Resources
The tools, docs, labs and people I keep coming back to, with a quick note on what each one is and why it’s worth your time.
- Automation & IaC
Terraform Provider for VMware Cloud Foundation
github.com/vmware/terraform-provider-vcfThe official Terraform provider for VCF, maintained by VMware on GitHub. It drives VCF bring-up, workload domains, clusters and other lifecycle tasks through the SDDC Manager and VCF Installer APIs.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)It turns VCF deployments into repeatable code. The README’s compatibility table tells you which VCF versions each release supports, and the issues and pull requests show what’s coming next.
- Tools & SDKs
PowerCLI
developer.broadcom.com/powercliBroadcom’s PowerShell modules for managing vSphere, vSAN, NSX, VCF and more, with cmdlet references and release notes on the Broadcom developer portal.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)The quickest way to script anything in a VMware estate, from one-off reports to full automation. Most of the PowerShell on this blog builds on it.
- Tools & SDKs
VCF Readiness
github.com/vmware/vcf-readinessA zero-dependency Python tool from VMware that connects read-only to server BMCs (iDRAC, iLO, Supermicro, Cisco IMC, Lenovo XCC) over Redfish. It produces per-host HTML reports on whether existing hardware can run VCF 9.1: CPU support, vSAN ESA/OSA readiness, TPM 2.0, drive health, NICs, GPUs and more, plus a BMC security audit and fleet exports to Excel/CSV.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)A fast, safe way to find out whether servers you already own, home-lab kit included, can be repurposed for VCF 9.1 before you spend money on new hardware. Run it from the browser UI, the CLI or a prebuilt binary.
- Home lab
Holodeck
vmware.github.io/Holodeck/9.1VMware’s toolkit for deploying a complete, nested VCF environment on a single host, with documentation for the 9.1 release.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)The fastest route to a working VCF 9.1 lab for learning, testing upgrades or trying new features, without needing a rack of hardware.
- Blogs & video
vBarbecue
youtube.com/@vBarbecue/streamsA VMware community YouTube channel with live streams on vSphere, VMware Cloud Foundation and the wider virtualisation world.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)Relaxed, practitioner-led sessions that are a good way to keep up with the community and pick up real-world tips.
- Blogs & video
William Lam
williamlam.comWilliam Lam’s long-running blog covering VMware automation, nested labs and unsupported-but-useful tricks.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)Usually the first place a new lab workaround, script or hardware tip appears. Essential reading for anyone running VCF at home.
- Docs & reference
VMware Cloud Foundation 9.1 release notes
techdocs.broadcom.comThe Broadcom TechDocs index of VCF 9.1 release notes, covering each release, patch and component, with links on to the wider 9.x documentation.
Why it’s useful(opens in a new tab)The source of truth. Check the release notes and known issues here before any upgrade.
Know something that belongs here?
A tool, repo, blog or channel that’s saved you time? Send it over.