What function does vApp serve in VMware?

vApp in VMware functions primarily as a way to manage multiple virtual machines (VMs) as a single entity. This capability is particularly beneficial for organizing and deploying applications that consist of multiple interdependent VMs. By encapsulating these VMs into a vApp, administrators can control the start and shutdown order, resource allocation, and network configuration collectively rather than individually.

This allows for streamlined management of complex environments, where certain VMs may need to communicate and function together to provide a service or application. In addition, vApps can also include configuration settings and policies that apply to all VMs within that vApp, simplifying administrative overhead.

The other choices focus on functions that are not aligned with the primary purpose of a vApp. Backup and restore functionality is related to data protection methods rather than VM management. Monitoring performance metrics pertains to the operational analysis of individual VMs, which is separate from the collective management aspect of vApps. Finally, provisioning VMs on different hypervisors is a function associated with broader virtualization management rather than being specific to the management capabilities provided by vApps in a VMware environment.