Hi,
I understand that vCD trial is an appliance for evaluation, but where are the instructions for deploying it?
http://www.ravitech.info/2013/11/vcloud-director-55-getting-started-with.html
I'm new to vCD, so I'd like to learn more about it. I have lab with two host, vCenter, and few VMs.
Does it still require vShield? Does it have a self contained database within or do I still need to set up a SQL database?
Yes it requires vCNS(formerly called vShield) to configure vCloud director. With vCD appliance you will also get to download vCNS.
For vCD there will be a embedded DB that comes along with Appliance. or you could link it to external DB(oracle or MSSQL)
I'd like to know what is needed for the appliance version for vCloud Director.
The link i gave you pretty much tells you what all you need.
let me know if you need any more info.