If you manage vSphere in a Windows environment, automating routine tasks can save you time and increase efficiency. VMware vSphere PowerCLI is a set of pre-built commands based on Windows PowerShell that is designed to help you automate vSphere processes involving virtual machines, datacenters, storage, networks, and more. This detailed guide—using a practical, task-based approach and real-world examples—shows you how to get the most out of PowerCLI's handy cmdlets.

Learn how to:

• Automate vCenter Server and ESX/ESX(i) Server deployment and configuration

• Create and configure virtual machines and use vApps

• Secure, back up, and restore your virtual machines

• Monitor, audit, and report the status of your vSphere environment

• Use the PowerCLI SDK, PowerWF Studio, and vEcoShell

• Schedule and view automation

• Add a GUI front end to your scripts