Summary

Standardization simplifies many configuration options; a well-designed standardized build can be very beneficial with an optimized resource configuration. A template is a preconfigured virtual machine that is in a .vmtx format so that it cannot be powered on. Cloning a virtual machine will result in an exact copy of the source. Use customization specifications to prevent IP address and MAC address conflicts. Virtual appliance is a generic term for a virtual machine that is built for a specific use case or purpose. Appropriate virtual machine sizing as well as virtual hardware selection and configuration is an important part of the virtual machine design. Benchmark the virtual machine to help identify any under- or over-provisioning of the virtual machine. A virtual machine's files are based on the name given to it during creation; if later changed, the filenames do not automatically reflect the name change. Upgrading the virtual machine hardware version to the newest version can...