Provisioning of computer systems using virtual machines

Abstract

A provisioning server automatically configures a virtual machine (VM) according to user specifications and then deploys the VM on a physical host. The user may either choose from a list of pre-configured, ready-to-deploy VMs, or he may select which hardware, operating system and application(s) he would like the VM to have. The provisioning server then configures the VM accordingly, if the desired configuration is available, or it applies heuristics to configure a VM that best matches the user's request if it isn't. The invention also includes mechanisms for monitoring the status of VMs and hosts, for migrating VMs between hosts, and for creating a network of VMs.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for creating a virtualized computer system comprising the following steps:
 inputting information identifying a desired computer configuration, the inputted information includes characteristics of a desired hardware platform; and   automatically configuring and deploying on a physical host platform a virtual machine according to the inputted information.