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Deploying a Single Host SDDC with Terraform and PowerShell

In my previous article, I discussed how to deploy a Single Host SDDC through the VMware Cloud on AWS web console. One of the pre-requisites for successful deployment is setting up an AWS VPC with networking in place. While this can be done through the AWS console, I chose to automate the process using Terraform and PowerShell.

Terraform Plan

I have created a Terraform plan that sets up an AWS VPC with two subnets, one for the SDDC and another for the VMware Cloud Management Server (VCMS). The plan can be found on GitHub here: .

The Terraform plan does a couple of things:

1. Creates an AWS VPC with two subnets.

2. Creates an SDDC in the first subnet.

3. Creates a VCMS in the second subnet.

4. Configures the SDDC and VCMS with the necessary networking and security settings.

PowerShell Scripts

To deploy the SDDC through PowerShell, I am using two scripts:

1. A script that deploys the SDDC through PowerShell while the second one is a module that allows some interactivity via commandlets to do things such as export and import Firewall rules. The first script can be found here: .

2. A script that exports and imports Firewall rules, which can be found here: .

Using these scripts and the Terraform plan, I can automate the deployment of a Single Host SDDC with minimal manual intervention. The scripts reduce the time to deploy a new SDDC beyond just setting up an AWS VPC and create a more efficient way to deploy and manage SDDCs.

Benefits of Automation

There are several benefits to automating the deployment of a Single Host SDDC:

1. Faster Deployment Time: Using Terraform and PowerShell, the deployment time is significantly reduced compared to doing it manually through the AWS console.

2. Consistency: Automation ensures consistency in the deployment process, which is essential for repeatability and reliability.

3. Reusability: The scripts and plan can be reused multiple times, making future deployments much faster and more efficient.

4. Easier Management: With automation, it’s easier to manage and maintain SDDCs, as changes can be made quickly and easily through the scripts and Terraform plan.

Limitation of Single Host SDDC

While a Single Host SDDC is a great way to test the waters and explore the features of VMware Cloud on AWS, there are some limitations to consider:

1. Max Lifetime: The maximum lifetime for a Single Instance deployment is 30 days from creation.

2. Interactivity: Given the nature of the VMworld session around the automation and orchestration of Veeam and VMC, starting from scratch every time can be time-consuming and inefficient.

3. Resource Constraints: The Single Host SDDC is limited to a single host, which means it may not be suitable for larger or more complex deployments.

In conclusion, automating the deployment of a Single Host SDDC through Terraform and PowerShell can save time and make the process more efficient. However, it’s important to consider the limitations of this type of deployment and evaluate if it meets your needs before proceeding.