Abstract: Embodiments relate to a host encrypting network communications of virtual machines (VMs) in ways that minimize exposure of the network communications in cleartext form. The host captures and registers a measure of a secure state of the host. The measure is registered with a guardian service communicable via a network. The guardian service also securely stores keys of the VMs. Each VM's key is associated with authorization information indicating which machines are authorized to obtain the corresponding VM's key. The host obtains access to a VM's key based on a confirmation that its state matches the registered measured state and based on the authorization information of the VM indicating that the host is authorized to access the key. The VM's key is then used to transparently encrypt/decrypt network communications of the VM as they pass through a virtualization layer on the host that executes the VMs.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a host encrypting network communications of virtual machines (VMs) in ways that minimize exposure of the network communications in cleartext form. The host captures and registers a measure of a secure state of the host. The measure is registered with a guardian service communicable via a network. The guardian service also securely stores keys of the VMs. Each VM's key is associated with authorization information indicating which machines are authorized to obtain the corresponding VM's key. The host obtains access to a VM's key based on a confirmation that its state matches the registered measured state and based on the authorization information of the VM indicating that the host is authorized to access the key. The VM's key is then used to transparently encrypt/decrypt network communications of the VM as they pass through a virtualization layer on the host that executes the VMs.

Abstract: Improving a distributed network environment. A method includes determining physical element properties of physical elements in a virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining gateway placement on a first physical element of the virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining utilization of physical elements in the virtualized network topology. Based on the physical element properties, gateway placement, and utilization of physical elements in the virtualized network topology, the method further includes determining an improved virtualized network topology to improve use of physical elements in the virtualized network topology.

Abstract: Configuring third party solutions to operate with virtual machines and virtual switches in a distributed network environment. The method includes receiving information at a logical switch about third party solutions in a distributed network. The method further includes receiving information at the logical switch about requirements for virtual components of the distributed network. The method further includes the logical switch automatically configuring third party solutions in the distributed network to meet the requirements for the virtual components of the distributed network.

Abstract: Configuring third party solutions to operate with virtual machines and virtual switches in a distributed network environment. The method includes receiving information at a logical switch about third party solutions in a distributed network. The method further includes receiving information at the logical switch about requirements for virtual components of the distributed network. The method further includes the logical switch automatically configuring third party solutions in the distributed network to meet the requirements for the virtual components of the distributed network.

Abstract: Improving a distributed network environment. A method includes determining physical element properties of physical elements in a virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining gateway placement on a first physical element of the virtualized network topology. The method further includes determining utilization of physical elements in the virtualized network topology.

Abstract: A method and system for displaying a graphical user interface on the display device. Methods include displaying a control area on a graphical user interface, the control area including at least one control field associated with an attribute of a content source, the control field being configured to be viewable via the control area and displaying a content area on the graphical user interface such that the control area and the content area are at least partially superimposed and simultaneously visible on the graphical user interface, the content area displaying content of at least a portion of the content source.