2. We need a better way manage
application environments
Setting up meaningful application
environments takes too long
Recreating or migrating application
environments is too hard
Sharing infrastructure resources limited by
the first two problems
3. Virtualization can help
Virtualization eliminates manual
installation steps
Advanced virtualization eliminates some of
the configuration/integration steps
OVF plays a role here by providing standards-
based mechanisms for passing in activation
information
4. Enhancing virtualization
User customizations
Transforms
environment’s Activation
personality based on
Middleware software
Engine
user/system input
Operating System
5. But virtualization is not
enough
Middleware application environments often
require more than a single VM
In this case, getting a VM fast only gets
you so far
You still retain responsibility for
orchestration of inter-VM configuration
7. Patterns bring value
Patterns (templates, assemblies, etc.) build
on virtual images to provide a complete
representation of your environment
Patterns are deployable units
Patterns encapsulate and automate
installation, configuration, and integration