Using Self-Service Provisioning

Service Requests

You can use the self-service provisioning feature to create a service request to provision virtual machines (VMs), services, or applications. The service request process produces a provisioning workflow for VM creation that includes the following actions:

  • Budget validation

  • Dynamic resource allocation

  • Approvals

  • Provisioning

  • Lifecycle setup and notification


Note

If you change the number of CPU Cores or memory allocation while in the Deployment Configuration pane, the total cost is automatically updated and displayed.

To provision a VM or execute an orchestration workflow, you must first create a service request. If desired, you can require approval from one or two administrators or designated users before the VM is provisioned or the workflow executed. VMs can be immediately approved or scheduled to be approved within a maximum of 90 days from the original request.

Service Request Workflows

The service request workflow can be summarized into several stages:

  • Initiation—Service request initiation.
  • Resource Allocation—Resources required for VM provisioning.
  • Approval—The group's virtual data center (vDC) defines the approval process for a service request. The service request approver is sent an email that describe the request. Once the approver approves the request, the VM is provisioned.
  • Provision—The act of provisioning a VM.
  • Setup Lifecycle Schedule— The scheduled and termination time.
  • Notify—An email notice is sent to the user stating the VM is provisioned.
If defined, the following process may also be applicable to the service request workflow:

  • Budget Watch (Optional)—This process determines if sufficient resources are available to provision a VM for the group. You can view a resource by choosing the Organization > Resource limit tab. After you submit a request, you can view its status by choosing View Details.

Creating A Service Request for a Standard Catalog

The administrator publishes catalogs to a group and an end user can choose the required catalog to create a service request. The administrator provides the Self-Service portal with orchestration workflows in the form of catalogs. A catalog, published by the administrator, can be a standard catalog, advanced, or service container.

Important:

You can complete this procedure only if the administrator has enabled the Create Service Request permission for your role. This Create Service Request permission enables or disables the Create Request option that is accessible only from the Services menu option. It does not have any impact on the Create Request option from the Catalog menu option.

Procedure
    Step 1   On the menu bar, choose Services.
    Step 2   Click the Service Requests tab.
    Step 3   Click Create Request.
    Step 4   In the Create Service Request dialog box, complete the following field:
    Name Description

    Catalog Type drop-down list

    The type of catalog type. Choose Standard.

    The other options include:

    • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

    • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

    Step 5   Click Submit.
    Step 6   In the Catalog Selection pane, complete the following fields:

    Name

    Description

    VM Ownership

    Customer Organization radio button

    Select this radio button to choose the customer organizations for which a VM is provisioned.

    Customer Organizations: field

    Click Select to choose the customer organizations to which you want to provision the VM.

    Note   

    Customer organizations that have valid vDCs are displayed.

    This field is visible only when you select the Group radio button.

    User radio button

    Select this radio button to choose the users to whom you want a VM is provisioned.

    User field

    Click Select to choose the users to whom you want to provision the VM. This list is populated with users from groups which allow resource assignment to users.

    Note   

    Currently, only VMs that are in a VMware cloud can be assigned to a specific end user.

    Catalog Type drop-down list

    Displays the catalog type that you previously selected. It can be one of the following:

    • Standard

    • Advanced

    • Service Container

    Select Catalog drop-down list

    Choose the catalog that is used for VM provisioning.

    Perform deployment assessment check box

    Check this check box to perform an assessment of the budget allocation, resource limits and resource availability prior to submitting a service request. After you check this check box, the summary of the assessment is displayed in the Deployment Assessment pane.

    Important:

    This option is visible only for VMware catalogs, and for catalogs that are not ISO-based.

    Step 7   Click Next. The Deployment Configuration screen appears.
    Step 8   In the Deployment Specification screen, complete the following fields:

    Name

    Description

    Select VDC drop-down list

    The VDC on which the VM is provisioned.

    VDCs are defined by the administrator.

    Comment field

    Any comments relating to the deployment configuration.

    Provision drop-down list

    Choose either Now or Later.

    When you choose Now, the VM is provisioned immediately or up to 90 days in the future. When you choose Later, a calendar for the Day, drop-down lists for the Hour and Minute, and radio buttons for AM or PM appear.

    Important:

    This check box is visible only if the administrator has unchecked the Hide end user VM provision later check box.

