Abstract: A node is monitored using metadata gathered by an in-memory process. Metadata for the node is dynamically gathered using a process running in memory; and the gathered metadata is provided to a remote server for storage. The process comprises, for example, an in-memory microkernel executing on a boot node. The metadata comprises, for example, information about physical characteristics of the node, information about one or more software packages installed on the node and/or information about one or more of an operating system, a BIOS and firmware. The gathered metadata can be processed to update a finite state machine to indicate a state of the node and/or to detect a change in state of the node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for securing communications between a node and a server, for example, during a boot process. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a method is provided for securing communications between a node and a server, comprising: dynamically gathering hardware-related metadata for the node using a process running in memory; generating a unique identifier for the node using the hardware-related metadata; generating a public/private key pair for the node using the unique identifier; and securing communications between the node and the server using the public/private key pair. The process comprises, for example, an in-memory microkernel executing on a boot node. The hardware-related metadata comprises, for example, information about physical characteristics of the node. The unique identifier for the node can optionally be further based on information obtained from a Trusted Processing Module. The node can be authenticated using the public/private key pair.