Bringing VMware Server Information to AWS Migration Hub: A Hands-On Guide

In this article, we will explore how to seamlessly integrate VMware server information into AWS Migration Hub using the Agentless AWS Discovery Connector. With this feature, you can effortlessly gather critical details about your on-premises servers, gain Amazon EC2 instance recommendations, and estimate the cost of migrating your infrastructure to AWS. The Agentless Discovery Connector is a powerful tool that enables quick assessments without the need to install anything on the servers themselves.

Overview of AWS Discovery Connector

The Agentless AWS Discovery Connector serves as a VMware appliance that you install within your on-premises VMware environment. This connector allows you to assess your infrastructure with ease, providing valuable insights for migration planning. Let’s dive into the hands-on steps to get started:

1. Download the Discovery Connector:
   • Navigate to AWS Migration Hub and download the AWS Discovery Connector.
   • Choose your AWS Migration Hub home region. Note that this setting is mandatory and cannot be modified later.
2. Deploy the Connector:
   • Deploy the downloaded connector OVA file within your VMware vCenter dashboard.
   • Follow the steps to deploy the Open Virtual Format (OVF) template, including specifying the virtual machine name, location, and compute resource. Click on Deploy new OVF file Then deploy your deployed OVF file
   • Keep the recommended default settings for storage and networks.
3. Configure the Connector:
   • After the deployment is complete, locate the IP address of the connector.
   • Open a new tab and access the connector’s IP address.
   • Follow the setup steps for the AWS Agentless Discovery Connector, configuring your vCenter credentials.
4. Enter AWS Credentials:
   • Ensure both “Log Uploads” and “Upgrades” boxes are checked.
   • Configure your AWS region and input your AWS credentials.
   • Your AWS account or AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) account must have the AWS Agentless Discovery Service policy configured.
5. Start Data Collection:
   • Return to AWS Migration Hub and initiate data collection.
   • Group servers together as applications for easy tracking of migration progress.
6. Create and Manage Applications:
   • Navigate to the “Applications” section to group servers and track migration status effectively.
   • Create an application group that includes specific servers, like WordPress servers, for organized monitoring.
7. Explore Server Information:
   • Access detailed information about each virtual machine, including hardware, operating system, VM details, and performance metrics.
   • This information is utilized to generate EC2 instance recommendations tailored to your specific requirements.
8. Customize EC2 Instance Recommendations:
   • Adjust sizing and instance type preferences based on your needs.
   • Exclude specific EC2 instance types or families from the recommendations as desired.
9. Export Recommendations:
   • Export the EC2 instance recommendations in a CSV file format.
   • The CSV file includes recommended EC2 instance models, upfront costs, and hourly prices based on your preferences.

Conclusion

In this hands-on guide, you’ve discovered how to seamlessly bring VMware server information into AWS Migration Hub using the Agentless AWS Discovery Connector. By integrating this connector, you can efficiently collect data from your on-premises VMware environment, gain valuable insights, and make informed decisions about your migration journey to AWS. With detailed EC2 instance recommendations and cost estimations, this process becomes more manageable and strategic.

Now, armed with this knowledge, it’s your turn to embark on your own migration journey. Follow the steps outlined above to smoothly bridge the gap between your VMware servers and AWS Migration Hub, opening the doors to improved migration planning and execution.