We are excited to announce the General Availability of VMware vCloud Usage Meter (UM) v4.8, starting on February 6th, 2024.
VMware vCloud Usage Meter is a virtual appliance that is designed to be installed on a vCenter Server instance. Its main purpose is to collect consumption data for products within the Cloud Service Provider and generate detailed reports.
It is important to note that Usage Meter version 4.8 is the only and mandatory tool that VMware Cloud Service Providers are authorized and required to use for metering usage within the Broadcom Advantage Program (BAP) for CORE UTILIZATION. Any VMware Cloud Service Provider using a previous version of Usage Meter must upgrade to this specified version before the start of the Broadcom Advantage Program on April 1st, 2024. This compliance is crucial and non-negotiable.
What’s New in this release?
Core Metering
Usage Meter 4.8 provides comprehensive support for independent clusters and effectively meters Core utilization in the new Broadcom Advantage Program. This allows the software to manage and track the usage of separate clusters while accurately metering Core utilization.
Photon OS Upgrade
We are upgrading our Usage Meter 4.8 appliance from Photon OS 3 to Photon OS 4 to enhance supportability and strengthen our infrastructure. This upgrade ensures that our metering system stays aligned with industry standards and benefits from improved support features, security protocols, and performance optimizations.
Security Updates Addressing
Non-Vulnerability Updates: This release includes essential non-vulnerability updates to enhance performance, stability, and overall user experience. While security patches are important, non-vulnerability updates help maintain system integrity and optimize functionality.
FIPS Updates: We are upgrading the FIPS library to the latest version to maintain high security standards and compliance. FIPS-certified libraries play a key role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring cryptographic integrity.
TLS 1.3: Support for TLS 1.3 has been introduced to enhance secure data transmission protocols, improving encryption and protection against eavesdropping.
Rebranding vRealize
vRealize is being rebranded to Aria in this release, symbolizing the platform’s evolution to provide modern enterprises with streamlined cloud management and automation capabilities.
Bug Fix
The issue with Avi Load Balancer Usage Meter detecting service engines linked to the Standard Avi Load Balancer license edition has been resolved.
Why is this Version of UM important for the VCSPs?
It is crucial to emphasize that Usage Meter 4.8 fully supports separate clusters and Core utilization metering, making it essential for effectively metering the environment once the Broadcom Advantage Program begins on April 1st, 2024. Upgrading to version 4.8 is of utmost importance.
Upgrade Path to Usage Meter v4.8
Check the upgrade path to Usage Meter 4.8 here.
Other Useful Resources
For more information on Usage Meter 4.8, refer to the Release Notes, Deployment and Administration Guide, and Security Reference Guide. Visit the cloud solutions Web Page for additional resources.
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Download Usage Meter 4.8 here.
Usage Meter 4.8 Interoperability with VCF
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Upgrade to Usage Meter 4.8, NOW…!
