Information technology - Open Virtualization Format (OVF) specification

CSA Group
Standards Development Organisation:
Canadian Standards Association (operating as CSA Group)
Working Program:
View the CSA work program
Designation Number:
ISO/IEC 17203
Standard Type:
National Standard of Canada - Adoption of International Standard
Standard Development Activity:
New Edition
ICS code(s):
35.100.05
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

The Open Virtualization Format (OVF) Specification describes an open, secure, efficient and extensible format for the packaging and distribution of software to be run in virtual systems.

The OVF package enables the authoring of portable virtual systems and the transport of virtual systems between virtualization platforms. This version of the specification (2.1) is intended to allow OVF 1.x tools to work with OVF 2.x descriptors in the following sense:

  • Existing OVF 1.x tools should be able to parse OVF 2.x descriptors.
  • Existing OVF 1.x tools should be able to give warnings/errors if dependencies to 2.x
    features are required for correct operation.
     
    If a conflict arises between the schema, text, or tables, the order of precedence to resolve the conflicts is schema; then text; then tables. Figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not a normative part of the standard. 
     
    A table may constrain the text but it shall not conflict with it. 
     
    The profile conforms to the cited CIM Schema classes where used. Any requirements contained in the cited CIM Schema classes shall be met. If a conflict arises the CIM Schema takes precedence. 
     
    The profile conforms to the cited OVF XML Schema. It may constrain the schema but it shall not
    conflict with it. If a conflict arises the OVF XML Schema takes precedence. 
     

Project need:

To align Canadian requirements with those of the respective international standards being proposed for adoption. To maintain alignment between Canadian information and communication technology standards and each respective international standard.

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Individual SDOs are responsible for the content and accuracy of the information presented here. The text is presented in the language in which it was provided to SCC.