Creating Workload Domains in VMware Cloud Foundation 9: A Shift from SDDC Manager to VCF Operations

✳️ Introduction

With the release of VMware Cloud Foundation 9 (VCF 9), VMware has introduced a major architectural evolution—consolidating Day-2 operations, automation, and lifecycle tasks into VCF Operations (VCF OPS).

One of the most notable changes is how Workload Domains (WLDs) are created. Previously, administrators used the SDDC Manager GUI to provision a new WLD. In VCF 9, this process now happens exclusively through VCF OPS, offering more flexibility, automation, and integration with modern infrastructure pipelines.

⚙️ Background: From SDDC Manager to VCF OPS

In earlier versions (VCF 3.x–5.x):

• WLDs were created directly from the SDDC Manager UI.

• The workflow was wizard-driven, with manual input of clusters, hosts, and network details.

• VCF ≤ 5.x: WLD creation through SDDC Manager GUI.

• VCF 9: WLD creation through VCF Operations UI, introducing a more integrated and modern workflow.

Why the Change?

• Discuss VMware’s move toward VCF Operations for unified lifecycle and deployment management.

• Benefits:

  • Simplified navigation

  • Better integration with NSX, vSphere Lifecycle Manager (VLCM)

  • Enhanced automation and validation

🚀 Creating a Workload Domain in VCF 9 with VCF OPS

1.   Login to the VCF Ops UI -> Click on Inventory -> vCenter list -> select the vc i.e. mgmt. vc .

2. Under VCF instance -> EDU -> top right you see an option ADD WORKLOAD DOMAIN Click that .
   

   

3. Click ADD WORKLOAD DOMAIN -> Create NEW -> Select All Pre-requisites as we completed the pre-requisites and Click Proceed

   

   

4. Fill the workload domain details in the Pop wizard and Click Next Note : We are not enable VKS at this point, we will do separate blog for that .

   

5. Fill the vCenter details in the wizard and Click Next
   

   

6. Fill the Cluster name in the wizard and Click Next
   

   

7. On the Image page, select the your mgmt image and click Next
   

   

8. Fill the NSX Manager details and Click Next
   

   

   

9. Select the Storage as vSAN ESA
   

   

   

10. Select all three host and click Next
    

    

11. Under distributed switch configuration page , select the storage traffic , provide the correct VLAN as per your configuration . Note : There is an option to create custom switch configuration as well.
    

    

    

    

12. After Saving the changes , click on the Acknowledge and Click Next
    

    

    

13. Review the details and download the json file if u need and Click Finish
    

    

    
    

    

    
    

    

    Note : The Deployment of WLD will take several hours to complete . On the Workload Domain creation has started dialog box, click VIEW SDDC MANAGER TASKS
    

    

Below events from VCF Operations Tasks

Below is the events from SDDC Manager GUI

Note : When the WLD is created it creates a independent VC not in ELM

Example u can see by logging to VC of MGMT it will only show VC of MGMT like below screen shot.

When u login to WLD VC you will only see WLD VC , like below screen shot.

VCF 9 has a new feature that is called as vCenter Group , will talk about this in up coming block . This feature remove the ELM