Abstract: Virtual machines and hosts of virtual machines are dynamically organized and managed in accordance with specific properties of the virtual machines and hosts. A system can be browsed for virtual machines/hosts having a specific property(s). Properties and property values are represented by a hierarchical structure of folders and subfolders, and/or in a textual hierarchical directory structure. Selection of a property value results in the virtual machines/hosts having the selected property value attributed thereto. Browsing can also be accomplished via a hierarchical textual directory structure. A virtual machine can be selected to navigate the virtual and view its constituents. Properties, property values, virtual machines, and hosts can be added, deleted, and/or modified.

Abstract: In accordance with certain aspects of the model-based policy application, each of a plurality of policies is associated with appropriate parts of a model of a heterogeneous system. A deployment agent is invoked to apply each of the plurality of policies to components associated with the parts of the model. An identification of a change to one of the plurality of policies is received, and the deployment agent is also invoked to apply the changed policy to selected ones of the components associated with the parts of the model.

Abstract: Model-based virtual system provisioning includes accessing a model of a workload to be installed on a virtual machine of a system as well as a model of the system. A workload refers to some computing that is to be performed, and includes an application to be executed to perform the computing, and optionally includes the operating system on which the application is to be installed. The workload model identifies a source of the application and operating system of the workload, as well as constraints of the workload, such as resources and/or other capabilities that the virtual machine(s) on which the workload is to be installed must have. An installation specification for the application is also generated, the installation specification being derived at least in part from the model of the workload and the model of the virtual system.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a target computing device to a virtual machine are provided. An assessment of the physical and software assets of a target computing device are obtained. A data image of the target computing device is deployed on an instance of a virtual machine. The virtual machine adjusted to correspond to the physical and software assets of the target computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for converting a target computing device to a virtual machine are provided. A conversion event is detected to initiate a conversion of a target computing device to a virtual machine. An assessment of the physical and software assets of a target computing device are obtained. A data image of the target computing device is deployed on an instance of a virtual machine. The virtual machine adjusted to correspond to the physical and software assets of the target computing device.

Abstract: Model-based provisioning of test environments includes accessing a model of an application to be installed in a test environment of a system and further accessing a model of the system and a model of the test environment. An installation specification for the application is also generated, the installation specification being derived at least in part from the model of the application, the model of the system, and the model of the test environment.

Abstract: A model of a system is generated and used as a basis for managing the system. As the system is managed, the system model can be updated to reflect changes to the system. Managing of the system can include one or more of provisioning applications in the system, provisioning applications in virtual systems, provisioning test environments, monitoring the configuration of the system, monitoring the system including the health of the system, performing capacity planning for the system, and propagating attributes to different components in the system.