Inconsistencies in SMTP email delivery for scheduled reports in VMware Aria Operations

Products

• VMware Aria Suite

Issue/Introduction

• Scheduled reports configured within VMware Aria Operations are not consistently being delivered via SMTP email.
• Some reports may be delivered successfully, while others fail to send.

Environment

VMware Aria Operations 8.x

Cause

The cause of this issue can stem from several factors:

1. SMTP Server Configuration Issues:
   • Incorrect SMTP server address, port, username, or password settings within Aria Operations.
   • SMTP server rejecting connections due to authentication failures or security policies.
   • SMTP server experiencing downtime or performance issues.
2. Network Connectivity Issues:
   • Network disruptions or firewalls blocking communication between Aria Operations and the SMTP server.
   • DNS resolution failures preventing Aria Operations from locating the SMTP server.
3. Email Size Restrictions:
   
   • Recipient email server filtering or blocking emails.
   • Recipient mailbox exceeding storage limits.
   • Reports exceeding the maximum email size allowed by the SMTP server.
   • Large reports causing timeouts or delivery failures.

Resolution

To resolve the inconsistent SMTP email delivery issue, follow these steps:

1. Verify SMTP Server Configuration:
   • Carefully review the SMTP server settings configured within Aria Operations (Operations > Configurations > Alerts > Outgoing Settings > SMTP).
   • Ensure the SMTP server address, port, username, password, and security settings are accurate.
   • Test the SMTP connection from Aria Operations to the SMTP server using the "Test Connection" button.
   • Consult your SMTP server administrator to verify the server's operational status and configuration.
2. Check Network Connectivity:
   • Verify network connectivity between the Aria Operations nodes and the SMTP server.
   • Ensure firewalls are configured to allow outbound SMTP traffic (typically port 25, 465, or 587).
   • Test DNS resolution from the Aria Operations nodes to the SMTP server's hostname using nslookup or dig.
   • Use tools like ping and traceroute to verify network path.
3. Address Email Size Restrictions:
   • Reduce the size of the scheduled reports by adjusting the report content or time range.
   • Check the maximum email size limit configured on the SMTP server.
   • Consider using alternative delivery methods, such as shared network folders or SFTP, for large reports.
   • If possible, compress(CSV format) the report output before sending it via email.