When installing vCenter Converter Standalone, why must an administrator perform a client-server installation instead of a local installation?

In a client-server deployment, the Converter server component runs independently on a dedicated machine and processes conversions autonomously, while the lightweight Converter client can be installed on any workstation to connect, schedule, and monitor those tasks remotely - a workflow impossible with a local installation where both components are co-located and management is session-bound.

Support for converting both physical and virtual machines is available in both local and client-server installation modes and is not a distinguishing reason for choosing client-server.

The ability to push and install the Converter agent onto remote source machines is a feature of the product itself, not exclusive to the client-server installation type.

Hot cloning of physical or virtual machines is supported regardless of installation mode and does not require a client-server setup.