A network function virtualization (NFV) orchestration manager utilizes characteristics of the particular host, such as the platform itself, the hypervisor and the network interface to determine virtual network function (VNF) deployment. Exemplary platform characteristics are latency, throughput, scalability and migration. Factors are developed for each characteristic to provide positive or negative values used in the determination so that each host receives values for each characteristic. Each VNF is associated with desirable characteristics. When a VNF is to be deployed, the NVF orchestration manager determines the host factors relevant to the VNF. After analyzing the hosts and comparing them to the VNF requirements, a host choice is determined and the VNF is deployed to that host, with a virtual machine (VM) being created if needed. In a similar manner, VNFs can be chosen for inclusion in a service function chain (SFC).