vRealize Orchestrator

What is vRealize Orchestrator??

vRealize Orchestrator functions like a universal remote, allowing users to orchestrate (integrate and automate) various datacenter services and software. This capability significantly enables organizations to reduce tasks that once required days or even weeks to mere moments with a single click. Furthermore, it possesses the capability to integrate and automate nearly every web API available globally through REST or SOAP protocols, establishing Orchestrator as one of the most robust tools in the industry.

vRO can work as a standalone tool or be embedded within vRealize Automation (vRA), where it acts as the “engine” behind a lot of the automation magic.

To put it simply: If you’ve ever found yourself performing the same task repeatedly in your VMware environment and thought about finding a way to automate it, vRO is just the solution you’ve been looking for!

Secret – 1

Everywhere you look, people dive straight into workflows and actions when they start learning vRealize Orchestrator (vRO).

While those components are important, they’re not the only exciting aspects of vRO. In fact, there’s something even more powerful that you need to explore first—a hidden gem that many beginners fail to recognize.

Let’s keep this between us, shall we? 😏

Before you rush into workflows, it’s crucial to start with something that will significantly simplify your experience once you grasp it—something often ignored but immensely potent: vRO’s built-in scripting methods and objects, along with the API Explorer.

Consider this:

if you want to take a snapshot of a virtual machine, you may wonder:

• What code do I need to create the snapshot?
• What methods can I call on a VM object?
• What inputs must I provide to the script?

Instead of combing through online resources or making educated guesses, simply open the API Explorer. It provides you with:

• The type of object you’re working with (like VC:VirtualMachine)
• The methods you can use (like createSnapshot())
• The required inputs for each method
• What each method returns

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel… You can leverage something like:

vm.createSnapshot("DailyBackup", "Snapshot created by workflow", false, false); 

Now you might be asking, where do I find these methods? Great question!

🧐 Here’s the secret: The API Explorer in vRO is your cheat sheet for discovering all the available objects and functions that you can use in your scripts. This built-in tool enables you to browse effortlessly through the possibilities in vRO—no memorization required. 

📍 So, where do we use these methods and objects?

Here’s the key point: these objects and methods aren’t just for random code snippets. They are integral to the workflows and actions you will create! We’ll delve into this further soon (trust me, it will be worth your time 😄).

💡 Why does this matter?

• Less guesswork: Stop wasting time Googling or guessing which methods exist. Open the API Explorer and quickly find exactly what you need.
• Simpler scripting: vRO offers ready-made objects and functions for tasks involving VMs, hosts, datastores, and more. Utilize what’s already available instead of trying to create everything from scratch.

Let’s keep this secret under wraps (don’t share it with anyone 😜), but in the upcoming sections, we’ll unlock the true potential of these methods and demonstrate exactly where and how to integrate them into real workflows.

📌 Why is this important?

If you want to automate a task but don’t know what methods are available for a specific object—like a virtual machine—don’t guess or search aimlessly.

Instead, you should:

1. Open the API Explorer.
2. Look up the object type (like VC:VirtualMachine).
3. Review the list of available methods (such as powerOn(), createSnapshot(), etc.).
4. Understand the required inputs and what each method returns.

The API Explorer removes the guesswork. It gives you a clear, organized view of everything you can do with vRO’s built-in objects. For beginners, it’s one of the best ways to understand what tools are already available—so you can focus on building automation instead of figuring out syntax.

Secret – 2

Now that we’ve explored the world of API Explorer—the behind-the-scenes tool that reveals what you can accomplish in scripts—let me share another one of vRO’s best-kept secrets.

It’s not workflows.
It’s not actions.
It’s something much more subtle, but absolutely essential.

🗂️ Inventory — One of vRO’s Most Crucial (and Overlooked) Secrets

Yes, that quiet little tab sitting in the corner of the vRO UI? It’s not just for show. It’s actually the gateway to all the real objects that vRO can work with—your VMs, datastores, hosts, and more.

🧠 What Exactly Is Inventory?

In vRO, Inventory is where your actual infrastructure appears—the items you want to automate. It gets populated through plugins (like vCenter, REST, or Active Directory). Once you’ve connected those systems, vRO automatically pulls in the resources and organizes them in Inventory.

It’s not just a list; it’s a dynamic collection of objects that you can utilize inside your workflows and scripts.

