The Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC) Manager is the central management component of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). This guide explores its capabilities, deployment, and essential configuration steps.

What is SDDC Manager?

SDDC Manager is deployed as a virtual appliance that runs in the management domain with:

  • 4 CPUs
  • 16GB of memory
  • High availability through vSphere HA
  • File-based backup protection

Core Administrative Capabilities

SDDC Manager centralizes several critical administrative tasks:

  • Host management and addition
  • Workload domain creation and management
  • vSphere cluster deployment and resizing
  • Software update tracking and application
  • Password and certificate management

The interface provides a holistic view of both physical and virtual infrastructure components across your private cloud environment.

Initial Deployment

Prerequisites

  • Cloud Builder OVA
  • Deployment parameter workbook

The SDDC Manager is deployed automatically during the Cloud Builder bring-up process, which includes the full software stack (vSphere, vSAN, NSX).

Essential Configuration Tasks

1. Backup Configuration

  • Configure external SFTP server for backups
  • Stores both SDDC Manager and NSX Manager backups
  • Password-protected backup files
  • Options for immediate or scheduled backups

2. SSH Access Setup

SSH access is required for several critical operations:

  • Password retrieval using lookuppasswords command
  • Log file access and management
  • Troubleshooting tasks

3. Network Pool Configuration

Network pools manage IP addresses for:

  • vMotion interfaces
  • vSAN vmKernel interfaces
  • ESXi host configuration

Key aspects:

  • Created during initial setup using parameter workbook values
  • Defines IP ranges for VM kernel interfaces
  • Supports multiple pools for different domains

4. Online Depot Registration

  • Enables software update detection
  • Requires VMware Customer Connect credentials
  • Provides bundle download management
  • Allows scheduled or immediate downloads

Log Management

SDDC Manager implements automatic log rotation with:

  • Separate directories for different components
    • Domain Manager
    • Operations Manager
    • LCM (Lifecycle Management)
  • Compressed archives for older logs
  • Automated rotation system

Password Management

The lookuppasswords command line tool provides access to:

  • ESXi host credentials
  • vCenter Server passwords
  • NSX component credentials
  • ARIA suite passwords (when deployed)

Security note: SSO credentials required for password retrieval

Best Practices

  1. Initial Setup:

    • Complete configuration immediately after deployment
    • Configure backup SFTP server early
    • Set up network pools before expanding

  2. Maintenance:

    • Regular backup scheduling
    • Monitor log rotation
    • Keep Online Depot registration current

  3. Security:

    • Restrict SSH access
    • Secure SFTP server configuration
    • Regular password rotation

Availability Considerations

SDDC Manager’s availability is ensured through:

  • vSphere HA protection
  • Regular automated backups
  • Redundant storage options
  • Automated recovery procedures

Conclusion

SDDC Manager serves as the operational hub of your VMware Cloud Foundation environment. By properly configuring and maintaining this critical component, organizations can ensure efficient management of their software-defined infrastructure while maintaining security and reliability.

Remember to regularly check the VMware Cloud Foundation Resource Center for updates and best practices in managing your SDDC Manager deployment.