VMware clone vs VMware template: what is the difference
Here you will find out:
- what is VMware clone and templates
- what is the difference between them
- how DiskInternals can help you
Are you ready? Let's read!
About VMware clones
A VMware clone is an identical copy of a VM. VM, the one from whom you create a clone, has the name Parent VM. Both VMs, however, will have different MAC addresses and UUIDs. Clone VM has no connection and interaction with parent VM, so any changes to the clone will not affect the original VM (and vice versa).
About VMware templates
A vSphere template is also a copy of a VM with ordered folders, applications, and a specific configuration, along with permissions to access it.
It is a protected version of the VM model that, for example, can be used to create a new VM.
Thus, it cannot be run as a standalone VM.
Clone and template: 2 options
Your options, then, are:
- Clone into a template: the original VM is copied in a template format, resulting in two VMs being created.
- Convert to the template: the original VM is copied in the template format, but it is not saved the original VM.
So, what's the difference?
The differences between a VMware template a clone are:
- 1. Creation mechanism and principle of operation. A clone is an identical copy that can work independently without any permission. It is created with one click on the mouse button. The template is an image of a VM with basic configurations, and cannot work independently. It is created in several ways: by converting a VM into a template, cloning a VM into a template, or cloning another template.
- 2. Application area. Clones are often used for various kinds of testing, so as not to spoil the parent VM. These VMs are not for mass deployment. Templates, on the contrary, are suitable precisely for mass deployment of VMs in production environments. By assigning specific permissions, you can allow advanced users or administrators to deploy new VMs from templates.
- 3. Possibility of self-inclusion. Clones have this feature, but templates do not.
As you can see from the analysis of VMware clones compared to templates, these two technologies, although quite similar, have very different in terms of their scope and intended use. Depending on the expected result, administrators will choose one or the other technology.
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