🔌 Where Does Inventory Data Come From?

You might be wondering: How does all this stuff magically appear in Inventory?

Well—it’s not magic………………………….. It’s plugins.

vRO connects to external systems like vCenter, Active Directory, and others using built-in or custom plugins. These plugins pull live, real-time data into Inventory. So when you see a virtual machine or a datastore in the list, that’s not a copy—it’s the actual object, straight from your environment.

That means any change in vCenter? It shows up in Inventory ——> it’s always up-to-date.

🤔 Why Is This So Important?

Let’s say you’ve prepared your script, something like:

vm.createSnapshot("DailyBackup", "Created by workflow", false, false);

Looks great. But hold on… Where’s that vm coming from?

This is where Inventory comes in.

Without Inventory, your script has no knowledge of which VM to use.

With Inventory, you can select a real VM object from your environment, pass it into your workflow, and let the automation happen.

🧪 A Quick Example

In your workflow, you add an input of type VC:VirtualMachine. When you run the workflow, vRO shows you a list of VMs pulled from the Inventory. You choose one, and boom—now your workflow knows exactly which object to use.

System.log("VM selected: " + vm.name);
vm.rebootGuest();

Inventory is what links your code to actual objects—not just abstract variables.

🧩 What Plugins Are Available in vRO?

There are tons of plugins available for vRealize Orchestrator—some come built-in, and others you can download from the VMware Marketplace or third-party sources.

Below is a list of some of the most common and useful plugins. After that, I’ll walk you through a couple of examples on how to configure them (don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds!).

The following plugins are embedded in the vRealize Orchestrator appliance.

• SNMP
• Powershell
• Aria Automation
• vAPI
• SOAP
• SSH
• Active Directory
• vCenter Server
• HTTP REST
• SQL

⚙️ How to Configure a Plugin (One Simple Example)

Let’s take the vCenter plugin as an example.

To configure it, you don’t go to any special settings screen—you actually use a prebuilt workflow that comes with the plugin.

Just follow these steps:

Go to Library → Workflows → Library(Folder in Tree Structure) → navigate to vCenter Folder→ then Configuration → and run the “Add a vCenter Server Instance” workflow.

You’ll just need to provide: The vCenter server URL, A username and password, A few basic connection details (like port or thumbprint if needed)

Once you run it, vRO connects to vCenter and pulls in all your VMs, hosts, datastores, and more into the Inventory.

And here’s the cool part:

Configuring most other plugins—like AD, ServiceNow, or REST—follows almost the same steps, using their own built-in configuration workflows.

So once you’ve done it for one, the rest will feel familiar.

And if you forget the steps?
No problem—just hit up YouTube. There are plenty of walkthroughs to save your day. 😄

🧠 A Little Secret Inside the Secret

Here’s something cool you should know.

Almost every plugin you add to vRO—whether it’s vCenter, AD, ServiceNow, REST, or anything else—comes with its own set of prebuilt workflows and actions.

So instead of writing all the code yourself, you can just use what’s already there.

It saves time, saves effort, and gives your brain a little break. 😌

💭 My Take?

Workflows and actions are what make vRO powerful, no doubt. But Inventory is what gives those workflows substance. It provides your automation with something concrete to act upon.

Inventory Plugins are the real MVPs of vRO.
You can build the fanciest workflow in the world—but without the right plugin, it’s like having a remote with no TV. 📺

No plugin = no party. 🎉

So, while Inventory may not be the flashiest part of vRO, it is undoubtedly one of its most crucial secrets—now that you know about it, you’re already ahead of the curve. 😎

🔓 Now Let’s Talk About the Known Secrets — Workflows & Actions

Alright, we’ve had our fun with the lesser-known secrets like Inventory and Plugins. Now it’s time to open the box of well-known (but still powerful) secrets—Workflows and Actions.

These are the things everyone talks about when they talk about vRO—and for good reason. They’re the heart of automation.

But wait, we’re not done yet…
There are a couple of quiet secret-keepers still hiding in the shadows—most people ignore them, but not us. 😎

The Behind-the-Scenes Heroes: Coding Languages! 🎬✨

Alright, folks! Before we dive into the cinematic world of workflows and actions, let’s take a moment to recognize the behind-the-scenes heroes: the coding languages.

