Can I use VMWare ESXi 4.0 to deploy system configurations?

[virtualbear]

Hi There,
I'm new to virtualization so sorry if my question is a bit silly. At work, we have a VMWare ESXi 4.0 server installed, which is great for managing our system images for testing. However, I keep finding myself creating the same system in different languages e.g. French 2003 server, German 2003 server - all with the exact same settings and configuration.
Is there some way of creating a base system template for 2003 or XP and then adding the language on-the-fly? I believe this is what VMWare LabManager can do but we can't afford that software. Just wondering if there's some work-around available for ESX?
Thanks very much for your time.
B.

[WebMaster]

Why not have template for each language?

You can also try building a base template and then add language to it before deploying it into production/test environment.

[virtualbear]

Thanks for the reply.
When you say a template for each language, do you mean an OVF template? Is there some documentation on how to create this template as I've never used one before? The base template idea you suggested is the way I'd like to go but I don't know where to start.
Tanks for your time.
B.

[WebMaster]

No, when you make new VM, and instead of completing the OS install, just convert it into a template from the point it asks for language settings.

When you right click on a VM, it gives you option to convert it into a template.