What should the solutions architect do to meet these requirements?
Configure the AWS DataSync agent to start replicating the data store to Amazon FSx for Windows File Server. Use the SMB share to host the VMware data store. Use VM Import/Export to move the VMs to Amazon EC2.
Use the VMware vSphere client to export the application as an image in Open Virtualization Format (OVF) format. Create an Amazon S3 bucket to store the image in the destination AWS Region. Create and apply an IAM role for VM Import. Use the AWS CLI to run the EC2 import command.
Configure AWS Storage Gateway for files service to export a Common Internet File System (CIFS) share. Create a backup copy to the shared folder. Sign in to the AWS Management Console and create an AMI from the backup copy. Launch an EC2 instance that is based on the AMI.
Create a managed-instance activation for a hybrid environment in AWS Systems Manager. Download and install Systems Manager Agent on the on-premises VM. Register the VM with Systems Manager to be a managed instance. Use AWS Backup to create a snapshot of the VM and create an AMI. Launch an EC2 instance that is based on the AMI.
Explanations:
AWS DataSync is primarily used for transferring data between on-premises storage and AWS, but it does not preserve VMware configurations or VMs. VM Import/Export can be used to migrate VMs, but not in combination with AWS DataSync for this use case.
Exporting the application as an OVF using the VMware vSphere client allows for the preservation of both software and configuration settings. Storing the image in an S3 bucket and using VM Import with an IAM role aligns with the requirements for migration to EC2.
AWS Storage Gateway for files is used for hybrid cloud storage but does not facilitate the direct export of VMware VMs. Creating an AMI from a backup copy does not capture the VM’s configuration settings accurately, as it does not involve the VM import process.
AWS Systems Manager’s managed-instance activation is not designed for VM migration from VMware. While it can manage instances, it does not handle the conversion or export of VMware VMs directly into AMIs for EC2. The process described does not address the requirements of preserving the original VM configuration effectively.
I plot that the answer is:
Use the VMware vSphere client to export the application as an image in Open Virtualization Format (OVF) format. Create an Amazon S3 bucket to store the image in the destination AWS Region. Create and apply an IAM role for VM Import. Use the AWS CLI to run the EC2 import command.