Abstract: In a computing environment, a method for providing a data backup function without transferring data across a local area network includes providing a plurality of resources including at least a client resource requiring a periodic servicing operation, a service provider resource capable of providing that servicing operation. At least one of the client resource and the service provider resource, such as a data backup resource, are defined by virtual machines. The client resource and the service provider resource are transparently co-located by transferring the resource defined by a virtual machine to the physical machine hosting the other resource, and the service provider resource performs the data backup function without need of transferring the data being backed up across a local area network. Methods, computer systems, and computer programs available as a download or on a computer-readable medium for installation according to the invention are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus involve computing backup for virtual representations on a physical hardware platform. The platform has a processor, memory and available storage upon which a plurality of virtual machines are configured. Also, each virtual machine has a type of operating system that may be the same or different as another virtual machine. A plurality of virtual machine proxies exists as complements to the virtual machines in order to actually conduct the backup. Upon indication of a present need for conducting a backup operation, the proxy with an operating system most closely approximating or matching the operating system of the virtual machine needing backup is selected for undertaking the operation. In this manner, backup is no longer conducted with ill-fitting physical backup proxies with incompatible operating systems. In other embodiments, nuances of conducting backup are described as are templates and cloning. Computer program products are further described.

Abstract: A method for providing a servicing operation in a computing environment includes providing a plurality of resources including at least a client resource requiring a periodic servicing operation, a service provider resource capable of providing that servicing operation. At least one of the client resource and the service provider resource are defined by virtual machines. The client resource and the service provider resource are transparently co-located by transferring the resource defined by a virtual machine, and the service provider resource performs the servicing operation. Methods, computer systems, and computer programs available as a download or on a computer-readable medium for installation according to the invention are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for continuous optimization of allocation of computing resources for a horizontally scalable application which has a cyclical load pattern wherein each cycle may be subdivided into a number of time slots. A computing resource allocation application pre-allocates computing resources at the beginning of a time slot based on a predicted computing resource consumption during that slot. During the servicing of the workload, a measuring application measures actual consumption of computing resources. On completion of servicing, the measuring application updates the predicted computing resource consumption profile, allowing optimal allocation of resources. Un-needed computing resources may be released, or may be marked as releasable, for use upon request by other applications, including applications having the same or lower priority than the original application.

Abstract: A method for providing a servicing operation in a computing environment includes providing a plurality of resources including at least a client resource requiring a periodic servicing operation, a service provider resource capable of providing that servicing operation. At least one of the client resource and the service provider resource are defined by virtual machines. The client resource and the service provider resource are transparently co-located by transferring the resource defined by a virtual machine, and the service provider resource performs the servicing operation. Methods, computer systems, and computer programs available as a download or on a computer-readable medium for installation according to the invention are provided.