SDDC Manager API fails with 'SKUType with value: EMS is not supported for update'

Products

• VMware SDDC Manager / VCF Installer

Issue/Introduction

When attempting to add a new vSAN cluster to an existing VI Workload Domain via the SDDC Manager API, the task fails with the following error in the UI:

• Error: PUBLIC_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR
• Reference Token: KLMFDU (or similar)

Review of the /var/log/vmware/vcf/domainmanager/domainmanager.log on the SDDC Manager appliance reveals:

DEBUG [vcf_dm] DomainsPatchHandler: Calculated handler as DomainsPatchHandler
INFO  [vcf_dm] SKU: EMS, Operation type: CLUSTER_IMPORT
ERROR [vcf_dm] Failed to update Domain [ID]: SKUType with value: EMS is not supported for update

Environment

VCF 5.x

Cause

This issue occurs because the PATCH /v1/domains/{id} API endpoint, when used with a DomainUpdateSpec for cluster imports, is architecturally restricted to Dell VxRail environments.

• Dell VxRail (SKU: VXRAIL): Uses the PATCH domain workflow to import clusters managed by VxRail Manager into the SDDC Manager inventory.
• vSAN Ready Nodes (SKU: EMS): These are native VCF deployments. The DomainController validation logic does not support the CLUSTER_IMPORT operation via the domain-level PATCH endpoint for EMS hardware.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use the dedicated Clusters API instead of the Domain Patch API.

Correct Workflow for vSAN Ready Nodes (EMS)

Instead of patching the domain, you must create the cluster directly using the POST method.

1. Endpoint: POST /v1/clusters
2. Payload Type: Use a ClusterCreationSpec JSON body.
3. Required Data:
   • vcenterId: The ID of the vCenter managing the domain.
   • clusterSpecs: Details including the cluster name and host IDs.
   • networkSpec: VDS and Port Group specifications.
   • storageSpec: vSAN configuration details.

Additional Information

API Comparison for Cluster Operations

Feature	Dell VxRail (VXRAIL)	vSAN Ready Nodes (EMS)
Recommended API	PATCH /v1/domains/{id}	POST /v1/clusters
Workflow Action	CLUSTER_IMPORT	CLUSTER_CREATION
Logic	Updates domain to include existing VxRail cluster.	Initiates new cluster deployment from commissioned hosts.
Validation	Checks for VxRail Manager integration.	Validates host eligibility and network specs.