Think of workflows and actions as the blockbuster movie—all the exciting stuff you can see on the screen. But what makes it all happen? That’s right: the unsung heroes behind the scenes—coding languages. They’re like the directors, producers, and set designers—all the elements that bring the movie to life. While they do all the heavy lifting, they don’t always receive the applause they deserve. 👏

So, without further ado, let’s meet the coding crew that powers up your automation cinema!

1. JavaScript: The Director 🎥
   First up is JavaScript—the director of the show. 🎬
   • Why JavaScript?
     • Just as a director is essential to bring a vision to life, JavaScript ensures everything flows smoothly in vRealize Orchestrator (vRO).
     • It’s the go-to language for most tasks, directing everything to ensure the action unfolds seamlessly.
   • When to use it?
     • Whenever you need to automate simple tasks.
     • It’s the backbone of most workflows, ensuring that virtual machines (the actors) show up on time!
2. Node.js: The Special Effects Expert 💥
   Next, we have Node.js—the special effects wizard behind the scenes. 💥
   • Why Node.js?
     • Imagine the thrilling explosions or visual effects in a movie. That’s what Node.js does.
     • it handles demanding tasks, especially when integrating with external systems or APIs.
     • If you need something big and flashy, Node.js is your go-to.
   • When to use it?
     • When you need to connect with other systems or perform complex integrations. If your automation requires special effects to pop, think of Node.js.
3. PowerCLI: The Scriptwriter ✍️
   Then we have PowerCLI, the scriptwriter for the VMware universe. ✍️
   • Why PowerCLI?
     • Just like a scriptwriter crafts perfect dialogue and scenes, PowerCLI writes the commands necessary to manage your VMware environment.
     • It’s the foundation of your VMware automation scripts, ensuring everything goes according to plan.
   • When to use it?
     • Use it when scripting VMware workflows—think of it as the pen behind the action in your VMware-based projects.
4. PowerShell: The Producer 📈
   PowerShell acts like the producer of the movie, managing all behind-the-scenes logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly across systems.
   • Why PowerShell?
     • The producer oversees the show, ensuring that resources are allocated properly.
     • Similarly, PowerShell manages your Windows and VMware systems, keeping everything on track.
   • When to use it?
     • When you need to manage Windows-based systems and VMware automation.
     • It ensures that resources are used effectively, and the automation project gets completed.
5. Python: The Cinematographer 📸
   Last but certainly not least is Python—the cinematographer who captures the entire scene with style. 📸
   • Why Python?
     • Just like a cinematographer makes everything look appealing on camera, Python brings versatility and elegance to automation.
     • It can handle various tasks—cloud, data, integrations—and does it with ease.
   • When to use it?
     • When you want to tackle anything from cloud automation to data processing.
     • Python is the smooth operator that gets the job done, ensuring every task is executed perfectly.

So there you have it: workflows and actions are the movie, and these coding languages are the unsung heroes behind the curtain, making it all happen.

Are you ready to create your own automation blockbuster? 🎬✨

And trust me, we’re just getting started—because next, we’ll dive into workflows and actions.

Grab your popcorn! 🍿

⚡Workflows and Actions: The Automation Superheroes of vRO 💥

Alright, enough suspense! Buckle up because we’re diving into the true rockstars (or MVPs) of vRealize Orchestrator—Workflows and Actions! 🎸🎤

These are the big guns, the main event, the components everyone talks about when discussing automation in vRO. But don’t worry, I’m not here to make it boring. No, no—we’re going to make this fun!

Without workflows and actions, your automation environment would be like a pizza without cheese… just a bit too bland.

👀 Glimpse 👀

Let’s think of workflows as the coolest team of superheroes. 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️

Each hero has their own powers, but together, they save the day—meaning they complete your automation tasks. The actions? They’re like the sidekicks—doing the heavy lifting while the workflow takes the credit. 😂

What Are Workflows?

A workflow is essentially a step-by-step plan to accomplish a task. Think of it like the script for your favorite TV show; it tells vRO what needs to happen and in what order. You wouldn’t want random scenes thrown together, right? You need a cohesive story—a plot.

For example, if you wanted to create a virtual machine (VM), your workflow might look like this:
Step 1: Power on the VM. ✅
Step 2: Install the necessary software. 💻
Step 3: Configure networking. 🌐
Step 4: Email me a status update. 📧

Each step is crucial, much like the plot twists in a good movie. You want everything to flow perfectly!

