Network boot system and method using remotely-stored, client-specific boot images created from shared, base snapshot image

摘要

A method and system for network booting of clients linked to a network. The method includes receiving a boot request from a networked client device and determining a target. The target is determined for the client device and a boot volume is selected from a set of client image copies. Each client image copy is unique to a client device and is created using a snapshot of a base boot image with a virtual copy or reverse snapshot of the base image being stored for each client device. The method continues with logging the client into the target and providing direct access to the allocated client image copy. The client device remotely boots from the client boot volume(s) or blocks on a remote storage device. Each client image copy includes the base boot image and information specific to the client. The client information is updated with writes to automatically allocated client-specific blocks.