The statement that eight specific vSAN Ready Nodes have already been purchased is a constraint. In architectural design, a constraint is a decision, limitation, or restriction that is imposed on the design and cannot be changed by the architect. The pre-existing hardware purchase limits the architect's choices for the physical server layer, forcing the design to incorporate these specific nodes. This is a classic example of a technical and business constraint that must be accommodated.

A. Requirement: A requirement specifies a functional or non-functional need (e.g., "the system must support 1000 VMs"), not a pre-determined limitation on the components to be used.

B. Risk: A risk is a potential future event with a negative impact (e.g., "the hardware might not be delivered on time"). The purchase is a completed action, making it a certainty, not a risk.

C. Assumption: An assumption is something believed to be true without definitive proof (e.g., "we assume the network has sufficient bandwidth"). The stakeholder's statement is presented as a fact.

1. VMware Cloud Foundation Design Guide (Version 4.3)

Chapter 2: "Architectural Design Process"

Section: "Conceptual Design". The guide defines a constraint as: "Constraints are design decisions that are imposed by the project and cannot be changed." The pre-purchase of hardware is a decision that has been imposed on the project.

2. VMware Validated Design for Software-Defined Data Center 6.2 - Introduction

Section: "Design Qualities and Design Influencers". This document

which underpins VCF principles

defines constraints as factors that limit the design

such as existing hardware

budgets

or corporate standards. The purchase of specific nodes is a direct example of an existing hardware constraint.

3. VMware vSphere 7 Design Guide

Chapter 2: "The Art of vSphere Design"

Section: "Requirements

Risks

Constraints

and Assumptions". This guide clarifies that a constraint is a boundary that the design cannot cross. The mandate to use specific

already-purchased hardware is such a boundary.