What are the Benefits of Deploying Virtual Appliances?
Simpler deployment for enterprise class applications: Since software applications are pre-installed and pre-configured, include an operating system, and are packaged in a run-to-ready format, virtual appliances eliminate complex, expensive, and lengthy, error prone installation and configuration cycles. Simple deployments offer a great use case in the ability to quickly deploy new builds and applications to your remote office and branch office environments.
Simplified patch management: Virtual appliances are supported by patches and service packs provided directly by the software developer. The patches supplied can be applied against the application and the operating system relieving the customer of incompatibility problems that could have occurred had separate patches been provided. Any upgrades to the virtual appliance are also handled directly by the software developer.
Enhanced security: Virtual appliances running on JeOS (pronounced “Juice”) - Just enough Operating System - are less vulnerable to security breaches. A JeOS is a stripped down version designed to support the specific workload it runs. Since JeOS only includes the programs and components required to successfully support the specific application, it occupies a much smaller footprint compared to general purpose operating systems and therefore a smaller attack surface. JeOS is also much easier to maintain and manage since fewer updates are required for a slimmer OS.
Easier IT management: By running production ready virtual appliances on VI, customers need not worry about their dependence on 3rd party tools for IT management. By deploying virtual appliances on VI, customers can leverage key capabilities by default such as VMware VMotion, VMware High Availability, VMware vCenter Server, VMware Distributed Resource Scheduler, and VMware Consolidated Backup.
Portability and Vendor Independence: OVF formatted virtual appliances deliver the greatest level of flexibility for customers deploying enterprise software. Customers can deploy an OVF formatted virtual appliance on the virtualization platform of their choice, providing vendor independence and allowing them to select the platform that best meets their needs.
To learn more about how virtual appliances simplify software deployment and management and run secure software while leveraging the advanced capabilities of VI3, watch this informative tutorial.