    Lease Time check box

    Check this check box to configure a lease time for the VM.

    The lifetime of the VM can be assigned in terms of days and hours after the VM is terminated (automatically). The VM is terminated after the specified number of days and hours have elapsed.

    Important:

    This field is editable only if the administrator has not specified a lease time in the catalog used for VM provisioning and has unchecked the Hide end user lease configuration check box.

    Days field

    The number of days after which the VM is terminated.

    Note   

    This option appears when the Lease Time check box is checked.

    Hours field

    Choose the number of hours after which the VM is terminated.

    Note   

    This option appears when the Lease Time check box is checked.

    VM Name Suffix field

    Specify a VM suffix name if required. The name (label) is appended to the VM name.

    Note   

    You receive this option only if it is enabled by the administrator in the VMware System Policy associated to the (above selected) vDC.

    Default Cost Computation Period Settings

    Attention:

    These fields are displayed only when the Lease Time check box is unchecked. The cost computation is displayed in the Summary pane.

    Charge Duration drop-down list

    Choose a charge duration from the drop-down list. It can be Monthly, Hourly, or Daily.

    Month field

    If you selected Monthly as the charge duration, then specify the number of months the default cost must be calculated for.

    Hourly field

    If you selected Hourly as the charge duration, then specify the number of hours the default cost must be calculated for.

    Daily field

    If you selected Daily as the charge duration, then specify the number of days to be included in the cost computation.

    Step 9   Click Next.

    In the Custom Specification screen, complete the following fields.

    Name Description

    CPU Cores field

    The number of CPUs being utilized for the VM being provisioned. This list is available only if you configured the resizing option in the computing policy.

    Memory field

    The amount of memory for the VM being provisioned. This list is available only if you have configured the resizing option in the computing policy.

    Disks field

    The datastore for the VM being provisioned. The list of datastores available for selection depends upon the conditions established in the storage policy. You can enable or disable this option in the storage policy.

    Storage Tier field

    The storage entry for the VM being provisioned. This list appears only if the Virtual Storage Catalog is enabled for the selected catalog.

    Select Datastore drop-down list

    Choose a datastore. Click Submit to confirm your selection. For templates with multiple disks, you must repeat the datastore selection process for each disk.
    Note   

    You can select only one datastore for each disk category (System, Data, Database, Swap, and Log). The list of datastore items depends upon the scope conditions in the storage policy.

    Step 10   Click Next.

    The Custom Workflow Inputs screen appears. Custom workflow inputs are applicable, if the catalog selected for VM provisioning has Post Provisioning Custom Actions selected during catalog creation. In this scenario, the post provisioning workflow allows end users to specify custom inputs. The inputs option depends upon the workflow attached to a catalog. Complete the following fields:

    Name Description

    MAC Address field

    The MAC address of the server.

    IP Address field

    The IP address of the server.

    Host Name field

    The hostname of the server.

    Step 11   Click Next.
    Step 12   If you checked the Perform deployment assessment check box, then review the report of the assessment displayed in the Deployment Assessment pane.

    If this assessment report identifies errors, then you must return to the previous panes and rectify the errors before submitting the request. If the assessment report shows no errors, then you can proceed to the next pane.

    Step 13   Click Next.

    The Summary screen appears. Review the information for accuracy.

    Step 14   Click Submit.

    The Submit Result dialog box confirms that the service request was submitted successfully.

    What to Do Next

    View the service request status.

    Creating a Service Request for an Advanced Catalog

    The administrator publishes catalogs to a group and end users choose the required catalog to create a service request. A catalog published by the administrator can be a standard catalog (VM creation), advanced catalog (orchestration workflow), or a service container (application container).

    Before You Begin

    This type of service request requires that an advanced-type catalog be available for selection.

    Procedure
      Step 1   On the menu bar, choose Services.
      Step 2   Click the Service Requests tab.
      Step 3   Click Create Request.
      Step 4   In the Create Service Request dialog box (Catalog Selection pane), complete the following fields:
      Name Description

      Catalog Type drop-down list

      The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

      • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

      • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

      • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

      Select Catalog drop-down list

      Choose a VM to be provisioned. A catalog is a VM in a catalog format.

      Step 5   In the Catalog Type drop-down list, choose Advanced.

      The Create Service Request page appears.

