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What is GCP MIG?

A Managed Instance Group (MIG) automatically manages a pool of identical VMs. Granite uses MIG to:
  • Auto-scale based on demand
  • Replace unhealthy instances
  • Provide consistent VM configuration

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Setup Overview

1

Create Installation VM

A temporary VM for initial setup
2

Configure the VM

Install driver and required software
3

Create Machine Image

Snapshot the configured VM
4

Create MIG

Auto-managed pool from the image

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Creating an Installation VM

From the dashboard:
1

Go to Settings

Navigate to Settings in the sidebar
2

Click Create Installation VM

In the VM section, click Create Installation VM
3

Select Machine Type

Choose Small, Medium, or Heavy based on your needs
4

Wait for Provisioning

Takes 5-10 minutes to create and configure

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Configuring the Installation VM

Once the VM is ready:
1

Connect via VNC

The dashboard shows a VNC viewer to access the VM
2

Install Required Software

Install any applications your automations need:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Custom applications
  • Browser extensions
3

Configure Settings

  • Set screen resolution
  • Configure application defaults
  • Disable unnecessary services
4

Test the Driver

Run a test automation to verify everything works

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Finalizing the Setup

When configuration is complete:
1

Click Finalize

In the VM section, click Finalize Installation
2

Create Machine Image

Granite snapshots your configured VM
3

Create MIG

A managed instance group is created from the image
4

VMs Start

Instances spin up automatically

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Managing MIG Instances

After setup, manage instances from Driver Management:
ActionDescription
Scale UpAdd more instances
Scale DownRemove instances
SyncRefresh from GCP
SuspendPause instances
ResumeRestart suspended instances

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Costs

MIG instances incur GCP compute charges:
TypeApprox. Cost/Hour
Small~$0.05
Medium~$0.10
Heavy~$0.20
Suspend instances when not in use to reduce costs.

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Updating the MIG

To update software on all instances:
  1. Create a new installation VM
  2. Make changes
  3. Finalize to create new image
  4. Update MIG to use new template
Existing instances are gradually replaced.

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Troubleshooting

  • Check GCP quota limits
  • Verify billing is enabled
  • Contact support
  • Wait for VM to fully boot
  • Refresh the page
  • Check browser console for errors
  • Click Sync to refresh from GCP
  • Check GCP console for errors
  • Verify instance template exists

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Next Steps

Driver Management

Monitor your VMs

Local Setup

Alternative: local VMs