Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are related to systems and methods for updating an operating system image. A system includes a processor and a system memory. A customization module receives end user defined customization parameters for an updatable base operating system image. The customization module further translates the received customization parameters into image state transition steps. The state transition steps cause the implementation of the customization parameters when applied to the updatable base operating system image. A generation module generates the updatable base operating system image by applying some of the image state transition steps. An update module updates the generated updatable base operating system image without the need for further end user input by applying some of the state transition steps to generate an updated operating system image.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to dynamically creating and managing a plurality of virtual machines and automating the instantiation and provisioning of a plurality of virtual machines. A computer system receives a user request to create virtual machines, where each virtual machine is controlled by an associated workflow. The computer system accesses a provisioning schema that indicates various configuration settings that are to be used by the associated workflow when provisioning the virtual machines. The computer system initiates a virtual service layer configured to support multiple virtual machine hosts, where each host is configured to operate at least one virtual machine. The computer system also instantiates the virtual machines on at least one virtual machine host according to the accessed provisioning schema, so that each virtual machine is provisioned according to the indicated configuration settings.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to dynamically creating and managing a plurality of virtual machines and automating the instantiation and provisioning of a plurality of virtual machines. A computer system receives a user request to create virtual machines, where each virtual machine is controlled by an associated workflow. The computer system accesses a provisioning schema that indicates various configuration settings that are to be used by the associated workflow when provisioning the virtual machines. The computer system initiates a virtual service layer configured to support multiple virtual machine hosts, where each host is configured to operate at least one virtual machine. The computer system also instantiates the virtual machines on at least one virtual machine host according to the accessed provisioning schema, so that each virtual machine is provisioned according to the indicated configuration settings.