Abstract: An apparatus and method for provisioning software on a network of heterogeneous computers in a network. The provisioner receives a list of packages and deployment scope of the packages, then checks each node for installed applications and records dependency and potential application conflicts. In addition, the provisioner measures a plurality of network and node metrics. Based on the dependency information, conflict information, and metrics, one or more nodes are selected and software is provisioned and/or removed in accordance with the dependency and conflict information.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for representing at least one of a user process and a system process as a software package in a software package management system. The method includes creating at least one package comprising at least one of a user process and a system process. The at least one package comprises a structure consistent with a software package so that the at least one package is able to be managed by a software package management system. The at least one package is stored on an information system via the software package management system.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for representing at least one system capability as a software package in a software package management system. The method includes creating at least one system capability package representing at least one system capability. The at least one system capability package is installed on an information system via a software package management system. The at least one system capability package is stored into a software package database. The system capability package is consistent with a software package structure so that the system capability package is able to be managed by a software package management system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for scheduling a job process on at least one node in a server data processing network. The scheduling is based on a state of at least two nodes in the network as well as a cost metric of installing a required application on at least one of the nodes in the network of nodes. The apparatus and method gathers metrics indicating properties associated with at least two nodes on the network, the metrics including a presence of an application necessary for running the process. A first cost factor for scheduling the process on a node in the network having the application necessary for running the process is compared with a second cost factor for scheduling the process on a node in the network that does not have the application necessary for running the process. Finally, a node in the network is selected for scheduling the process.