Nutanix has a tool for automating the deployment and life cycle of applications: Nutanix Self-Service (formerly Calm).

I’ll show you how to deploy Nutanix Self-Service on your Nutanix cluster.

Nutanix Self-Service Overview

Self-Service (formerly Calm) streamlines application management, deployment, and scalability across hybrid clouds through self-service, automation, and centralized role-based governance.

Deploy Nutanix Self-Service

To deploy Nutanix Self-Service, you must have a functional Prism Central on your cluster. Indeed, almost all of Nutanix’s complementary building blocks are managed by Prism Central, so don’t look for it on Prism Element.

In the side menu, look for the “Services” section and click on “Calm” (the old name for Nutanix Self-Service):

Deployment is very simple, then just click on “Enable App. Orchestration”:

The first box must be checked to be able to deploy Self-Service, the second is optional but highly recommended because it allows access to the online catalog offering a plethora of ready-to-use blueprints.

Once you have made your choice, click on “Save” and wait around ten minutes while Self-Service deploys:

Once deployment is complete, a new Volume Groups will be available on your Nutanix cluster:

That’s it, Nutanix Self-Service is deployed and ready to use: