Embotics® vCommander® includes a comprehensive library of commands that users can execute from either Embotics® vCommander® or the service portal. In either case, the role applied to the user account must provide access to the command.
For example, if a Embotics® vCommander® user has the Auditor role, no commands will be executable because the role is designed to provide read-only access to the system, and is not allowed to make any changes.
Similarly, service portal users will only have access to commands for which they have been granted permission. For service portal users, the permissions are granular so you can design appropriate roles depending on who your users are.
When users have access to commands, they appear in the command pane when a VM is selected. When logged into Embotics® vCommander®, the command pane for VMs looks like this:
When logged into the service portal, the command pane for VMs features icons to help users identify their purpose:
Commands also appear as context menus when you right-click a VM in the operational or VM and Templates views:
Commands will only ever appear if they are relevant. You won’t see the customize VM option for most Linux guests because it’s usually only relevant for Windows guests.
Predefined Commands
Embotics vCommander® installs with a library of commands that are ready to use. They are broken down into categories that generally match the permissions on the service portal roles. The predefined commands are listed by category below, with a brief description of their purpose.
Change Management
Compare – Drift: Compares the current state of the VM to an earlier date.
Compare – Left/Right: Compares one VM to another. Appears as discrete Left/Right commands to choose position.
Compare – To Parent: Compares a VM to the parent object from which it was generated.
Configure for Guest OS Scan: Sets the credentials and options to use for scanning the guest OS.
Request Service Change: Initiates a service change request.
Run Workflow: Executes a service workflow to which the user has been granted permission.
Scan Guest OS: Updates the details of the guest OS.
Set Guest OS Scan Group: Updates the group membership used for guest OS scans.
Configuration Management
Delete from Disk: Deletes all VM files from the disk.
Generate Inventory Report: Presents an inventory report to the user.
Manage Connected Media: Allows the user connect or disconnect media for the VM.
Manage Snapshots: Allows the user to create, delete, or revert snapshots.
Reconfigure VM Resources: Allows the user to update CPU, memory and disk space.
Remove from Inventory: Removes the VM from inventory.
Rename: Renames the VM.
Scan Datastore Files: Initiates a scan of the datastore files in the VM’s folder.
View Console Screenshot: Views the last screenshot or take a new one.
View Files: Displays the files in the VM’s folder.
Lifecycle Management
Set Custom Attributes: Allows the user to choose values for custom attributes.
Set Expiry Date: Allows the user to choose an expiry date.
Set Expiry Group: Updates the group membership used for expiry policy.
Set Ownership: Updates the ownership details.
Open Connection
Open Console: Initiates a connection to the VM via the console.
Open RDP Session: Initiates a connection to the VM via remote desktop.
Open SSH Session: Initiates a connection to the VM via secure shell.
Open VNC Session: Initiates a connection to the VM via virtual network computing.
Performance
Generate Performance Trending Report: Displays a performance trend report by period or date.
Update Performance: Samples current performance data.
Policy Enforcement
Quarantine VM: Disconnects the VM’s NIC.
Set Approval State: Updates the approval state of the VM.
Set Compliance State: Updates the compliance state of the VM.
Set End of Life State: Updates the end of life state of the VM.
Set Suspect State: Updates the suspect state of the VM.
Set Zones: Updates the zone information for the VM.
Power
Power (Guest OS): Allows users to standby, reset, or shutdown the guest OS.
Power (VM): Allows users to start, reset or stop the VM.
Suspend VM: Allows users to suspend the VM.
Provisioning
Clone: Allows users to create a clone of the selected VM.
Clone to Template: Allows users to create a template from the selected VM.
Convert to Template: Allows users to convert the selected VM to a template.
Convert to VM: Allows users to convert the selected template to a VM.
Customize VM: Customizes a Windows guest using a wizard or an answer file.
Deploy to VM: Creates a new VM from the selected template.
Link to Service Request: Displays a list of service requests to which the VM may be linked.
View Service Request: Displays the details of the service request from which the VM was deployed.
Command Workflows
In addition to the predefined commands, you can create service workflows that essentially are your own configurable commands. Follow the procedure below to create your own.
- Under the Configuration menu, choose Command Workflows.
- Click Add.
- On the Name page, enter a meaningful name for your workflow, and choose an icon from those available. You can also click Manage Icons to upload more icons. Click Next.
- On the Steps page you can fully configure a complete workflow, which will execute for users with a single click. For more details on configuring service workflows and your available options, consult the online help or user guide. Click Next.
- On the Permissions page, choose which users and groups can access the workflow.
- Enable Prompt user for confirmation before running this workflow to have a dialog confirm the user wants to run the workflow.
- Enable Display this workflow as a command for users with permission on the Service Portal command bar to permit it to appear in the service portal. Click Next.
- On the Summary page, review your choices and click Finish when you are satisfied.
Configuring the Command Pane
Follow the procedure below to choose which commands appear on the command pane.
- In the Operational or Deployed views, select any VM.
- Click
in the command pane. - A dialog opens that lets you choose which commands to hide or show. Make your choices and click OK.
