Abstract: A method of handling a first input/output operation (IO) from a first virtual machine (VM), wherein the first VM is located in a first data center and the first IO is directed to a data store in a second data center, includes the steps of: connecting, by a proxy located in the first data center, to the data store; after connecting to the data store, caching, by the proxy, data of the first VM stored in the data store, wherein caching the data of the first VM comprises storing the data of the first VM in a cache located in the first data center; redirecting, by a redirection filter to the proxy, the first IO; and performing, by the proxy, the first IO on the cache in the first data center.

Abstract: A method of handling a first input/output operation (IO) from a first virtual machine (VM), wherein the first VM is located in a first data center and the first IO is directed to a data store in a second data center, includes the steps of: connecting, by a proxy located in the first data center, to the data store; after connecting to the data store, caching, by the proxy, data of the first VM stored in the data store, wherein caching the data of the first VM comprises storing the data of the first VM in a cache located in the first data center; redirecting, by a redirection filter to the proxy, the first IO; and performing, by the proxy, the first IO on the cache in the first data center.

Abstract: A virtual machine (VM) is migrated from a first data center that includes a data store for handling input/output operations (IOs) of the VM to a second data center that includes a proxy configured with connection information to connect to the data store to enable the proxy to handle IOs in place of the data store. The method of migrating includes installing a first redirection filter in the first data center to redirect IOs from the first VM, which are directed to the data store, to the proxy, migrating a memory state of the first VM to a second VM in the second data center, installing a second redirection filter in the second data center to redirect IOs from the second VM, which are directed to the data store, to the proxy, and after the migration has completed, deactivating the first VM and powering on the second VM.

Abstract: A virtual machine (VM) is migrated from a first data center that includes a data store for handling input/output operations (IOs) of the VM to a second data center that includes a proxy configured with connection information to connect to the data store to enable the proxy to handle IOs in place of the data store. The method of migrating includes installing a first redirection filter in the first data center to redirect IOs from the first VM, which are directed to the data store, to the proxy, migrating a memory state of the first VM to a second VM in the second data center, installing a second redirection filter in the second data center to redirect IOs from the second VM, which are directed to the data store, to the proxy, and after the migration has completed, deactivating the first VM and powering on the second VM.

Abstract: Instructions to fork a source VM are received, and execution of the source VM is temporarily stunned. A destination VM is created, and a snapshot of a first virtual disk of the source VM is created. A checkpoint state of the source VM is transferred to the destination VM. The source VM has one or more virtual disks. One or more virtual disks associated with the destination VM are created and reference the one or more virtual disks of the source VM. Execution of the destination VM is restored using the transferred checkpoint state and the virtual disks of the destination VM in a way that allows the source VM to also resume execution. Forking VMs using the described operation provisions destination VMs in a manner that makes efficient use of memory and disk space, while enabling source VMs to continue execution after completion of the fork operation.

Abstract: Instructions to fork a source VM are received, and execution of the source VM is temporarily stunned. A destination VM is created, and a snapshot of a first virtual disk of the source VM is created. A checkpoint state of the source VM is transferred to the destination VM. The source VM has one or more virtual disks. One or more virtual disks associated with the destination VM are created and reference the one or more virtual disks of the source VM. Execution of the destination VM is restored using the transferred checkpoint state and the virtual disks of the destination VM in a way that allows the source VM to also resume execution. Forking VMs using the described operation provisions destination VMs in a manner that makes efficient use of memory and disk space, while enabling source VMs to continue execution after completion of the fork operation.

Abstract: A distributed computing system conforms to a multi-level, hierarchical organizational model. One or more control nodes provide for the efficient and automated allocation and management of computing functions and resources within the distributed computing system in accordance with the organization model. The model includes four distinct levels: fabric, domains, tiers and nodes that provide for the logical abstraction and containment of the physical components as well as system and service application software of the enterprise. A user, such as a system administrator, interacts with the control nodes to logically define the hierarchical organization of distributed computing system. The control node includes an automation subsystem having one or more rule engines that provide autonomic control of the application nodes in accordance with a set of one or more rules.