Abstract: Mass storage is allocated to a logical server. The logical server is deployed to a real server.

Abstract: A method, and a corresponding system, provide for configuring nodes in a computer system according to a user's intent. The computer system includes one or more nodes. The method includes receiving a configuration command from a user, including an identification of one or more of the nodes to be configured; determining available programs for configuring the one or more nodes; determining requirements for applying the available programs to the one or more nodes and displaying the requirements to the user for selection; receiving user selections from the displayed requirements; and executing the requirements to configure the one or more nodes.

Abstract: An administrator selects a representation of a logical server on a display. The logical server is stored in a logical-server database. The logical-server database stores logical-servers and specifies their resource requirements and network identities. The logical servers are deployable to physical and/or virtual real servers. A logical-server manager program responds to the selection by displaying a warning symbol. The administrator interacts with the warning symbol, and the logical-server manager program responds by displaying a message specifying that the real server is unsuitable or impaired as a host for deployment of the logical server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method for a centrally managed computer system. The method provides central diagnostic expertise regarding central management software used for managing a system. The method further provides for managed software that integrates with the central management software; the managed software includes its own diagnostic expertise. The method further provides for importing the managed diagnostic expertise and combining it with central diagnostic expertise to define collective diagnostic expertise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a diagnostic method for a centrally managed computer system. The method provides central diagnostic expertise regarding central management software used for managing said system. The method further provides for managed software that integrates with said central management software; the managed software includes its own diagnostic expertise. The method further provides for importing the managed diagnostic expertise and combining it with said central diagnostic expertise to define collective diagnostic expertise.

Abstract: A computer operable method for creating a demonstration program. In representative embodiments, wherein the demonstration program is executable on a first computer, a computer operable method is disclosed which comprises initiating an application program on a second computer. On a monitor connected to the second computer, at least two images of a graphical user interface created by the application program are displayed, wherein one of the images is selectable from the other image for display on the monitor. At least two images of the graphical user interface displayed are captured. An image map for the image of the graphical user interface from which the other image of the graphical user interface is selectable is created, wherein the image map specifies the linkage between the images of the graphical user interface.