A reference architecture is an architecture template solution that addresses one use case in a particular domain. The VMware® vCloud® Architecture Toolkit (vCAT) provides modular components and documents to support multiple use cases, including design considerations and design patterns to support architects, operators, and consumers of cloud computing solutions based on VMware technologies.

vCAT is the first of several VMware Validated Architectures (VVA) released by VMware for customers, partners, vendors, and our internal teams. As a VVA, vCAT is supported by VMware and our support organization.

vCAT is vendor-agnostic, but it does share vendor details when providing implementation examples. Vendors provide information about the use of their products with vCloud, including integration with vCAT, on the VMware Solutions Exchange (https://solutionexchange.vmware.com/store).

vCAT design guidelines cover multiple use cases. Instead of referring to best practices (a term subject to misinterpretation because best practices depend on use cases and are subject to many variables, including change over time), vCAT provides design guidelines. Architects must determine which design guidelines apply to the requirements, constraints, and characteristics of their projects and chosen technologies. When using the toolkit, consider the use case that best applies to your situation, and choose the design guidelines that support your design implementation.

This document covers the following topics: