Installing additional VM Manager tool

To connect to VM managers that are in separated networks, you must first install an additional VM Manager tool. You can install it directly from the VM Manager Tools panel in BigFix Inventory, or alternatively by using a fixlet in the BigFix console.

Before you begin

Note: Only computers from the computer group to which you are assigned are visible and manageable on the VM Manager Tools panel.

About this task

The recommended method is to install the VM Manager tool from the VM Manager Tools panel. This method lets you select a target computer, verify fixlet relevance, and trigger the installation without leaving the BigFix Inventory user interface.

Procedure

  1. In the top navigation bar, click Management > VM Manager Tools.
  2. Click New.
  3. In the computer name field, start typing the name of the target computer.

    The autocomplete list is polled once per second. You must type at least 2 characters before suggestions appear.

    The autocomplete results include only computers that meet all of the following criteria:

    • Running Windows x64, Red Hat Enterprise Linux x64 or SUSE Linux Enterprise Server x64
    • Not disconnected
    • Not containerized
    • Not already present in the VM Manager Tools report
    Note: The autocomplete does not prefilter by architecture. Some 32-bit computers may still appear in suggestions even though the VM Manager tool requires a 64-bit operating system.
  4. Select the target computer from the autocomplete list.

    After you select a computer, BigFix Inventory checks the relevance of the Install VM Manager Tool fixlet on that computer.

    • If the fixlet is relevant, the Install with BigFix button is enabled.
    • If the fixlet is not relevant, the installation remains disabled and an explanatory message is shown. Verify that the target computer meets the installation requirements.
  5. Click Install with BigFix.
    The Install VM Manager Tool fixlet is triggered on the selected computer. The installation progress is reflected on the VM Manager Tools panel.

Results

You installed an additional instance of the VM Manager tool. The new installation appears on the VM Manager Tools panel. You can now add VM managers to this installation from the VM Managers panel.

Alternative method: installing by using the BigFix console

If you cannot use the VM Manager Tools panel, you can install the VM Manager tool by running a fixlet directly from the BigFix console.

Before you begin

Procedure

  1. Log in to the BigFix console.
  2. In the navigation tree, click Sites > External Sites > BigFix Scanner > Fixlets and Tasks.
  3. Select Install VM Manager Tool (OPTIONAL) version number and click Take Action.
  4. Select the target computer and click OK. The target computer must be able to connect to separated VM managers.

Results

You installed an additional instance of the VM Manager tool. You can use its command-line interface to manage VM managers that are in separated networks.

What to do next

Schedule the upload of collected data.