Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments for creating and provisioning instances having an expiration time. One exemplary embodiment comprises receiving a request to launch at least one instance, the request associated with an expiration time. In response to the request, an an instance can be instantiated using one or more server computers. Further, the embodiment includes determining, based at least in part on the expiration time, to terminate the provisioned instance and subsequently terminating the provisioned instance.

Abstract: Techniques for administrating computing resources include identifying, dynamically and/or based at least in part on historical data, a set of server computer systems expected to have availability for at least a portion of a future time period. A pricing scheme for implementing computer system instances for the future time period based at least in part on the availability of the server computer systems is generated. Accounting records in accordance with a price, determined based at least in part on the pricing scheme, for fulfilling requests to implement computer system instances for a predetermined finite amount of time are generated.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating execution of software programs in a configurable manner, including to configure bootstrapping operations that are performed at startup of the software programs. At least some of the software programs may be software images that each include, for example, a defined file system, an operating system, and one or more application programs. In addition, configuration of the software programs' startup may include using distinct bootstrap packages that each include their own distinct file system, such that loading of a bootstrap package within a software image includes adding the included file system of the bootstrap package to a new location within the defined file system of the software image (e.g., by mounting the included file system of the bootstrap package within the defined file system of the software image, and optionally removing the included file system of the bootstrap package after bootstrapping operations are completed).

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating execution of software programs in a configurable manner, including to configure bootstrapping operations that are performed at startup of the software programs. At least some of the software programs may be software images that each include, for example, a defined file system, an operating system, and one or more application programs. In addition, configuration of the software programs' startup may include using distinct bootstrap packages that each include their own distinct file system, such that loading of a bootstrap package within a software image includes adding the included file system of the bootstrap package to a new location within the defined file system of the software image (e.g., by mounting the included file system of the bootstrap package within the defined file system of the software image, and optionally removing the included file system of the bootstrap package after bootstrapping operations are completed).

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating execution of software programs in a configurable manner, including to configure bootstrapping operations that are performed at startup of the software programs. At least some of the software programs may be software images that each include, for example, a defined file system, an operating system, and one or more application programs. In addition, configuration of the software programs' startup may include using distinct bootstrap packages that each include their own distinct file system, such that loading of a bootstrap package within a software image includes adding the included file system of the bootstrap package to a new location within the defined file system of the software image (e.g., by mounting the included file system of the bootstrap package within the defined file system of the software image, and optionally removing the included file system of the bootstrap package after bootstrapping operations are completed).