Vendor specific storage policies are not available after a successfull VASA provider registration

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

 

• After installing and registering NetApp ONTAP tools for VMware vSphere, the NetApp-specific configuration options (VASA and vVol checkboxes) are missing when creating or editing a VM Storage Policy.
• The ONTAP tools plugin is visible and functional within the vCenter menu.

 

 

Environment

 

• VMware vCenter Server 7.x / 8.x
• NetApp ONTAP tools for VMware vSphere (OTV) 9.x / 10.x

Cause

This issue occurs due to a VASA Provider registration mismatch. If the VASA Provider is onboarded to vCenter using an incorrect IP address (e.g., an individual node IP instead of the Cluster Management VIP) or incorrect credentials, it fails to properly communicate Capability Profiles to the vSphere Storage Policy SDK.

In some cases, the provider may show as registered in the OTV(Overlay Transport Virtualization) interface, but the security context or network path used for registration does not allow vCenter's Storage Management Service (SMS) to retrieve storage metadata.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, unregister and re-register the VASA Provider using the correct Cluster Management IP and service account.

1. Ensure you have the administrator password provided during the initial deployment of the ONTAP tools virtual appliance.
2. Unregister VASA Provider:
   • Log in to the vSphere Client.
   • Navigate to Shortcuts > NetApp ONTAP tools.
   • Go to Settings > VASA Provider settings.
   • Select Unregister.
3. Re-register VASA Provider:
   • In the same VASA Provider settings menu, select the Register button.
   • Enter the Cluster Management VIP (not an individual node IP).
   • Enter the dedicated NetApp service account credentials configured in vCenter.
   • Click Register.
4. Refresh Metadata:
   • Navigate to vCenter Server > Configure > Storage Providers.
   • Select the NetApp VASA Provider and click Rescan.
   • Verify that the VASA Provider status is Online.
5. Verify Storage Policy:
   • Go to Policies and Profiles > VM Storage Policies.
   • Create a new policy and verify that the NetApp configuration and vVol checkboxes are now visible under the Storage Type selection.