Using Google SMTP: How to use it inside Automation, Orchestrator and other tools

When building automation workflows in VMware Aria Automation Orchestrator (vRO), sending email notifications is a common requirement. But what if your environment lacks an internal SMTP server, or you’re experimenting in a homelab where enterprise mail infrastructure isn’t available? In such scenarios, Google’s SMTP service (Gmail) is a reliable, secure, and accessible alternative.

Below, you’ll find a practical guide to configuring Gmail SMTP in vRO, complete with a reusable script and key use cases.

Why Use Google SMTP with vRO\vRA?

• No Internal SMTP Server: Perfect for environments where a corporate mail server isn’t available or accessible.
• Homelab and Testing: Ideal for homelab enthusiasts or anyone learning vRO automation who wants a quick, free, and secure way to send emails.
• Rapid Prototyping: Useful for proof-of-concept projects or temporary setups where setting up dedicated mail infrastructure isn’t justified.

Prerequisites

• A Gmail account.
• Internet access from your vRO appliance.

Input variables

Parameter	Example / Description
smtpHost	smtp.gmail.com
smtpPort	587 (for TLS/STARTTLS)
username	username@gmail.com
password	Your Gmail password (if you have 2-Step Verification enabled, use an App Password instead)
fromName	“vRO Notification” (Display name of the sender)
fromAddress	dev-vro@<domain.local> (Sender’s email address)
toAddress	Recipient email address, e.g., ops-team@<domain.local> or an Ops Team DL
subject	Email subject, e.g., “Workflow Success” or “Generated Report”
content	Email body content, can be in HTML or plain text
useStartTls	true (Enables STARTTLS encryption for the connection)

Sending Email via Gmail SMTP in Orchestrator

Go to Library Workflows in Orchestrator -> Mail -> Run Send notification (TLSv1.2) and fill in the values. For Email content, you can simply put “test message” initially.

✅ Once you run it, you will see a new mail in destination addressee’s mailbox.

Here is the script for your reference. Make sure to define the required input parameters in your workflow:

/**
 * Sends an email using the EmailMessage class.
 *
 * @param {string} smtpHost - The SMTP server host.
 * @param {number} smtpPort - The SMTP server port.
 * @param {string} username - The username for SMTP authentication.
 * @param {string} password - The password for SMTP authentication.
 * @param {string} fromName - The display name of the sender.
 * @param {string} fromAddress - The email address of the sender.
 * @param {string} toAddress - The recipient's email address.
 * @param {string} subject - The subject line of the email.
 * @param {string} content - The HTML content of the email body.
 */

// Create a new EmailMessage object with TLS version 1.2
var message = new EmailMessage("TLSv1.2");

// Configure SMTP settings and email metadata
message.smtpHost = smtpHost;
message.smtpPort = smtpPort;
message.username = username;
message.password = password;
message.fromName = fromName;
message.fromAddress = fromAddress;
message.useStartTls = true;
message.toAddress = toAddress;
message.subject = subject;

// Add the HTML content to the message
message.addMimePart(content, "text/html; charset=UTF-8");

// Log the message details for debugging purposes
System.log("sending mail to host: " + message.smtpHost + ":" + message.smtpPort + " with user:" + message.username 
    + ", from:" + message.fromAddress + ", to:" + message.toAddress);

// Send the email
message.sendMessage();

You can also configure inside Orchestrator to avoid putting configuration inputs repeatedly by using Configure Mail workflow inside Mail folder.

Adding Email Server inside Aria Automation

Go to Service Broker -> Content and Policies -> Notifications -> Email Server and fill in these values.

Summary

Using Gmail’s SMTP server in vRO or vRA is a straightforward way to enable email notifications—especially when internal mail servers are unavailable or you’re working in a homelab. With secure authentication and easy setup, you can keep your automation projects connected and responsive, no matter your environment.

1. https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/aria/aria-automation/8-18/vro-using-plug-ins-8-18/using-the-mail-plug-in/define-the-default-smtp-connection-new.html
2. https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/vmware-cis/aria/aria-automation/8-18/consumption-on-prem-using-master-map-8-18/service-catalog-setting-up-service-catalog-for-your-organization/service-broker-notifications-scenarios/service-broker-notificaitons-email-server.html