VMware vSphere uses the power of virtualization to transform data centers into simplified cloud computing infrastructures, enabling IT organizations to deliver flexible and reliable IT services. The two core components of vSphere are VMware ESXiand VMware vCenter Server®. ESXi is the hypervisor on which you create and run virtual machines. vCenter Server is a service that acts as a central administrator for ESXi hosts that are connected on a network. With vCenter Server, you can pool and manage the resources of multiple hosts. vCenter Server allows you to monitor and manage your physical and virtual infrastructure. Additional vSphere components are available as plugins that extend the functionality of the vSphere product. Key Features Virtualization Basics A virtual machine is a software computer that, like a physical computer, runs an operating system and applications. The hypervisor serves as a platform for running virtual machines and allows for the consolidation of computing reso