A virtual machine library is a managed collection of baseline virtual machines, typically controlled by a centralized virtual machine library management team, and used to rapidly provision new production, test, development, and training environments. Instead of having to install each virtual machine from scratch or use a complicated tool to restore an image, virtual machines can be ready to boot and execute almost immediately. The virtual machine library management team is responsible for creating and keeping virtual machines up to date with patches and service packs, removing unnecessary files, compacting virtual machines to conserve space, and managing virtual machine configuration file settings.

Core Features and Benefits

Centralized virtual machine management team
• Single source of virtual machines
• Compulsory standards
• Reduces duplication of effort

Centralized testing and installation of updates and service packs for baseline virtual machines
• Reduces duplication of effort
• More standard patch levels across environments

Sysprepped virtual machines
• Ensures unique virtual machine identity
• Enables custom configuration of guest operating system and faster deployment

Pre-built scenarios involving multiple virtual machines
• Reduces post provisioning steps
• Eliminates rework

Automation
• Post configuration steps can be automated to decrease human error and repetitive effort

License tracking
• Ability to track the number of new virtual machines, as well as operating system version and license requirements
• Ability to track the number of application licenses required based on provisioned virtual machines

Standards
• Develop and enforce standards on configuration, installed applications, and naming conventions, to cite just a few critical areas

As you can see, there are many benefits to deploying a virtual machine library to provision a virtualized infrastructure.

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