Beginning with the release of ESX Server 2.x and evolving into the Virtual Infrastructure 3 product line, VMware has uniquely positioned their virtualization technology in such a way that clearly distinguishes them from their competition. Combined with the inherit flexibility and performance that ESX Server and VirtualCenter provide at a functional level, the ability to develop custom management client applications to help administer, manage, and monitor your virtual infrastructure makes their technology the choice for many operations. Even with a limited background in scripting or programming, you can develop programs that will help automate and ease your administration through the VMware Scripting APIs, Virtual Infrastructure SDK, Guest SDK, and CIM SDK.