Default to one vCPU unless requirements call for more (such as a multi-threaded application).

Always install the latest version of VMware Tools.

Deploy virtual machines using default shares, reservations, and limits settings unless a clear requirement exists for doing otherwise.

For virtual network adaptors use VMXNET3, if supported.

Secure virtual machines as you would physical machines.

Hardware version 7, 8, and 9 are supported, depending on the vSphere host version backing the hosts in the provider virtual datacenter. Hardware version 9 is supported in vSphere 5.1.

The virtual machine hardware version should match highest required version within the provider virtual datacenter. The highest version chosen is the highest available with the provider virtual datacenter.

Use standard virtual machine naming conventions.