METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A TEST NETWORK AS AN IP ACCESSIBLE CLOUD SERVICE

摘要

A method and structure for a cloud service includes an API (application programming interface) as tangibly embodied in a set of computer-executable instructions and selectively executable on a computer on a network. The API provides a user interface for a cloud environment comprising one or more virtual machines to be selectively instantiated on at least one computer in the network upon a user request. A library is accessible via the API, the library providing definitions of components available to be instantiated in the cloud environment. The API automatically instantiates an image of a virtual network of components, as defined by a user input request and provides at least one cloud portal providing the user an access to exercise the instantiated virtual network image.