Abstract: In a cloud computing environment, a production server virtualization stack is minimized to present fewer security vulnerabilities to malicious software running within a guest virtual machine. The minimal virtualization stack includes support for those virtual devices necessary for the operation of a guest operating system, with the code base of those virtual devices further reduced. Further, a dedicated, isolated boot server provides functionality to securely boot a guest operating system. The boot server is isolated through use of an attestation protocol, by which the boot server presents a secret to a network switch to attest that the boot server is operating in a clean mode. The attestation protocol may further employ a secure co-processor to seal the secret, so that it is only accessible when the boot server is operating in the clean mode.

Abstract: In a cloud computing environment, a production server virtualization stack is minimized to present fewer security vulnerabilities to malicious software running within a guest virtual machine. The minimal virtualization stack includes support for those virtual devices necessary for the operation of a guest operating system, with the code base of those virtual devices further reduced. Further, a dedicated, isolated boot server provides functionality to securely boot a guest operating system. The boot server is isolated through use of an attestation protocol, by which the boot server presents a secret to a network switch to attest that the boot server is operating in a clean mode. The attestation protocol may further employ a secure co-processor to seal the secret, so that it is only accessible when the boot server is operating in the clean mode.

Abstract: In a cloud computing environment, a production server virtualization stack is minimized to present fewer security vulnerabilities to malicious software running within a guest virtual machine. The minimal virtualization stack includes support for those virtual devices necessary for the operation of a guest operating system, with the code base of those virtual devices further reduced. Further, a dedicated, isolated boot server provides functionality to securely boot a guest operating system. The boot server is isolated through use of an attestation protocol, by which the boot server presents a secret to a network switch to attest that the boot server is operating in a clean mode. The attestation protocol may further employ a secure co-processor to seal the secret, so that it is only accessible when the boot server is operating in the clean mode.

Abstract: In a cloud computing environment, a production server virtualization stack is minimized to present fewer security vulnerabilities to malicious software running within a guest virtual machine. The minimal virtualization stack includes support for those virtual devices necessary for the operation of a guest operating system, with the code base of those virtual devices further reduced. Further, a dedicated, isolated boot server provides functionality to securely boot a guest operating system. The boot server is isolated through use of an attestation protocol, by which the boot server presents a secret to a network switch to attest that the boot server is operating in a clean mode. The attestation protocol may further employ a secure co-processor to seal the secret, so that it is only accessible when the boot server is operating in the clean mode.

Abstract: A lifting truck is provided with a folding rail assembly for confining workers to an elevated platform. The folding rail assembly includes a plurality of link members pivotally connected relative to the platform and to a protective railing structure. The link members permit movement of the protective railing structure between a lowered position and an elevated position relative to the platform. One or more latch members are pivotally connected with respective link members for preventing movement of the railing from the elevated position. The latch members are configured to allow the railing to be lifted directly to the elevated position. The latch members comprise handles for exerting an opposing force against the bias of a spring for releasing the latch members to permit the railing to be lowered after use.

Abstract: An improved parking brake is provided for use on a movable machine, in particular a lift truck with an elevating platform. A pin-type brake is provided with a buffered slide mechanism which engages and disengages a slotted disc mounted on a wheel to brake the machine while not in use. The buffered slide mechanism provides a delay for the slide mechanism when the slide and apertures in the slotted disc are not in precise alignment, and automatically engages or disengages the brake when the slide and disc apertures are in alignment. The brake also reduces wear on the internal cylinder components by providing a slide supported at its ends by guides and pivotally linked to the cylinder mechanism.