Abstract: A method for data recovery and destruction is disclosed. The method includes determining whether a network connection has been established by a computer system. If the network connection has been established, it is determined whether a specified server is accessible via the network connection. If the specified server is accessible, the specified server is accessed to determine whether a data recovery and destruction flag has been set for the computer system. If the flag has been set, a data recovery and destruction procedure is initiated. The data recovery and destruction procedure may involve transferring data from the computer system to at least one other computer system and then destroying at least a portion of the transferred data on the computer system.

Abstract: At least one node in the network is assigned to a first deployment group and at least one other node in the network is assigned to a second deployment group. A set of distribution criteria specifies a triggering event which must occur before a software package is deployed to the second deployment group. The software package is deployed to at least one node within the first deployment group. Distribution of the software package to at least one node within the second deployment group is deferred until after the triggering event has occurred.