire MomentumSI, a professional services firm that's focused on public cloud migrations, OpenStack and rapid software development, sources familiar with the matter told CRN on Monday.

MomentumSI, founded in 1997 and based in Austin, Texas, has deep expertise in moving customers' on premise computing to VMware-based public clouds, as well as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform, according to its website.

Its customers include eBay, Pfizer, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Exxon and other enterprises and independent software vendors.

It's unclear how much VMware is paying for MomentumSI, but sources said it's a done deal that's expected to close in early 2015.

We've reached out to VMware for comment on the deal and will update if we hear back.

But several MomentumSI employees have already updated their LinkedIn profiles to their new positions at VMware, including CEO Jeff Schneider, who is now senior director of professional services for the Americas region at VMware.

Schneider, a well-known figure in the technology industry who wrote the first book on enterprise Java in 1996, is now in charge of VMware's DevOps, Open Cloud and Continuous Delivery consulting practices, according to his LinkedIn profile.

MomemtumSI also has a practice around DevOps, the term that describes how development and IT teams are working closely to speed deployment of new software in the cloud. For customers that need it, MomemtumSI can also rewrite their apps to run on private and public clouds.

While this is a relatively small deal for VMware, sources told CRN it's an important one that brings the exact kind of technological expertise the vendor needs to tell a better hybrid cloud story to customers.

DevOps, open source and continuous integration are the lingua franca of developers in the public cloud today. When VMware launched its vCloud Air public cloud last year, it targeted enterprises with VMware private clouds.

By adding developer focused technologies like those MomentumSI brings to bear, VMware is hoping to make its vCloud Air service more attractive and bring it closer to where the action is in the cloud market, sources said.

"There is a dearth of talent out there that understand the blueprint for how to do this," said one VMware partner.

Did you know that one in three IT jobs now require management and business skills? Through this Professional Skill Track, you can gain the in-demand personal leadership and technical savvy needed to enter or advance in either front-end web development or cybersecurity.

Technical Skills courses are offered in-person, or in some cases, a hybrid of in-person and online. Essential Skills courses are self-paced and offered entirely online. The Continuing Professional Education team is available to help you select the courses and tracks that best fit your professional development goals.

In response to COVID-19, all Continuing Professional Education face-to-face courses and certifications will be offered online via live remote delivery for the fall term (September - December). Winter course delivery will be determined on the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health and Philadelphia Department of Public Health. If you have any questions or concerns about your course enrollment, please e-mail goodwin.ce@drexel.edu.

Half of all job openings paying more than $75k/year show demand for coding skills.

UAB has many degree programs (both on-campus and online) that can lead to professional licensure or certification (PLC). Licensure requirements vary from state to state and by professional organization. UAB is working to develop an online, publicly accessible database, to assist in providing this state-by-state information. In the meantime, if you are interested in learning about potential professional licensure requirements in your state for a specific degree program, please contact the UAB State Authorization office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (205) 934-7217.

The specific requirements for engineering licensure can differ from state to state. For information on the licensure process in each state, consult the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) website.

NSPE does not license Professional Engineers. Licensing authority and requirements for PEs fall under the jurisdiction of the licensing board for the state, district, or country in which an engineer practices. The national organization that represents the state boards is the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Broadcom has moved forward with plans to transition VMware, a virtualization and cloud computing company, into a subscription-based business. As of December 11, it no longer sells perpetual licenses with VMware products. VMware, whose $61 billion acquisition by Broadcom closed in November, also announced on Monday that it will no longer sell support and subscription (SnS) for VMware products with perpetual licenses. Moving forward, VMware will only offer term licenses or subscriptions, according to its VMware blog post.

VMware customers with perpetual licenses and active support contracts can continue using them. VMware "will continue to provide support as defined in contractual commitments," Krish Prasad, senior vice president and general manager for VMware's Cloud Foundation Division, wrote. But when customers' SnS terms end, they won't have any support.

