SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPURPOSING VIRTUAL MACHINES

摘要

Software, firmware, and systems repurpose existing virtual machines. After a virtual machine is created, the system stores data associated with the virtual machine to permit its later repurposing. Repurposing data includes data associated with the virtual machine when the virtual machine is in a generic state from which it may be configured for use by two or more users/applications. When the system receives a request to create a new virtual machine, rather than create a brand new virtual machine, the system repurposes an existing virtual machine. The system identifies a virtual machine to repurpose, deletes data associated with the identified virtual machine, and loads a saved copy of repurposing data. The system may then load user data or otherwise customize the database and virtual machine.

主权项

1. A method to be performed by a computing system for repurposing a virtual machine, the method comprising:
receiving a request that a virtual machine be created for a user,
wherein the request identifies at least one configuration parameter for the virtual machine, and identifying one or more existing virtual machines repurposable to the user that include configuration parameters that match the at least one configuration parameter identified in the request; selecting an existing virtual machine for repurposing to the user associated with the request, by:
when there is an idle virtual machine that matches the at least one configuration parameter identified in the request, selecting the idle virtual machine for repurposing to the user; andwhen there is no idle virtual machine that matches the at least one configuration parameter identified in the request, selecting an archived virtual machine for repurposing to the user; repurposing the selected virtual machine for the user by loading repurposing data to the selected virtual machine, including switching permissions or ownership of the repurposed machine from a previous user of the repurposed virtual machine to the user associated with the request.