VMware Aria Operations License consumption does not show VCF_Enabled through vCenter Server

Products

• VCF Operations/Automation (formerly VMware Aria Suite)

Issue/Introduction

License consumption in Aria Operations is tracked against the vCenter license when VMware vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus for VCF license is applied on vCenter, and is entitled though the VCF license applied to vCenter server.

After applying the VMware vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus for VCF on vCenter Server 8.0U2b and above, Aria Operations still runs on the legacy license. 

The issue persists even after validating the below:

• vCenter server is running version 8.0U2b and above
• The vCenter server with the VCF license is added to Aria Operations and is collecting 
• The account used for collection on vCenter adapter in Aria Operations has the privileges to access the license 

Environment

Aria Operations 8.18.x 

Cause

Even though the VMware vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus for VCF license is added to the vCenter, the vCenter is still assigned to the vCenter 8 Standard License.  

Resolution

To resolve the issue, please follow the below steps to assign the vCenter to the Enterprise VCF license : 

• Login to the vCenter where the VCF license is added.
• Go to Inventory -> vCenter, right click, and click 'Assign License'.
• Select the Enterprise Plus VCF License and save.
• Remove the old vCenter 8 Standard License from the vCenter from under Administration -> Licensing 
• Login to Aria Operations and wait for one collection cycle. 
• VMware Aria Operations License should show 'VCF_ENABLED' under Subscriptions -> License Keys  

 

Additional Information

The VMware vSphere 8 Enterprise Plus for VCF license is sufficient to license the vCenter as well since the features of the vCenter 8 standard license are also part of the VCF license. 

For more information please see: VMware Cloud Foundation and vSphere Foundation Solution License Key