In this post, we discuss how to access key VMware vSphere metrics using built-in monitoring tools like the vSphere Client and esxtop command-line tool. We also cover configuring vSphere to use a syslog forwarder for long-term log storage and analysis. Additionally, we explore data collection intervals and levels in vSphere, which help control the volume of collected data. The vSphere Client allows administrators to visualize key metrics with performance charts, set alarms on metrics, view tasks and events, and export logs. Esxtop provides more granular monitoring capabilities for virtual machines and hosts. Finally, we discuss configuring log forwarding from ESXi hosts and the vCenter Server to an external syslog server.