VMware Studio 2.0 helps author, configure, deploy and customize vApps and virtual appliances. vApps support the industry standard Open Virtualization Format (OVF). vApps can be deployed on VMware vSphere 4.0 or in the cloud. vCenter Server 4.0 now supports creating and running vApps, as well as importing and exporting them in compliance with OVF 1.0 standard.
Studio 2.0 is designed to be used by ISVs, developers, IT professionals and members of the virtualization community. It is a free product and is available as a virtual appliance.
VMware Studio Resources
Benefits of VMware Studio 2.0
On ramp to cloud computing with vApps
vApps are ideal containers for cloud computing. Just like the UPC bar code contains all information about a product, the vApp gives application owners a standard way to describe operational policies for an application which the cloud OS can automatically interpret and execute. Therefore, vApps are self-describing to and self-managing on the platform they run. vApps can comprise any applications running on any OS and are packaged in the industry standard OVF format. They enable deploying and managing workloads in internal or external clouds or federation between clouds while retaining the same service levels.
Automated deployment to dev/test environments
Eclipse and other IDEs provide various tools required during application development, the last phase being compilation of binaries. Developers traditionally copy these binaries by hand into their test environment. In the example of multi-tier application server and database, this involves copying twice. Testing is an iterative process during development. To aid these processes, VMware Studio is now available as a plug-in to the popular Eclipse IDE. The Studio plug-in for Eclipse enables developers to package their application binaries and deploy them quickly into a virtual machine or a vApp. The VMware Studio plug-in for Eclipse helps developers automate the deployment process, thus helping move toward integration of development and test environments.
Broad application compatibility for Linux and Windows
VMware Studio can build both Linux based and Windows based virtual appliances and vApps , running single tier or multi-tier applications. This significantly expands the scope of “virtualizable” applications.
Simplified Management
Virtual appliances and vApps built with Studio seamlessly integrate into the industry’s leading virtualization platform - VMware vSphere. The first level of integration occurs through VMware vCenter Update Manager, which enables VMware vSphere to automatically update and centrally manage virtual appliances or vApps individually or in groups, reducing administration time and complexity.
Advanced Capabilities of VMware vSphere
Virtual appliances and vApps may leverage the advanced capabilities of running on VMware vSphere, including high availability, disaster recovery, and load balancing.
VMware Ready Virtual Appliance Validation
With VMware Studio, ISVs, hardware appliance vendors, and developers are provided with a quicker on-ramp opportunity to get their appliance validated through the VMware Ready Virtual Appliance Program. The test matrix associated with the program, ensures all virtual appliances are in compliance with VMware’s best practices around building virtual appliances. Several criteria in the test matrix are addressed by Studio 2.0, thereby simplifying the application process for VMWare Ready validation.
