The vCenter Server Appliance API provides methods for performing stage 2 deployment operations on a newly installed appliance.

The vCenter Server Appliance is deployed in two stages. With stage 1 of the deployment process, you deploy the OVA file, which is included in the appliance installer. With stage 2 of the deployment process, you set up and start the services of the newly deployed appliance.

To complete stage 1 of the deployment process, you can use the GUI installer or perform a CLI deployment. For details, see vSphere Installation and Setup. Alternatively, you can perform a deployment by using the VMware OVF Tool. See the OVF Tool User's Guide.