      Step 6   Choose a catalog from the Catalog drop-down list.
      Step 7   Click Next.
      Step 8   From the Workflow drop-down list, choose a service container.

      The Summary pane appears. Review the information for accuracy.

      Step 9   Click Submit.

      The Submit Result dialog box confirms that the service request was submitted successfully.

      What to Do Next

      View your existing service requests.

      Creating a Service Request for Service Container Catalogs

      The administrator publishes catalogs to a group and end users choose the required catalog to create a service request. A catalog published by the administrator can be a standard catalog (VM creation), advanced catalog (orchestration workflow), or service container (application container).

      Before You Begin

      This type of service request requires that a service container catalog be available for selection.

      Procedure
        Step 1   On the menu bar, choose Services.
        Step 2   Click the Service Requests tab.
        Step 3   Click Create Request.
        Step 4   In the Create Service Request dialog box (Catalog Selection pane), complete the following fields:
        Name Description

        Catalog Type drop-down list

        The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

        • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

        • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

        • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

        Select Catalog drop-down list

        Choose a VM to be provisioned. A catalog is a VM in a catalog format.

        Step 5   In the Catalog Type drop-down list, choose Service Container.

        The Create Service Request page appears.

        Step 6   Choose a catalog from the Catalog drop-down list.
        Step 7   Click Next.
        Step 8   In the Summary pane, review the information for accuracy, and then click Submit..

        The Submit Result dialog box confirms that the service request was submitted successfully.

        What to Do Next

        View your existing service requests.

        Viewing the Service Request Status

        Before You Begin Create a service request.

        Procedure
          Step 1   Choose Services > the Service Request tab.
          Step 2   Choose a service request.
          Step 3   Click View Details.
          The Service Request screen provides the details regarding the service request and the related workflow steps. From this page you view the status for each workflow step. Details, such as the time, are also displayed in addition to each step's status (color-coded).

          • Grey—Indicates the step still needs to be completed.

          • Green—Indicates the step completed successfully.

          • Red—Indicates the step failed. The reason for the failure is also specified under the step.

          • Blue—Indicates more input is required from the user for the step to be completed. For example, if an approver was defined for this service request, blue indicates that the service request is waiting for approval.

          Name Description

          Overview section

          Request ID field

          The service request ID number.

          Request Type field

          The type of request (for example, VM)

          vDC field

          The vDC where the VM is provisioned.

          Image field

          The image used in provisioning the VM.

          Request Time field

          The time the service request was created.

          Request Status field

          The status of the service request (for example, Complete, Canceled, or Failed).

          Comments field

          Comments added during the service request creation.

          Ownership section

          Group field

          The group to which the user requesting the service request belongs.

          Initiating User field

          The user who initiated the service request.

          Duration Hours field

          The time period for which the VM is active. If defined, the VM is deleted after the specified time.

          Scheduled Time field

          The time period after which the VM is provisioned. If defined, the VM is provisioned at 6 a.m. on the scheduled dates. If not defined, the VM is provisioned as soon as the workflow for the requests is complete.

          Catalog Information section

          vDC Owner Email

          The email ID of the administrator who created the vDC.

          Approving Users section

          The user who needs to approve a service request for a successful VM provisioning.

          Catalog Item Name

          The name of the catalog item to use in provisioning.

          Catalog Item Description section

          SR Cost field

          The projected cost of provisioning the VM. This cost is determined based on the cost model defined for the catalog item.
          Note   

          Approvers can view service requests that need their approval under the Approvals tab.

          Creating a Deferred Provisioning Service Request

          You can schedule VM provisioning for a later time and day using the Deferred Provisioning feature.

          Procedure
            Step 1   On the menu bar, click Service and choose Service Requests.
            Step 2   On the Service Requests tab, click Create Request.
            Step 3   In the Create Service Request screen, complete the following fields:
            Name Description

            Catalog Type drop-down list

            Choose one of the following types of catalog:

            • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

            • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

            • Service Container—This catalog type is used application containers.

            Select Catalog drop down list

            Choose a catalog.

            Step 4   Click Next.
            Step 5   In the Deployment Configuration screen, complete the following fields to define the configuration:
            Name Description

            Select VDC drop-down list

            Choose a VDC.

            Comments field

            The comments added during the service request creation.