Broadcom hopes this will force customers into subscriptions, and it's offering "upgrade pricing incentives" that weren't detailed in the blog for customers who switch from perpetual licensing to a subscription.

These are the products affected, per Prasad's blog:

• VMware Aria Automation
• VMware Aria Suite
• VMware Aria Operations
• VMware Aria Operations for Logs
• VMware Aria Operations for Networks
• VMware Aria Universal
• VMware Cloud Foundation
• VMware HCX
• VMware NSX
• VMware Site Recovery Manager
• VMware vCloud Suite
• VMware vSAN
• VMware vSphere

Subscription-based future

Broadcom is looking to grow VMware's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) from about $4.7 billion to about $8.5 billion in three years, largely through shifting the company's business model to subscriptions, Tom Krause, president of the Broadcom Software Group, said during a December 7 earnings call, per Forbes.

"This shift is the natural next step in our multi-year strategy to make it easier for customers to consume both our existing offerings and new innovations. VMware believes that a subscription model supports our customers with the innovation and flexibility they need as they undertake their digital transformations," VMware's blog said.

With changes effective immediately upon announcement, the news might sound abrupt. However, in May, soon after announcing its plans to acquire VMware, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan signaled a “rapid transition” to subscriptions.

At the time, Tan pointed to the importance of maintaining current VMware customers' happiness, as well as leveraging the VMware sales team already in place. However, after less than a month of the deal's close, reports point to concern among VMWare customers and partners.

Customer and partner concerns

VMware's blog said "the industry has already embraced subscription as the standard for cloud consumption." For years, software and even hardware vendors and investors have been pushing IT solution provider partners and customers toward recurring revenue models. However, VMware built much of its business on the perpetual license model. As noted by The Stack, VMware in February noted that perpetual licensing was the company's "most renowned model."

VMware's blog this week listed "continuous innovation" and "faster time to value" as customer benefits for subscription models but didn't detail how it came to those conclusions.

"Predictable investments" is also listed, but it's hard to imagine a more predictable expense than paying for something once and having supported access to it indefinitely (assuming you continue paying any support costs). Now, VMware and its partners will be left convincing customers that their finances can afford a new monthly expense for something they thought was paid for. For Broadcom, though, it's easier to see the benefits of turning VMware into more of a reliable and recurring revenue stream.

Additionally, Broadcom's layoffs of at least 2,837 VMware employees have brought uncertainty to the VMware brand. A CRN report in late November pointed to VMware partners hearing customer concern about potential price raises and a lack of support. C.R. Howdyshell, CEO of Advizex, which reportedly made $30 million in VMware-tied revenue in 2022, told the publication that partners and customers were experiencing "significant concern and chaos” around VMware sales. Another channel partner noted to CRN the layoff of a close VMware sales contact.

But Broadcom has made it clear that it wants to "complete the transition of all VMware by Broadcom solutions to subscription licenses," per Prasad's blog.

The company hopes to convince skeptical channel partners that they'll see the way, too. VMware, like many tech companies urging subscription models, pointed to "many partners" having success with subscription models already and "opportunity for partners to engage more strategically with customers and deliver higher-value services that drive customer success."

However, because there's no immediate customer benefit to the end of perpetual licenses, those impacted by VMware's change in business strategy have to assess how much they're willing to pay to access VMware products moving forward.

VMware Backup for Dummies

Your virtual machines are at the heart of all that your business does, hosting practically any workload from mission-critical backup applications to dev/test environments.

In VMware Backup for Dummies, find out how you can implement agentless backup to ensure seamless recovery of critical workloads. Dive in to discover the best recovery methods and data protection solutions to ensure maximum business continuity.

Here’s what’s covered inside:

• Explore VMware backup tools and components
• How to implement VMware backup
• Understand levels of backup consistency
• Five tips for better virtual machine backup

Download now!

Sponsored by