What is a key feature of the OVF file format?

The OVF (Open Virtualization Format) file format is an open standard designed to facilitate the efficient deployment of virtual machines across different virtualization platforms. Its key feature as an open standard promotes interoperability, allowing virtual appliances built in one environment to be easily imported and run in another without being tied to a specific vendor's technology. This means that users benefit from increased flexibility and choice when working with virtual machines, as OVF files can be utilized across various virtualization solutions, thus streamlining the deployment process.

Open standards like OVF play a critical role in the virtualization ecosystem, providing a means for vendor neutrality and reducing dependencies on proprietary formats. This characteristic of OVF not only enhances compatibility but also fosters innovation by encouraging developers to create solutions that can work across heterogeneous environments.