Zerto released 4.0 in early May and with it came a lot of great new features like on premise replication to AWS and cross hypervisor replication.  The new user interface has been updated to HTML 5.  It is a simpler and easier interface to use when protecting your environment.  You can find out all the info you need on the new features at Zerto.com

This blog series will be focused on installation of Zerto Virtual Manager, VRA deployment, VM protection and failover.

My Home Lab Setup

Hardware

• 3 Desktop cases
• 2 Desktops with i5 Processors, 32GB Memory, 1 nic for Management/vMotion, 1 nic for NFS
• 1 Desktop with Dual Quad Core , 24GB Memory, 1 nic for management, 1 nic for NFS
• HP 1810 8 port managed switch
• Synology DS 413j with 2TB disks with Raid 1/0

Setup

• Prod and DR Cluster
• 2 hosts in Prod and 1 in DR
• 1 Domain Controller (2012 R2)
• 1 Zerto Virtual Manager per site (2012 R2)
• 1 Zerto Virtual Replicator Appliance per host

You can download the files needed from the Zerto support portal. You will need .Net 4.0 and the Zerto Virtual Replication Installer.

Installation

Launch the Zerto Virtual Replication Installer

Accept the License Agreement

Select Destination

Choose the Installation type.  I will be doing the Custom Install as it is recommend for production environments.

ZVM Setup.  Enter the connection settings for the ZVM including all of the required ports.

Select the Service User Account. I setup a local account called “Zerto” and made it a local admin.  I like creating separate service accounts just for the purpose of logging.

Add in the Site Details

vCenter Server Connectivity.

ZVM has the ability to connect to VMware vCloud Director.  Leave the option unchecked.

At this point the installer will proceed with checking the prerequisites.  It will check vCenter connectivity, Window Service Account and open any firewall ports if needed.

Configuration will then take place

Once the Configuration has completed you can login to the ZVM Interface.  You will be prompted for a License and that point.

Below is the New User Interface.

As you can see the ZVM install is as simple as it has always been.  You will need to do the same setup at your DR location.  My next blog will cover VRA installation and Site Pairing.