            Provision drop-down list

            Choose a provisional state:

            • Later—Choose to enter a specific date and time.

            • Now—Choose to start the provision now.

            Power OFF the VM after check box

            If checked, the system powers off the VM after provisioning is complete.

            Step 6   Click Close.

            Using Service Request VM Provisioning

            Using the Self-Service Portal you can provision a VM exclusively for the end user. If the Assign to user check box is checked, the end user provisioning the VM is assigned ownership. Once the VM is provisioned it is assigned to the end user. If the Assign to user check box is not checked, the VM is provisioned to a (IT) group. Any user within that group can see that VM.

            Procedure
              Step 1   On the menu bar, choose Service > the Service Requests tab.
              Step 2   Click Create Request.
              Step 3   In the Create Request dialog box (Catalog Selection screen), complete the following fields:
              Name Description

              Catalog Type drop-down list

              The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

              • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

              • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

              • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

              Step 4   Click Submit.
              Step 5   In the Catalog Selection screen, complete the following fields:
              Name Description

              Assign to user check box

              If checked, the end user provisioning the VM is assigned ownership. Once the VM is provisioned it is assigned to the end user. If the Assign to user check box is not checked, the VM is provisioned to a (IT) group. Any user within that group can see that VM.

              Catalog Type drop-down list

              The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

              • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

              • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

              • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

              Select Catalog drop-down list

              Choose a VM to be provisioned. A catalog is a VM in a catalog format.

              Step 6   Click Next.
              Step 7   In the Deployment Configuration screen complete the following fields:
              Name Description

              Select VDC drop-down list

              If checked, the end user provisioning the VM is assigned ownership. Once the VM is provisioned it is assigned to the end user. If the Assign to user check box is not checked, the VM is provisioned to a (IT) group. Any user within that group can see that VM.

              Comment field

              The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

              • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

              • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

              • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

              Provision drop-down list

              Choose a VM to be provisioned. A catalog is a VM in a catalog format.

              Lease Time check box

              The lease time of the VM.

              Step 8   Click Next.
              Step 9   In the Custom Specification screen, complete the following fields:
              Name Description

              CPU Cores drop-down list

              Choose the CPU core for the VM being provisioned.

              Memory drop-down list

              Choose the amount of memory for the VM being provisioned.

              Step 10   Click Next.
              Step 11   Review the Summary screen.

              Adding VMs to an Existing Application Container

              Before You Begin

              The ability for an self-service user to provision a container is defined using the Administrator GUI. Refer to the Cisco UCS Director Administration Guide for additional information. The administrator must assign a catalog to a specific group. Once that task is accomplished you can view the catalog-to-group association in the Self-Service portal.

              Procedure
                Step 1   On the menu bar, choose Catalog.
                Step 2   Click on a catalog.
                Step 3   In the Create Service Request dialog box (Catalog Selection screen), complete the following fields:
                Name Description

                Catalog Type drop-down list

                The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

                • Standard—This catalog type is used for standard catalogs.

                • Advanced—This catalog type is used exclusively for the orchestration workflow.

                • Service Container—This catalog type is used in application containers.

                Select Catalog drop-down list

                Choose a VM to be provisioned. A catalog is a VM in a catalog format.

                Step 4   In the Catalog Type drop-down list, choose Service Container.
                Step 5   Choose a catalog from the Catalog drop-down list.
                Step 6   Click Next.
                Step 7   In the Deployment Configuration screen, complete the following fields:
                Name Description

                Comment field

                The type of catalog type. Choose one of the following:

                Provision drop-down list

                Choose either Now or Later. If Later is chosen, enter a specific time and date.

                Service Container Name field

                The name of the service container.

                Step 8   Click Next.
                Step 9   Click Submit.

                The Submit Result dialog box confirms that the service request was submitted successfully.

                Step 10   On the menu bar, choose Virtual Resources > Application Containers.
                Step 11   Click the application container.
                Step 12   Click Add VMs.
                Step 13   In the Manage VMs dialog box click the Pencil.
                Step 14   In the Edit Virtual Machines Entry dialog box, complete the following fields:
                Name Description

                Additional VMs field

                The number of additional VM instances.
                Note   

                The maximum number of VM instances is defined using the Administrator GUI. If you enter a value higher than allowed, you are presented with an error message.

                Step 15   Click Submit.