> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.platform9.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.platform9.com/managed-openstack/5.8/instances/virtual-machines-instances.md).

# Instances

An instance refers to a Nova instance. An instance can be created from an image or a bootable volume.

An instance is a live or running version of the image or the bootable volume, from which you have created the instance.

When you create an instance, memory, a fixed IP address, and basic storage are allocated to the instance.

By default, instances are created on ephemeral storage within the hypervisor. If persistent storage is required, you may attach volumes to the instance for block storage.

You can deploy one or more applications on an instance.


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