This page describes the different custom Rhino application VM type(s) documented in this manual.
It also describes the ancillary nodes used to deploy and manage those VMs.
A custom node is any node that has been built using the VM Build Container.
Ancillary node types
The SIMPL VM
The SIMPL Virtual Appliance provides orchestration software to create, verify, configure, destroy and upgrade instances of your custom VM and the optional supporting REM and SGC VMs. Following the initial deployment, you will only need the SIMPL VM to perform configuration changes, patching or upgrades - it is not required for normal operation of the deployment.
Metaswitch Deployment Manager (MDM)
The custom application solution uses Metaswitch Deployment Manager (MDM) to co-ordinate installation, upgrades, scale and healing (replacement of failed instances). MDM is a virtual appliance that provides state monitoring, DNS and NTP services to the deployment. It is deployed as a pool of at least three virtual machines.
Upgrade
If you are upgrading from a deployment which already has MDM, ensure all MDM instances are upgraded before starting the upgrade of your custom application solution nodes. Your Customer Care Representative can provide guidance on upgrading MDM.
If you are upgrading from a deployment which does not have MDM, you must deploy MDM before upgrading any of your custom application nodes.
The number of nodes to deploy depends on the requirements of your application.
