Efficiently handling client requests in a server farm

摘要

A method, system and computer program product for efficiently handling client requests in a server farm. A server in the server farm may comprise a hardfile constrained to activate a limited number of logical partitions. The hardfile may store a partition table that defines the logical partitions activated. An image may refer to a collection of the limited number of logical partitions. Each image may be associated with a web site. Hence, the server may host a web site associated with the image currently active. The server may further store an image definition table storing a listing of images. An image associated with a different web site than the web site hosted may be selected. The logical partitions of the image selected may substitute the logical partitions defined in the partition table. Consequently, the server hosts a different web site without copying the old image or installing the new image.