System Requirements

Before you download and install Splunk for VMware, please check that it is compatible with your Splunk and VMware infrastructure. You should also verify that there are enough resources available in the VMware environment to run the FA VM. Information about the FA VM's internal specifications and required 3rd-Party software packages are also provided below.

Splunk Versions Supported

• Splunk 4.2.x and 4.3.x. See "System requirements" in the Splunk Installation Manual.

Note: There is a known incompatibility between the Splunk App for VMware and Splunk 4.2.1 when run on 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2008. The Solution works with all other Splunk versions.

VMware Versions Supported

• vCenter Server 4.1, 5.0, and 5.0 update 1.
• ESX/i 4.1, 5.0, and 5.0 update 1 on 64-bit x86 CPUs.

Note: We do not support the Linux based vCenter Virtual Appliance.

The Splunk FA VM resource requirements

• 2 vCPUs w/ normal "shares" and a 250MHz "reservation".
• 4 GB memory w/ normal "shares" and a 128 MB "reservation".
• 20 GB of disk space.

The Splunk FA VM internal specifications

• VMware OVA file format (Open Virtual Appliance).
• VMware VM H/W v7.
• Cent OS 5.7 (RedHat Enterprise Linux) x86_64.
  • DHCP enabled by default.
  • NTP enabled by default.
  • Pacific time zone by default.
• Splunk configured as a Heavy Forwarder with auto-start pre-enabled.
  • 1.0 GA: Splunk 4.2.5 (x86_64) .
• Splunk "Forwarder Appliance Add-on for VMware” pre-installed.
• Unix App (pre-installed, but disabled by default).

Required 3rd-Party Software

• Sideview Utils (1.3.1 or later), a free App must that must be installed for the Splunk App for VMware to work. You can download it from Splunkbase at http://splunk-base.splunk.com/apps/Sideview+Utils. Download and install the app as part of the deployment process described in this manual.
• VMware Perl SDK (5.0 or later). This free software packages must be installed for the Splunk Forwarder Virtual Appliance for VMware to work. Download and install the app as part of the deployment process described in this manual.