What condition must be met for VMs in a datastore managed by Storage DRS?

For VMs in a datastore to be managed by Storage DRS, they must all be under the management of a single vCenter Server. This requirement ensures that Storage DRS can effectively perform its functions, which include balancing disk I/O workload and managing space across different datastores.

Storage DRS operates within the confines of a vCenter Server instance, allowing it to gather real-time metrics and make informed decisions about data placement and resource utilization. By being managed by a single vCenter, it can accurately assess the available resources, understand the workload patterns of VMs, and apply its capabilities, such as load balancing and automated storage placement.

In contrast, if VMs were to be managed by different vCenter Servers, they would not be able to leverage the advanced features of Storage DRS as the servers operate independently and lack visibility of each other's resources. This centralized management is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and resource allocation across the VMs in the datastore.