VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) is a comprehensive solution strategically designed to manage Software-Defined Data Centers (SDDC). It seamlessly integrates various components to provide a unified and efficient infrastructure. The integration components within VCF contribute to its versatility, allowing organizations to streamline and enhance their data center operations.
From an operational standpoint, two crucial elements stand out: Metering and Billing. These elements are essential for Service Providers and Partners utilizing VMware Cloud Foundation. Metering involves measuring and tracking resource usage, while Billing ensures accurate calculation and invoicing for services provided through the SDDC.
In summary, Billing is a vital component within VMware Cloud Foundation, enabling Service Providers and Partners to invoice clients accurately based on monitored resource utilization. This capability ensures transparent and fair financial transactions, while also supporting optimal resource management and allocation in the dynamic environment of Software-Defined Data Centers.
What is VMware Chargeback?
VMware Chargeback is a tool provided by VMware that allows service providers to manage and allocate costs associated with virtualized environments. It helps both providers and tenants understand resource consumption and allocate costs accordingly.
VMware Chargeback functions as a plug-in for tenants, offering a metering and billing interface. This interface facilitates the tracking, measurement, and billing of usage and services provided through the VMware Cloud Director service.
What is New Now?
In the realm of service providers utilizing VMware solutions, there is a well-established understanding of chargeback—an approach to tracking and assigning costs based on resource usage. Service providers are typically aware of how chargeback integrates with VMware Cloud Director, a platform for managing cloud resources and services.
With the introduction of VMware Aria Operations version 8.16, there is a significant transformation in how Chargeback is handled. In this release, Chargeback becomes fully integrated into VMware Aria Operations.
Architecture:
Unlike previous versions, Chargeback is no longer a standalone application; instead, it has been seamlessly integrated into the expansive VMware Aria Operations framework. This integration signifies that Chargeback is now an integral part of a larger and interconnected system or platform. It has evolved from being a standalone tool to being intricately designed to operate seamlessly within the broader context of the VMware Aria Operations framework.
Launch Points:
To start the workflow, service providers will begin the process from the VMware Aria Operations page. Within this interface, they can easily integrate VMware Cloud Director with Chargeback. Providers can then set up Chargeback configurations and adjust various outbound settings, such as email configurations.
Providers also have the authority to define Pricing Policies and assign them to the respective tenants. This entails specifying the rules and criteria for applying charges. Additionally, providers can customize billing settings to tailor the financial aspects of their services. They can configure tenant notifications for timely and relevant communication. Furthermore, providers can utilize the system to generate and share detailed reports, providing transparent insights into usage and costs associated with their services.
However, tenant users can access Chargeback capabilities through the VMware Cloud Director portal using the Operation Manager plugin.
Chargeback Feature in VMware Aria Operations Product Page:
VMware Cloud Director (VCD) Operations and Chargeback
All the capabilities of Chargeback (previously known as VMware Chargeback or Tenant App) are available natively in VMware Aria Operations.
Dedicated launchpad view for VMware Cloud Director Infrastructure layer for all key Chargeback and operations capabilities.
Ability to build and assign VMware Cloud Director pricing policies through VMware Aria Operations policies.
Ability to manage tenant view or Operations Manager (metrics, pages, and data retention).
Support for tenant user and email management capabilities.
Support for tenant reports, alerts, and notification management capabilities.
Chargeback overview across Organizations, OVDCs, vApps, and VMs.
Support for bill generation and scheduling.
Support for VMware Cloud Director (VCD 10.5.1 and above) on VMware Aria Operations on-prem (VMware Aria Operations 8.16).
New and improved operations manager plugin in VMware Cloud Director (VCD 10.5.1 and above).
New migration flow to migrate from VMware Chargeback (VMware Chargeback 8.16) to VMware Aria Operations based Chargeback (VMware Aria Operations 8.16) and VMware Cloud Director operations (VCD 10.5.1 and above).
Please Note: VMware Aria Operations 8.16 has many more updates, this blog just focuses on the VMware Chargeback integration.
What challenges does this integration overcome?
Chargeback features seamlessly integrate into the broader VMware Aria Operations environment.
Onboarding is simplified, providing a more user-friendly experience for customers.
No additional tasks are required for maintenance and upgrades of the standalone application.
