What are Hot Add and Hot Plug features in VMware vSphere?

Hot Add and Hot Plug are features in VMware vSphere that enhance the flexibility and efficiency of resource management for virtual machines (VMs). The correct answer highlights that Hot Add allows for dynamic resource allocation without requiring downtime, while Hot Plug enables the addition of hardware components while the VM is running.

When a VM has Hot Add capability enabled, administrators can add resources such as CPU and memory while the VM is online. This means that if a workload increases suddenly, more resources can be allocated without the need for powering down the machine, thus ensuring continuous availability and better resource utilization.

Hot Plug, on the other hand, is specifically related to the ability to add or remove hardware components, such as network adapters or storage devices, while the VM is operational. This functionality allows for immediate adjustments to hardware configurations based on the changing needs of the application or workload, providing a seamless experience to users.

Both features are instrumental in maintaining high availability and operational efficiency in virtualized environments, allowing for better resource management and responsiveness to workload demands.