The Open Virtualization Format describes how virtual appliances can be packaged in a vendor-neutral format to be run on any hypervisor. It is a platform independent, efficient, extensible, and open specification for the packaging and distribution of virtual appliances composed of one or more virtual machines. OVF gives both customers and solution providers the ultimate freedom of choice to select any hypervisor based on price, preference, or functionality and prevents vendor lock in. This standard packaging and distribution format for virtual appliances will be important in accelerating the adoption of virtual appliances.
Open Virtualization Format Features
VMware worked closely with other virtualization vendors to develop this specification. OVF includes the following features that benefit both customers and solution providers:
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Optimized for Distribution
- Enables the portability and distribution of virtual appliances
- Supports industry standard content verification and integrity checking
- Provides a basic scheme for the management of software licensing
A Simple, Automated User Experience
- Enables a robust and user-friendly approach to streamline the installation process
- Validates the entire package and confidently determines whether each virtual machine should be installed
- Verifies compatibility with the local virtual hardware
Portable Virtual Machine Packaging
- Enables platform-specific enhancements to be captured
- Supports the full range of virtual hard disk formats used for virtual machines today, and is extensible to deal with future formats that are developed
- Captures Virtual machine properties concisely and accurately
Vendor and Platform Independent
- Does not rely on the use of a specific host platform, virtualization platform, or guest operating system
Extensible
- Designed to be extended as the industry moves forward with virtual appliance technology
Localizable
- Supports user visible descriptions in multiple locales
- Supports localization of the interactive processes during installation of an appliance
- Allows a single packaged appliance to serve multiple market opportunities
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Learn More About Open Virtualization Format (OVF)