How to Create Workflow?

Refer this page : How to Create a vRealize Orchestrator workflow

What Are Actions?

Actions are your reliable helpers, performing tasks that can be reused multiple times. Actions are like the sidekicks in the world of automation. They do the heavy lifting while the workflow takes all the credit. 😂

Want to take a snapshot of a VM? There’s an action for that. Need to send an email when a task is complete? Yep, action! The cool thing is—you don’t have to re-invent the wheel every time. Just use the actions that are already in your toolbox.

How Do You Create an Action?

Creating an action is like making a reusable tool. Instead of typing out “Power on VM” every time you need to perform that task, you can create a reusable action to drop into any workflow.

Here’s how to do it:

And just like that, you’ve got yourself a shiny new automation tool! 🦸‍♂️ Every time you need to take a snapshot, you don’t have to write the same code again. Instead, just pull out your custom action and get to work!

Workflows vs. Actions: The Showdown

To summarize: Workflows are the overarching plans—the guides for what should happen and in what order. – Actions are the smaller tasks that you can use repeatedly—your automation sidekicks. Remember: Without workflows, you’re lost. Without actions, you’re stuck.

🧩 Meet the Unsung Heroes: Configuration Elements & Resource Elements

Alright, we’ve talked about the superheroes 🦸‍♂️ (Workflows), the sidekicks 🛠️ (Actions), the backstage crew (coding languages), and the secrets (API Explorer + Inventory)…

Now it’s time to meet two more MVPs that silently power your automation behind the scenes:

Configuration Elements – Your reusable memory bank 🧠

Resource Elements – Your mini content library 📦

Let’s break them down.

🔧 Configuration Elements: Your Automation’s Brain 🧠

Ever built a workflow, hardcoded an IP address, a username, or an API token—and then had to change it in five places later?

Ouch. 😖

That’s where Configuration Elements come in.

📌 What Are Configuration Elements?

Configuration Elements help you store reusable values like IP addresses, usernames, passwords, environment names, or custom settings. Instead of hardcoding them in every workflow, you set them once and use them everywhere.

Think of them as centralized variables or settings you can use across multiple workflows and actions.

Store values like:

• IP addresses
• API keys
• Environment names (“Dev”, “Prod”)
• Custom flags (e.g., isFeatureEnabled = true)

Set once, reuse everywhere 💡

How to read the configuration element data in your work??

Let’s assume, i created a configuration element with the name “App Config” which contains apiEndPoint, Username, Passwords as attributes.

var config = Server.getConfigurationElementCategoryWithPath("AppConfig").configurationElements[0];
var apiEndpoint = config.getAttributeWithKey("apiEndpoint");

🗂️ Where to Find Them

Go to Design tab → Configurations

Create a Configuration Element

Add attributes with data types (string, number, boolean, etc.)

📦 Resource Elements: Your Workflow’s Personal Library

Need to bundle files, templates, JSON, or scripts inside your workflow? Welcome to the world of Resource Elements.

📌 What Are Resource Elements?

Resource Elements let you store things like scripts, templates, JSON files, XML, or even small binary files—right inside vRO. Perfect for packaging content with your workflows.

These are files or binary blobs that you can store within vRO and access during runtime.

You can store:

• JSON request templates
• PowerShell or Shell scripts
• XML payloads
• HTML email templates
• Certificates, configs, etc.

Think of it like a backpack for your workflow—you toss in everything it might need on the go.

🧠 Why Use Them?

Keep important files bundled inside the workflow package

Avoid external dependencies

Make your workflows portable and easier to export/import

Access them easily in scripts via built-in functions like getAttributeWithKey() or attributes.

How to read Resource Elements Data in the workflow/action?

Let’s assume, i created a resource element with the name “WelcomeEmail.html” in Templates Folder

var resource = ResourceElementManager.getResourceElement("Templates/WelcomeEmail.html");
var content = resource.getContentAsMimeAttachment().content;

🎬 Final Takeaway

Most people focus on Workflows and Actions—and yes, they’re exciting. But if you’re serious about building clean, scalable, and portable automation, then Configuration Elements and Resource Elements are essential.

They’re like the supporting actors who don’t say much—but when you remove them, the whole show falls apart. 🎭

Here are the examples to write code

• Active Directory integration using vRO