Using a single image is the new feature in VMware vSphere Lifecycle manager 7. x version and enabling this option will help to cut down the admin tasks. it simplifies the overall activities of the administrator.
If you choose this option, the lifecycle manager extracts the software from the reference host and uses it for the newly created host. You can import an image from an ESXi host that is in the same or a different vCenter Server instance. You can also import an image from an ESXi host that is not managed by the vCenter Server. The reference host can also be in a cluster that you manage with baselines. Along with importing the image, you can also choose to move the reference host to the cluster. As a result, the newly created cluster uses the same image as the image on the reference host, which is now part of that cluster. But, if the reference host is in another vCenter Server instance, you can import the image from that host, but you cannot move it to the cluster.
Important Note: When you import an image from a host, vSphere Lifecycle Manager retrieves the ESXi version, vendor add-on, and user-added components from the host. it does not extract the components from solutions and firmware updates installed on the reference host. To obtain firmware updates in the depot and add a firmware and drivers add-on to your cluster image,
Prerequisites to enable this in the environment
vCenter Server version must be 7.0 with Update 2
Datacenter must exist in the vCenter Server inventory.
Verify that the reference host is version ESXi 7.0 Update 2 or later.
Obtain the same username and password of the root user account for the reference Host if it is not in your vCenter Server instance.
All hosts must be on the same vendor and with identical hardware
Procedure
n the vSphere Client, navigate to the Hosts and Clusters inventory.
Right-click a data center and select New Cluster. The New Cluster wizard opens
On the Basics page, enter a name for the cluster and enable vSphere DRS, vSphere HA, or vSAN.
Select the Manage all hosts in the cluster with a single image check box.
Choose the method of creating an image for the cluster and click Next.
To import an image from a host that is in the same vCenter Server inventory, select the Import image from an existing host in the vCenterthe inventory radio button.
To import an image from a host that is in a different vCenter Server instance or a standalone host that is not added to a vCenter Server, select the Import image from a new host radio button.
Follow the prompts to complete the wizard.
