What is a vApp in vSphere?

A vApp in vSphere is best described as a container for one or more virtual machines (VMs) that also includes resource allocation settings. This allows administrators to manage related VMs as a single entity, making it easier to deploy, manage, and automatically configure settings for all VMs that fulfill a specific role or function.

The vApp can include various configurations such as networking and storage options, and it supports features like guest OS customization, startup and shutdown order, and resource allocation policies specific to the needs of the applications running within the contained VMs.

By grouping VMs into a vApp, users can ensure that they share the same resources and can be managed together, which streamlines operations related to multi-tier applications or services that require multiple VMs working in concert. This organizational structure is particularly beneficial in more complex environments where application dependencies and resource optimization are critical.