What does an OVF stand for in VMware?

The term OVF stands for Open Virtualization Format. This is an open standard for packaging and distributing software applications and virtual machines in a format that is compatible across different virtualization platforms. OVF enables the packaging of virtual appliances into a single file, facilitating easier deployment and management of virtual machines.

Using OVF provides several advantages, such as allowing for the portability of virtual appliances across various virtualization environments, including VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and others that support the OVF specification. This standardization helps to eliminate compatibility issues and streamlines deployment processes in environments that utilize multiple types of virtualization technology. The use of OVF also includes metadata, which makes it easier to manage and configure the virtual machines post-deployment.