This page summarizes the new features added in ConVirt Enterprise 3.1 release. For learning about ConVirt Cloud features, please refer to ConVirt Enterprise Cloud documentation.

1.1 Virtual Machine to Template

Starting with 3.1 version of ConVirt, one can create Templates from Virtual Machines. This facilitates, preparing a reference virtual machines by installation / upgrades and then using it as reference template to provision identical virtual machines.

To create such template,select a non-running virtual machine and bring up the context menu. Select "Create Template". This will bring up a dialog similar to one shown in the diagram. Here you select the Template group and the name of the new Template that you want to create. There are two options provided for storing the reference disks. Depending on your deployment, a shared storage location like nfs mount point can be specified, or the disks stored can be stored in Template/Image store on the ConVirt Management server.

Template on a Shared Storage	Template disks stored in Template Store

On pressing save, a task would be submitted and upon completion of which you will see a new template. Now this template can be used to provision identical virtual machines.

Notes :

• Currently only Virtual Machines created via ConVirt can be converted to a Template.
• Read only disks from the virtual machines for e.g ISO files are not copied to the template.

1.2 Remember VNC Selection

This enhancement allows the user to remember the preference for either using the Applet or the external command for viewing the virtual machine console. It removes the annoying selection dialog every time you view the console. The selection is stored in cookies, so in order for you to bring the dialog box again, you will need to clear the cookies for the site.

Here is the screenshot with "Don't Ask Again" check box.

Remember VNC Selection

1.3 IE Support

This version also includes support for Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser support. Currently IE8 is supported.

To use the IE8 for ConVirt, you need to make the following change. This is required for the newly added nodes to show up in the left nav tree panel automatically.

'Tools -> Internet Options - > General Tab -> Browsing History section -> Settings button -> Temporary Internet Files section'

Set 'Check for newer versions of stored pages' option to 'Every time I visit the page'

See the screen below for details.

IE8 Tweak

1.4 Secure LDAP Support

Starting 3.1, secured LDAP configurations can be used along with ConVirt. Here are details on how to configure.

Secure LDAP options and Configuration Details

1.5 SLES 11 SP2

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP2 is now a certified platform for both ConVirt Management Server (CMS) as well as for Managed Server.

1.6 Critical Fixes and Performance Improvements

This release also includes fixes for critical bugs and performance issues encountered in large customer as well as community deployments.