SDDC Manager Changes
SDDC Manager Changes in VCF 9
Overview
SDDC Manager continues to exist in VCF 9 but undergoes a significant transformation. The SDDC Manager UI is now deprecated and will be removed in a future release. Broadcom’s strategy consolidates management into VCF Operations as the central console, delivering a more integrated platform with simplified management. SDDC Manager still runs as an appliance handling backend orchestration, but administrators interact primarily through VCF Operations and vSphere Client.
What’s Deprecated/Removed
UI Deprecation:
- SDDC Manager UI deprecated (removal planned for future major release)
- UI still accessible but many tasks require sync with VCF Operations
API Changes:
- SDDC Manager APIs for identity configuration deprecated
- Life cycle management API (
/v1/system/precheck) removed - Bring-up APIs replaced by VCF Installer appliance
Feature Removals:
- Application Virtual Network deployment via UI removed
- Deployment Parameter Worksheet (Excel EMS) replaced by VCF Installer JSON input
- Cloud Builder appliance replaced by VCF Installer appliance
What’s New
- Broadcom Download Token Support: SDDC Manager 9 supports Broadcom download tokens natively—no scripts needed
- Bundles Renamed: Software bundles now referred to as “binaries”
- Backend Orchestration: SDDC Manager continues handling workflow orchestration behind the scenes
- NSX Segment Deployment: New API functionality for deploying VCF Operations and VCF Automation on NSX Segments
Functionality Migration
| Task | VCF 5.x (SDDC Manager) | VCF 9.0 (New Location) |
|---|---|---|
| Network Pool Management | SDDC Manager | vCenter |
| Host Commissioning | SDDC Manager | vCenter |
| Workload Domain Deployment | SDDC Manager GUI | VCF Operations |
| Cluster Creation/Expansion | SDDC Manager | vCenter |
| Backup Configuration | SDDC Manager | VCF Operations (Fleet Management) |
| DNS/NTP Configuration | SDDC Manager | VCF Operations |
| Certificate Authority Setup | SDDC Manager | VCF Operations |
| Certificate Management | SDDC Manager | VCF Operations (with auto-renewal) |
| Password Management | SDDC Manager | VCF Operations |
| Aria Suite Deployment | SDDC Manager UI/API | VCF Installer + VCF Operations |
Impact on Operations
Day-2 Workflow Changes:
- Workload domain creation moves exclusively to VCF Operations
- Host and cluster management now performed through vSphere Client/vCenter
- Certificate operations gain auto-renewal capability in VCF Operations
- Fleet Management in VCF Operations handles backups for Management Nodes, VCF Automation, and VCF Identity Broker
New Skills Required:
- VCF Operations console navigation and workflows
- Understanding task sync behavior between SDDC Manager and VCF Operations
- VCF Installer appliance for initial deployments (replaces Cloud Builder)
- JSON-based deployment specifications instead of Excel worksheets
Transitional Considerations:
- Some SDDC Manager UI actions don’t immediately reflect in VCF Operations (dependent on sync schedules)
- Upgrade path: First upgrade Management Domain via SDDC Manager, then import VCF Instance into VCF Operations
- Previous tight coupling of admin tasks to SDDC Manager is removed, providing more flexibility
Sources
- SDDC Manager Workflows in VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 - Broadcom TechDocs
- VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0: Transitioning from SDDC Manager to VCF Operations – My Cloudy World
- Deprecated and removed features in VCF 9.0 - vInfrastructure Blog
- 10 VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0 Enhancements: Simplifying Your Day 2 Operations - VMware Blog
- Creating Workload Domains in VMware Cloud Foundation 9 - ViquarCloud
- VCF 9 Product Support Notes - Broadcom TechDocs