Upgrading to vCenter Server 6.x: What Every Administrator Must Check

Upgrading to vCenter Server 6.x isn't just about clicking “upgrade” and hoping for the best. It's more like preparing for a big trip—you want to make sure your suitcase (or in this case, your virtual machine) is packed just right. So let’s unpack what an administrator needs to check before embarking on this journey.

Is Windows Server 2008 R2 a Suitable Option?
Before we dive into the meaty essence of upgrading, let's touch briefly on supported operating systems. Yes, Windows Server 2008 R2 is supported for vCenter Server—but that’s not the focus here. You might think, “Hey, I got that covered.” Excellent! However, that’s only a small piece of the puzzle.

Sufficient Resources: The Heart of the Matter
When preparing for the upgrade, the real gold nugget of wisdom lies in checking if the virtual machine hosting your vCenter Server has sufficient resources for the size of your environment. Imagine trying to host a party in a tiny apartment; not enough room equals chaos. Similarly, without adequate CPU, memory, and storage, you might face performance hiccups, instability, or, even worse, an incomplete upgrade.

So, why is this point so critical? vCenter Server is like the conductor of an orchestra, ensuring that every component of your virtual environment plays in harmony. If it lacks the resources, chaos reigns, and you might find yourself in the weeds, dealing with unnecessary downtime and recovery tasks.

Managing Your Environment
You might ponder whether a single vCenter Server can handle your entire environment. Sure, in many cases, it can! But just because you can manage everything from one server doesn’t mean you should. The focus here is more on ensuring that the server you have can actually manage the resources you expect it to handle. It’s about being pragmatic and thoughtful in your approach.

What About the Platform Services Controller?
Now, let’s glance at the Platform Services Controller. Some might think it needs to shift to an External deployment, but that’s somewhat overshadowed by the prior considerations. Remember, while you need to ensure your environment is capable and well supported, it’s essential to keep your server’s resource needs at the forefront.

Wrapping it All Up
Ultimately, as you gear up for this upgrade, don’t fall into the trap of rushing through preparations. Checking that your virtual machine meets the resource specifications is your foundation—it’s what keeps the entire structure stable. It’s the difference between a smooth upgrade and a bumpy ride filled with detours and pit stops.

So, as you map out your upgrade strategy, remember: sufficient resources for the virtual machine are non-negotiable. Pay attention to these aspects, and you’re more likely to enjoy a seamless transition to vCenter Server 6.x. Trust me, your future self (and probably your team) will thank you for it.