Optimizing deployment of virtual machines by pre-generating a virtual machine's first-boot metadata by cloud controller

摘要

A method, system and computer program product for optimizing virtual machine deployment. A cloud controller pre-generates and stores a virtual machine's first-boot metadata (e.g., a RSA key) prior to the deployment of the virtual machine so that the virtual machine does not need to generate such metadata at deployment time thereby reducing the deployment time of the virtual machine. Instead, after the deployment and activation of the virtual machine, an activation agent running on the virtual machine requests the pre-generated first-boot metadata from the cloud controller. The cloud controller retrieves the requested pre-generated first-boot metadata to be transmitted to the requesting virtual machine and implements public-key cryptography so that the requesting virtual machine can verify the authenticity of the transmitted first-boot metadata. By reducing the deployment time for the virtual machine, cloud resources can be used for other activities.

主权项

1. A method for optimizing virtual machine deployment, the method comprising:
pre-generating a virtual machine's first-boot metadata prior to deployment of said virtual machine;
wherein the virtual machine's first-boot metadata is pre-generated on first boot of said virtual machine contributing to security; storing said pre-generated first-boot metadata;
deploying said virtual machine; receiving a request from an agent, executing on said virtual machine, requesting said pre-generated first-boot metadata; retrieving said requested pre-generated first-boot metadata; signing said retrieved pre-generated first-boot metadata with a private key to generate a signature; and transmitting, by a processor, a public key, said signature and said retrieved pre-generated first-boot metadata to said agent of said virtual machine.