Can the Platform Services Controller be installed as an embedded component of vCenter?

The Platform Services Controller (PSC) can indeed be installed as either an embedded component or as an external service in the vCenter Server architecture. This flexibility allows organizations to choose the design that best fits their environment and requirements.

When PSC is embedded, it resides on the same server as the vCenter Server, simplifying the deployment and management for smaller environments. This option is particularly advantageous for basic setups where resources are limited and administrative overhead should be minimized. Conversely, in larger, more complex environments, deploying PSC as an external service can facilitate scalability and allow for multiple vCenter Servers to share the same PSC. This can enhance resource management and provide a centralized location for identity management and licensing services.

This dual deployment model is part of the flexibility provided by VMware and enables administrators to tailor their virtualization infrastructure to their specific needs, ranging from simple to complex configurations.