Abstract: A cloud computing environment in which a plurality of data centers are populated through the launching of resources in a controlled manner. Parameters such as current usage, future projected usage and a future maximum capacity can be used decide in which data center to launch a resource. A data center can be chosen so as to minimize a possibility that the data center becomes constrained at a future point in time. Selection is such that an equal percentage of future capacity is maintained across data centers.

Abstract: Associative management of distributed multimedia assets and associated resources using multi-domain agent-based communication between heterogeneous peers is achieved using an Asset/Resource Management (ARM) platform architecture that has an ARM Framework that is used by Asset Management Agents. The ARM Framework includes an ARM Infrastructure which is a system of protocols and libraries from which communities of agents that are grouped in logical Agent Domains are built. The agents communicate via the KQML language embedded within TCP/IP messages, advertise their capabilities and cooperate together to perform meaningful work. An XML-based language is used to embed “content” within the KQML language, providing a self-describing data representation using various character sets.