OVF tool-based installation involves using the VMware OVF Tool—a command-line utility—to import, export, and deploy virtual machines (OVF/OVA packages) across VMware products. It acts as a CLI alternative to the vSphere Client GUI, offering automated, reliable deployment of virtual appliances, particularly for large files.
Key Aspects and Usage Examples
Deployment (Import): Deploys OVF/OVA files to vCenter or ESXi hosts, often used for automating the deployment of complex virtual appliances.
Example: ovftool --datastore=Datastore1 --network="Network" source.ova vi://username:password@vcenter.fqdn/datacenter/host/cluster.
Exporting VMs: Converts running VMs back to OVF/OVA formats for backups or migration.
Example: ovftool vi://user:password@vCenter/Folder/vmName /output/path.
Automation & Scripting: It can be incorporated into scripts to automate repetitive deployment tasks.
Conversion: Converts OVF files to VMX format for use with VMware Converter.
Synonyms and Related Terms
OVF Tool deployment
CLI VM import/export
VMware ovftool command
Virtual Appliance deployment
Common Use Cases
Deploying VMware Cloud Director.
Copying VMs directly between standalone ESXi hosts.
Overcoming GUI limitations when importing large, complex virtual machines.
The tool is available for Windows, Linux, and macO
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