This started as an article for a really random error I got when installing the vCMA (vCenter Mobile Access) fling today, but I’ve added a few extra tips for those not used to managing appliances.
As per most other VMware appliances, the vCMA is based on CentOS, so most CentOS commands will work.
Where do I download it from?
The vCMA appliance can be downloaded from:
http://labs.vmware.com/flings/vcma
JavaScript TypeError exception
After connecting to https://your-vcma-address:5480 and logging in with the default username and password (root/vmware) from Firefox, I was presented with the following error:
Uncaught Exception: com.google.gwt.core.client.JavaScriptException: JavaScript TypeError exception: Object doesn't support property or method 'setExpression'
This would appear to be an incompatibility with browsers as it occurs in Firefox, works intermittently with IE, but appears to work fine with Chrome (Windows) or Safari (iPad). I haven’t tested any other browsers / platforms to date.
vCMA Address
The new default vCMA address now requires HTTPS:
https://vcma-address:5480
vCMA Default Password
User: root
Password: vmware [change this asap after installation as per below!]
Change Your vCMA Root Password
Once your vCMA is up and running, log in via the console, or SSH as root, and change your root password using the following command:
passwd
Changing your timezone in vCMA
If you then want to change your timezone, use the following steps (modified from this post by Chris Jean, thanks Chris!):
First, make a backup of the existing localtime file. It’s always good practice to make backups of original config files.
mv /etc/localtime /etc/localtime.bak
Next, create the link:
ln -s /usr/share/zoneinfo/Europe/London /etc/localtime
Make sure to replace “Europe/London” with the directory (if your zone has one) and filename of the timezone you wish to use.
Now you just need to test your change. Run “date” from the command line, and ensure that the appropriate time, date, and timezone are reported.
Connecting from your iPad
Once you have the vCMA up and running, download and install the VMware vSphere Client for iPad:
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/vmware-vsphere-client-for/id417323354?mt=8
Enter the hostname or IP address of your vCMA server.
You will then be presented with the main login screen to allow access to your vSphere infrastructure. You can then connect either to the address of an ESXi host or your vCenter server using the appropriate address/username/password combo.
That’s about it for today. If I find any other useful vCMA tips I will update the article, or alternatively if you have any good vCMA tips, please feel free to comment / share below!