The vSphere ESXi Image Builder cmdlets allow you to manipulate software depots, image profiles, and VIBs. Clone an Image ProfileCloning a published profile is the easiest way to create a custom image profile. Cloning a profile is especially useful if you want to remove a few VIBs from a profile, or if you want to use hosts from different vendors and want to use the same basic profile, but want to add vendor-specific VIBs. VMware partners or large installations might consider creating a new profile. Add VIBs to an Image ProfileYou can add one or more VIBs to an image profile if that image profile is not set to read only. If the new VIB depends on other VIBs or conflicts with other VIBs in the profile, a message is displayed at the PowerShell prompt and the VIB is not added. Export an Image Profile to ISO or Offline Bundle ZIPYou can export an image profile to an ISO image or a ZIP file of component files and folders. You cannot create both by running the cmdlet once. You can use the ISO image as an ESXi installer or upload the ISO into vSphere Update Manager for upgrades. You can use the ZIP file, which contains metadata and the VIBs specified in the image profile, for upgrades to ESXi 5.0 and later. Preserve Image Profiles Across SessionsWhen you create an image profile and exit the PowerCLI session, the image profile is no longer available when you start a new session. You can export the image profile to a ZIP file software depot, and add that depot in the next session. Compare Image ProfilesYou can compare two image profiles by using the Compare-EsxImageProfile cmdlet, for example, to see if they have the same VIB list or acceptance level . Comparing image profiles or their properties is also possible by using the PowerShell comparison operators. Compare VIBsYou can compare two VIBs or their properties by using the PowerShell comparison operators. Working with Acceptance LevelsHosts, image profiles, and individual VIBs have acceptance levels. VIB acceptance levels show how the VIB was tested. Understanding what each acceptance level implies, how to change levels, and what a change implies is an important part of installation and update procedures. Parent topic: Customizing Installations with vSphere ESXi Image Builder
