Abstract: Techniques are described for recommending levels of configuration for a set of targets. According to one embodiment, an image advisor generates a set of software configuration classifications based on a set of attributes associated with a plurality of targets. The image advisor associates each respective software configuration classification in the set of software configuration classifications with one or more targets of the plurality of targets. Based on the set of software configuration classifications, the image advisor generates and provides a recommendation that identifies a recommended set of source components for one or more groups of targets in the plurality of targets. In another embodiment, the image advisor may provide a set of recommended software configuration levels that include a fewer number of software configuration levels than a set of current software configuration levels.

Abstract: Techniques are described for checking whether system properties meet the requirements of a software application. These checks are performed by executing validation checks associated with the application, which often include validation checks associated with other applications with which the application integrates. A validation engine takes several inputs that drive the validation checking that is performed in conjunction with an operation associated with the application. In one aspect, a modular approach to integrating an application's validation checks with other applications' validation checks is provided via a properties file that contains metadata for all the files in an application's validation module. In another aspect, conditional logic is introduced into a knowledge source so that similar logic does not need to be in the validation test code. In another aspect, the validation test identifiers input is extended to support multiple modes of operations.

Abstract: Automated tools to validate a system environment for an application (and/or any other type of software component) and/or repair system environment conditions that might prevent the proper installation and/or functioning of the application or component are presented. Such tools can facilitate the installation and/or upgrade of software by automating the process of ensuring that all necessary requirements for the proper functioning of the software have been met.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions to allow more efficient management of clustered environments. Merely by way of example, some embodiments provide a framework for the relatively automated management of clusters, including the addition, deletion and/or modification of cluster nodes. In certain embodiments, this framework may be incorporated within a software application that can assist in the configuration of clusters. Other embodiments provide methods of managing clusters and/or their nodes, including, inter alia, methods of establishing and/or implementing such frameworks. Still other embodiments provide systems, including clustered systems, that provide relatively automated cluster management capabilities.

Abstract: An application deployment architecture provides the capability to independently invoke different phases of an operation associated with an application, thereby progressively deploying the application across a network of peer nodes and providing fault tolerance. Therefore, applications are easier to deploy on the network of nodes, the deployment process is less error prone, and remediation of deployment errors is simpler than with prior approaches. Tasks constituent to phases of a deployment process are schedulable rather than completely automated and outside the control of the administrator, and are schedulable on a subset of the nodes rather than only on the entire network of nodes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable mediums are disclosed for validating a system environment for a software application. In one embodiment, an input file having a plurality of validation tests identifiers identifying validation tests to validate a system environment for an application is read. At least a portion of the validation tests are executed. The results of the validation tests are outputted.

Abstract: Automated tools to validate a system environment for an application (and/or any other type of software component) and/or repair system environment conditions that might prevent the proper installation and/or functioning of the application or component. Such tools can facilitate the installation and/or upgrade of software by automating the process of ensuring that all necessary requirements for the proper functioning of the software have been met.

Abstract: The input values/parameters required specifically for installation of each of multiple software products of a suite are received from a user up-front, and the software products are installed sequentially thereafter based on the received input values. Since all the required input values are received up-front, the installation of all the software products can continue without requiring user intervention. According to another aspect of the invention, the user inputs are stored in a secondary storage and in case the installation aborts in the middle, the uninstalled products are installed when the user initiates the installation software again.

Abstract: An application deployment architecture provides the capability to independently invoke different phases of an operation associated with an application, thereby progressively deploying the application across a network of peer nodes and providing fault tolerance. Therefore, applications are easier to deploy on the network of nodes, the deployment process is less error prone, and remediation of deployment errors is simpler than with prior approaches. Tasks constituent to phases of a deployment process are schedulable rather than completely automated and outside the control of the administrator, and are schedulable on a subset of the nodes rather than only on the entire network of nodes.

Abstract: Techniques are described for checking whether system properties meet the requirements of a software application. These checks are performed by executing validation checks associated with the application, which often include validation checks associated with other applications with which the application integrates. A validation engine takes several inputs that drive the validation checking that is performed in conjunction with an operation associated with the application. In one aspect, a modular approach to integrating an application's validation checks with other applications' validation checks is provided via a properties file that contains metadata for all the files in an application's validation module. In another aspect, conditional logic is introduced into a knowledge source so that similar logic does not need to be in the validation test code. In another aspect, the validation test identifiers input is extended to support multiple modes of operations.

Abstract: A method of cloning a clonable system from a source environment to a target environment. In one embodiment the method comprises storing installation scripts used to install a home in the source environment in the home. The home can be copied to the target environment. The installation scripts stored in the home are also copied to the target environment and located inside the home in the target environment. The installation scripts are then executed in the target environment to complete the cloning of the clonable system in the target environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide solutions to allow more efficient management of clustered environments. Merely by way of example, some embodiments provide a framework for the relatively automated management of clusters, including the addition, deletion and/or modification of cluster nodes. In certain embodiments, this framework may be incorporated within a software application that can assist in the configuration of clusters. Other embodiments provide methods of managing clusters and/or their nodes, including, inter alia, methods of establishing and/or implementing such frameworks. Still other embodiments provide systems, including clustered systems, that provide relatively automated cluster management capabilities.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine-readable mediums are disclosed for validating a system environment for a software application. In one embodiment, an input file having a plurality of validation tests identifiers identifying validation tests to validate a system environment for an application is read. At least a portion of the validation tests are executed. The results of the validation tests are outputted.