A vApp is a container, acting like a resource pool, but with some extra virtual machine-like functionality. The resource pool functionality includes resource allocation settings, such as shares, reservations, and limits, which can be configured for a vApp and a resource pool. Another great benefit of using vApps is that a specific virtual machine startup and shutdown order can be defined. The vApps can be cloned and exported for portability. vApps can be used to package and manage these multitiered applications so that they are able to run directly on top of vSphere. Many vendors are using vApps to allow for applications to be deployed more easily.

The next chapter will discuss virtual machine performance and resource allocation.