NCP‐MCA_3 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

Let's continue with the remaining objectives to make the Nutanix NCP-MCA 6.5 Exam Cram Sheet as comprehensive as possible.

📝 Nutanix NCP-MCA 6.5 Exam Cram Sheet (Continued)

🎯 Objective 2: Deploy and Configure Self-Service and Related Components

📘 2.1 Given a Scenario, Create a Blueprint to Deploy Infrastructure and Applications Using Self-Service

  • Key Concepts:

    • 📝 Blueprint Creation: Design templates that define the infrastructure and applications needed for deployment.
    • 🏗️ Substrate: Defines the underlying infrastructure on which applications are deployed (e.g., AHV, AWS, Azure).
    • 🛠️ Day-Two Actions: Actions that can be performed after the initial deployment (e.g., scaling, updating, modifying configurations).
    • 🔄 Task Types: Different types of tasks (e.g., HTTP, VM, SSH) that can be scripted within a blueprint for automation.

  • 🛠️ Tools to Know:

    • 🖥️ Nutanix Calm UI: Platform to create and manage blueprints.
    • 📋 Blueprint Designer: Visual tool for defining infrastructure components, deployment steps, and day-two actions.
    • ⚙️ Macros and Variables: Reusable parameters and dynamic content for use in tasks and scripts.
    • 🔧 Self-Service Portal: Interface for users to deploy and manage applications using pre-defined blueprints.

  • 📚 Key Resources:

  • 💡 Quick Tips:

    • 🎯 Understand the Use of Substrates: Know how to configure different infrastructure substrates (e.g., AHV, AWS).
    • 📘 Learn Task Types: Understand different types of tasks and when to use each (e.g., HTTP for web requests, VM for operations on virtual machines).
    • 🏗️ Practice Creating Blueprints: Design blueprints for both single and multi-VM deployments to understand their nuances.

📘 2.2 Demonstrate an Understanding of Self-Service Managed Infrastructure and Applications

  • Key Concepts:

    • 🔄 Scaling Operations: Understand how to scale applications or infrastructure resources in or out based on demand.
    • 🗑️ Retiring Managed Applications: Know how to decommission applications or services in a controlled manner.
    • 🧩 Application Management: Manage the lifecycle of applications deployed via the self-service portal, including updates, monitoring, and maintenance.

  • 🛠️ Tools to Know:

    • 📋 Self-Service Portal Manage Tab: Interface for managing deployed applications, monitoring status, and scaling operations.
    • 🧮 Scale In/Out Configurations: Options for adjusting resources based on utilization and demand.
    • 🔄 Lifecycle Management: Processes for managing the complete lifecycle of applications, from deployment to retirement.

  • 📚 Key Resources:

  • 💡 Quick Tips:

    • 📘 Practice Scaling Applications: Learn the steps to scale applications up or down based on specific triggers or schedules.
    • 🔄 Familiarize with Retirement Processes: Understand the proper procedure for retiring applications, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
    • 🛠️ Utilize Application Profiles: Use application profiles to manage different deployment environments or configurations effectively.

📘 2.3 Identify Required Configuration Settings for a Self-Service Deployment

  • Key Concepts:

    • 🖥️ Provider Configuration: Set up infrastructure providers (e.g., AHV, AWS) for deployment.
    • 🧩 Environment Requirements: Define environments within self-service for deploying to various supported accounts.
    • 🛠️ Marketplace Capabilities: Utilize the Nutanix Marketplace for deploying applications and managing their lifecycles.
    • 🌐 Endpoints Configuration: Configure endpoints required for deploying applications or managing tasks.
    • 📚 Library Items: Create reusable components, such as scripts or application templates, for efficient deployment.

  • 🛠️ Tools to Know:

    • 📋 Provider Account Settings: Configure various provider accounts (e.g., AWS, Azure) for self-service deployment.
    • 🔧 Marketplace Manager: Tool for managing applications and blueprints available for deployment.
    • 🗄️ Endpoints and Libraries: Configure endpoints for connectivity and libraries for reusable components.

  • 📚 Key Resources:

  • 💡 Quick Tips:

    • 🖥️ Know Your Providers: Be familiar with the setup and configuration of different providers (e.g., AHV, AWS, Azure).
    • 📚 Utilize Libraries and Endpoints: Understand how to configure and use endpoints and libraries for efficient deployments.
    • 🔄 Marketplace Utilization: Leverage the Marketplace to deploy pre-approved applications and manage their lifecycles.

🛠️ Useful Commands and Shortcuts

Command Purpose
calm create blueprint Creates a new blueprint in Calm.
calm launch blueprint Launches a blueprint deployment.
calm update blueprint Updates an existing blueprint.
calm delete blueprint Deletes a blueprint.
calm create project Creates a new project in Calm.
calm assign role Assigns a role to a user within a project.
calm scale application Scales a deployed application in or out.

📡 Key Protocols and Ports for Nutanix Automation

Port Number Protocol Description
9440 HTTPS Nutanix Prism Central web console.
8443 HTTPS Nutanix Calm API access and integration.
22 SSH Remote management and scripting access.
443 HTTPS Nutanix files access and management.

🛠️ Troubleshooting Tips: Common Issues and Resolutions

Issue Possible Cause Resolution
**Blueprint

Deployment Fails** | Incorrect configurations or missing tasks. | Review task dependencies and scripts. | | Playbook Not Triggering | Misconfigured triggers or alert policies. | Validate alert policies and trigger conditions. | | Integration Errors (e.g., ServiceNow) | Incorrect API keys or integration settings. | Verify API keys, endpoint URLs, and user permissions. | | Category Not Applied Correctly | Misconfiguration of categories or policies. | Check category assignments and policy mappings. | | Quota Exceeded Error | Resource quotas set too low. | Adjust quotas within the project settings. |

📋 Study Resources:

🧩 Exam Tips:

  1. Focus on Automation Concepts: Understand how blueprints, playbooks, and triggers work together to automate tasks.
  2. Hands-On Practice: Use the Nutanix Community Edition or Test Drive environment to practice creating and managing blueprints, projects, and playbooks.
  3. Memorize Key Ports and Protocols: Know the common ports and protocols used in Nutanix environments.
  4. Review Integration Scenarios: Be familiar with third-party integration (e.g., ServiceNow) and how it ties into Calm workflows.
  5. Test Different Scenarios: Create projects with multiple users, roles, and resource quotas to understand access management and resource control.

This additional content completes the cheat sheet with all objectives thoroughly covered for your Nutanix NCP-MCA 6.5 exam preparation. Let me know if you have any more requests or if there's another topic you'd like to explore!