PowerChute VM Setup

[BillP]

Just a little clarification needed here. I have two 2200RM units, each with AP9630's. My VMware environment has two hosts. Do I need to run a PowerChute virtual appliance on EACH host, or is one enough?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Matt,

If the hosts are controlled by vCenter Server then you only need to install a single PowerChute Appliance. See Application Note 180 for help. If the hosts are standalone then you should install on each host. The installation Guide has instruction starting on page 47 of the PDF for both configurations.

I also recommend reviewing the PowerChute VMware Users Guide.

[BillP]

OK, wasn't sure about that.

Next question, do you still recommend creating the local user accounts on vCenter server and ESXi hosts for proper shutdown to occur? I saw there was a PDF covering this for 3.1, but wasn't sure if 4.0 needed the same.

Thx

[BillP · Accepted solution]

 Yes. You should create a local account on vCenter and the host. This allows PowerChute to shut down the host even if vCenter is off line.

[BillP]

And I should specify the account and password in the PCNSCONFIG.INI file on the PowerChute VM?

[BillP]

Hi,

No. Enter the information through the web interface. It is not stored in the ini file.

[BillP]

So, instead of using a domain account for vCenter connectivity I should use the local account I created? And we're NOT talking about the account used to communicate with the NMCs, correct?

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Matt,

Correct. Creating a local account allow PowerChute to communicate with the host when vCenter is down and in the event that AD is down. The process is discussed on page 16 of Application Note 180. We also have Knowledge Base document FA241010 "How to add local Windows user account to vCenter Server".