6.5.1

Deploying Virtual Machines 2
To deploy virtual machines in the vCenter Server inventory, you can deploy from a template, create a
virtual machine, or clone an existing virtual machine.
This chapter includes the following topics:
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About Provisioning Virtual Machines
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Create a Virtual Machine Without a Template or Clone
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Deploy a Virtual Machine from a Template
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Clone a Virtual Machine
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Clone a Virtual Machine to a Template in the vSphere Web Client
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Clone a Template to a Template in the vSphere Web Client
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Convert a Template to a Virtual Machine
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Customizing Guest Operating Systems
About Provisioning Virtual Machines
VMware provides several methods to provision vSphere virtual machines. The optimal method for your
environment depends on factors such as the size and type of your infrastructure and the goals that you
want to achieve.
Create a single virtual machine if no other virtual machines in your environment have the requirements
you are looking for, such as a particular operating system or hardware configuration. For example, you
might need a virtual machine that is configured only for testing purposes. You can also create a single
virtual machine and install an operating system on it, and then use that virtual machine as a template
from which to clone other virtual machines. See Create a Virtual Machine Without a Template or Clone.
Deploy and export virtual machines, virtual appliances, and vApps stored in Open Virtual Machine Format
(OVF) to use a preconfigured virtual machine. A virtual appliance is a virtual machine that typically has an
operating system and other software installed. You can deploy virtual machines from local file systems,
such as local disks (for example, C:), removable media (for example, CDs or USB keychain drives), and
shared network drives. See Chapter 3 Deploying OVF and OVA Templates.
VMware, Inc.
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