Scripting VMware Power Tools shows readers scripting techniques using both ESX and Linux commands to automate administrative tasks of ESX Server. It covers VMware ESX Server native tools and discusses in detail the different scripting APIs and how they can be used to provide some very useful, practical, and time-saving tools to manage a virtual infrastructure. From virtual server provisioning to backups, and everything in between, this book is a one-stop shop for virtual tools!

• Set Up Scripted Installation
  See how a scripted installation method can be a fast and efficient way to provision ESX hosts.
• Master ESX Native Tools
  Use tools like Esxtop to diagnose performance issues and vmkfstools to import and export disk files.
• Install and Use VMware Scripting APIs
  Develop programs to help automate and ease administration-even with a limited background in scripting or programming.
• Create a Virtual Machine Using Command-Line Tools
  Script and clone virtual machines using Perl and ESX Shell Scripts.
• Converting IDE Drives to SCSI Drives
  Learn the steps to move virtual machines around from one platform to another.
• Establish a Physical to Virtual (P2V) Migration Process
  Analyze the various P2V techniques, methods, and software available.
• Learn the Fundamentals of a VM Backup
  VMware ESX ships with three scripts that work together to create a backup and restore system: vmsnap.pl, vmsnap_all.pl, and vmres.pl.
• Configure PowerChute Network Shutdown
  Create and configure ESX host's PowerChute and configure PCNS shutdown settings on the UPS.
• Extend a Cloned Windows VM's Root Partition
  Use Microsoft's Sysprep utility to extend a newly deployed virtual machine's root partition from the original clone size to a larger size.

• Scripted Installation
• An Introduction to ESX Native Tools and How to Use Them
• Scripting and Programming for the Virtual Infrastructure
• Building a VM
• Modifying VMs
• Instant Disk: How to P2V for Free
• Scripting Hot Backups and Recovery for Virtual Machines
• Other Cool Tools and Tricks
• Appendix A All Scripts and Program Source