Automating vSAN Policy Application: Building the Dashboard 1 of 5

Series

1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Problem

Lack of visual representation for automated vSAN policy application
Difficulty in quickly identifying VMs with incorrect storage policy allocation
Need for a centralized, informative dashboard for vSAN policy management
Absence of a user-friendly interface for technical information and branding

Troubleshooting

When attempting to create a dashboard for vSAN policy visualization, several challenges arise:

Determining the most effective way to display technical information
Incorporating branding elements without cluttering the interface
Ensuring the dashboard is both informative and visually appealing
Balancing technical details with user-friendly explanations

Solution

Create a dashboard using vSphere’s text widgets to display crucial information and branding:

1. Text Widget for vSAN Policy Information

# Navigate to: Configure -> Configuration Files -> Text Widget Content -> Add
# Use the following configuration:
$vSANPolicyWidget = @{
    Name = "vSAN Policy"
    Description = "Used with Dashboard vSAN Policy"
    ContainingFolder = "User Defined"
    Content = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Technical Information</title>
    <style>
        p {
            color: lightgreen;
            font-weight: bold;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <p>The virtual machines (VMs) displayed on this dashboard exhibit an incorrect storage policy allocation. Modifying the policy configuration has the potential to yield enhanced operational performance.</p>
</body>
</html>
"@
}

# Add the widget using vSphere API or UI

This widget provides essential information about vSAN policy and its impact on VM performance.

2. Text Widget for Website Logo

# Navigate to: Configure -> Configuration Files -> Text Widget Content -> Add
# Use the following configuration:
$logoWidget = @{
    Name = "kablog logo"
    Description = "www.kablog.nl"
    ContainingFolder = "User Defined"
    Content = '<img src="https://whatkabirwrites.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/banner-logo.png" alt="kablog">'
}

# Add the widget using vSphere API or UI

This widget displays the logo of your website (my old website in this case: www.kablog.nl) on the dashboard, adding a personal touch to the interface.