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  • 1.  How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file ?

    Broadcom Employee
    Posted Oct 29, 2015 06:13 AM

    Hello Team,

    How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file from CLI in ESXi 6.0. I have one application that requires more than 16 VMs in one ESXi host. To deploy OVFs or OVAs Or to clone is very time consuming job.

    Can it be possible that if I would have one .vmdk and .vmx file and from that I can create multiple VMs in less time?

    Thanks,

    Kshitij



  • 2.  RE: How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file ?

    Posted Oct 29, 2015 06:26 AM

    every VM will have it's independent vmx file but they can make use of single VMDK as master image and created linked snap with it, which we call Linked Clones.

    as you said you want to have VM creation in less time, linked clone provisioning doesn't take too long.



  • 3.  RE: How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file ?

    Broadcom Employee
    Posted Oct 29, 2015 06:29 AM

    N.Padmani, Can you please tell me how to create linked snap with master VMDK image?

    Thanks



  • 4.  RE: How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file ?

    Posted Oct 29, 2015 06:50 AM

    i would not recommend to create linked clones for Server VMs only for Client VMs because of IO reasons...

    why just not create a template of your "master vm" by rightclicking it: Convert->Convert to template.

    From this template you then can create as much VMs as you want....



  • 5.  RE: How to create multiple VMs from single VMDK file ?

    Posted Oct 29, 2015 06:56 AM

    I agree, Linked clones wouldn't be advised in server virtualisation, we would do it for test/dev or VDI implementations.

    else, create a template and deploy VMs out of that.

    now regarding how to create them

    when you clone a VM in Vmware workstation, it would offer you if you wan to create a Full Clone or Linked clone

    if you are using Horizon View, with View Composer, you can create linked clones (VDI)

    if you are using vCloud Director or vRealize Automation, there are workflows available which will let you deploy VM as linked clone from Master VM.