Abstract: Generally described, one or more aspects of the present application relate to a public snapshot service for creating and managing block-level snapshots. For example, the public snapshot service can create a snapshot based on (i) a specification of a parent snapshot to be used as a basis for a given snapshot, and (ii) a specification of the data blocks to be backed up in the given snapshot. The data blocks in the snapshot may be stored in a specific storage path structure that facilitates computation of a block difference with respect to the parent snapshot.

Abstract: Techniques are described for allocating computing resources to customers of a multi-tenant web services platform. Computing capacity capable of running a computing instance is allocated to a customer. The computing capacity includes storage capacity that is disassociated from the allocated computing capacity when the allocated computing capacity is de-allocated from the customer. An indication that a virtual storage resource should be associated with the allocated computing capacity is received. The virtual storage resource is persisted independent of the allocation of the computing capacity to the customer. The storage capacity and the virtual storage resource are configured to synchronize data stored thereon while maintaining the storage capacity as an attached storage volume for the computing instance.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for launching a virtual machine and then configuring the virtual machine after launch. Metadata configuration information can be stored in conjunction with virtual machine image configuration data. The virtual machine image configuration data can be used to launch a virtual machine. The metadata configuration information can then be used to further configure the virtual machine after launch. Both the metadata configuration information and the virtual machine image configuration data can be stored in the same virtual machine registration record.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed for launching a virtual machine and then configuring the virtual machine after launch. Metadata configuration information can be stored in conjunction with virtual machine image configuration data. The virtual machine image configuration data can be used to launch a virtual machine. The metadata configuration information can then be used to further configure the virtual machine after launch. Both the metadata configuration information and the virtual machine image configuration data can be stored in the same virtual machine registration record.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a client-and-server architecture where the client makes asynchronous API calls to the client. Where the client makes multiple asynchronous API calls, and where these API calls have dependencies (i.e., a result of one call is used as a parameter in a second call), the client may send the server these multiple asynchronous API calls before execution of a call has completed. The server may then execute these multiple asynchronous API calls, using a result generated from one call as a parameter to another call.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for a client-and-server architecture where the client makes deferred API calls to the server. The server may receive such a deferred API call, and evaluate whether the call will be executed at the future time specified in the call. The server may use a model of tasks already scheduled to be performed at the future time, or projected to be performed at the future time, and compare those tasks against a projected capacity at the future time. Where there will be sufficient capacity, the server may execute process the deferred API call at the future time, and where there will not be sufficient capacity, the server may inform the client that the call will not be processed at the future time.