What is a primary benefit of using linked clones in VMware?

The primary benefit of using linked clones in VMware is reduced storage usage. Linked clones are a snapshot of a VM (virtual machine) that only contains the differences from a parent VM. This means that instead of creating a full copy of a virtual machine, a linked clone uses the original VM's disk space and only captures the changes made. This significantly reduces the amount of storage required for multiple virtual machines that share a common base image.

This storage efficiency is particularly advantageous in environments where multiple similar VMs are needed, such as in testing or development environments. By leveraging linked clones, organizations can deploy more VMs without a proportional increase in storage costs, making it an attractive option for resource optimization in virtualized infrastructures.

While it is true that linked clones can offer other benefits such as ease of management, especially in scenarios like virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), the key advantage remains in the ability to conserve disk space effectively.