VMware vSphere PowerCLI Reference: Automating vSphere Administration

If you manage vSphere in a Windows environment, automating routine tasks can save you time and increase efficiency. VMware vSphere PowerCLI is a set of pre-built commands based on Windows PowerShell that is designed to help you automate vSphere processes involving virtual machines, datacenters, storage, networks, and more. This detailed guide—using a practical, task-based approach and real-world examples—shows you how to get the most out of PowerCLI's handy cmdlets.

Learn how to:

• Automate vCenter Server and ESX/ESX(i) Server deployment and configuration

• Create and configure virtual machines and use vApps

• Secure, back up, and restore your virtual machines

• Monitor, audit, and report the status of your vSphere environment

• Use the PowerCLI SDK, PowerWF Studio, and vEcoShell

• Schedule and view automation

• Add a GUI front end to your scripts

Alan Renouf, VMware vExpert, is an EMC vSpecialist and has been working with VMware, Citrix, and Microsoft products for several years. Currently he focuses on virtualization products and their automation using PowerShell. He is also cohost, along with Jonathan Medd, of the Get Scripting podcast (www.get-scripting.blogspot.com).

Glenn Sizemore, VMware vExpert, started scripting early in his IT career, adopting PowerShell early on and conquering it when VMware PowerCLI first shipped. He shares scripts and automation techniques on his blog at www.Get-Admin.com.

Arnim van Lieshout, VMware vExpert, has been in the IT industry for 12 years, working mainly with operating systems. He has been focusing on virtualization for the last five years, especially automating tasks using PowerShell. Arnim blogs at www.van-lieshout.com.

Jonathan Medd, PowerShell MVP, is cohost of the Get-Scripting podcast and also shares his PowerShell knowledge at www.jonathanmedd.net.