Abstract: An information system provides a conversational knowledge base for responding to user queries. The information system incorporates contemporaneous advancements in NLP and deep learning to create the conversation knowledge base from its documents, which may be obtained from various sources. Domain-specific information is extracted and generated from the documents substantially without human intervention. From the domain-specific information, precise answers to synthesized questions are generated using transformer-based deep learning models.

Abstract: To create a backup of a live (running) virtual machine, a backup agent may take a snapshot of the virtual machine, backup the virtual machine from the snapshot disk, and delete the snapshot. Deleting the snapshot initiates a snapshot consolidation process where delta disks of the virtual machine are collapsed. A virtual disk layer sets up a mirror driver between a current virtual disk and a target virtual disk. Data sectors of the delta disk are copied over to the target virtual disk in a single pass, while the mirror driver mirrors write request for the current virtual disk to the target virtual disk.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards recommending and providing content to a user group for the social consumption of recommended content. Embodiments include generating an individual recommendation for the users based on user preferences of the plurality of users. A group recommendation is generated based on a combination of the individual recommendations. The group recommendation is provided to each of the plurality of users. The group may collaborate over the group recommendation. During collaboration, the group may generate a dialog that includes a discussion based on the group recommendation. Keyword and sentiment pairs, included in the dialog, are determined. The group recommendation is updated based on the keywords and sentiments. The updated group recommendation is provided to the users. In response to detecting a group consensus while monitoring the group collaboration, content associated with the group consensus is provided to the users.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide techniques for promoting a linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an instruction to promote the linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. The method also includes creating a second base disk for the linked clone virtual machine. The method includes installing a mirror driver between the first delta disk and the second base disk. The method includes copying the contents of the first delta disk to the second base disk with the mirror driver. After the contents of the first delta disk have been copied to the second base disk, the method includes removing the mirror driver and operating the linked clone virtual machine as a full clone virtual machine on the second base disk.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards recommending and providing content to a user group for the social consumption of recommended content. Embodiments include generating an individual recommendation for the users based on user preferences of the plurality of users. A group recommendation is generated based on a combination of the individual recommendations. The group recommendation is provided to each of the plurality of users. The group may collaborate over the group recommendation. During collaboration, the group may generate a dialog that includes a discussion based on the group recommendation. Keyword and sentiment pairs, included in the dialog, are determined. The group recommendation is updated based on the keywords and sentiments. The updated group recommendation is provided to the users. In response to detecting a group consensus while monitoring the group collaboration, content associated with the group consensus is provided to the users.

Abstract: One or more embodiments provide techniques for promoting a linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving an instruction to promote the linked clone virtual machine to a full clone virtual machine. The method also includes creating a second base disk for the linked clone virtual machine. The method includes installing a mirror driver between the first delta disk and the second base disk. The method includes copying the contents of the first delta disk to the second base disk with the mirror driver. After the contents of the first delta disk have been copied to the second base disk, the method includes removing the mirror driver and operating the linked clone virtual machine as a full clone virtual machine on the second base disk.

Abstract: A method for opening a virtual disk comprises reading information from a metadata file that identifies the current owner of the virtual disk. The method further includes sending a release request to the current owner of the virtual disk to release the virtual disk, writing information to the metadata file identifying the new owner, and then opening the virtual disk.

Abstract: A method for opening a virtual disk comprises reading information from a metadata file that identifies the current owner of the virtual disk. The method further includes sending a release request to the current owner of the virtual disk to release the virtual disk, writing information to the metadata file identifying the new owner, and then opening the virtual disk.

Abstract: Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems include receiving selection of a virtual disk and a plug-in. The virtual disk includes an extent file storing data used by a virtual machine and a descriptor file including a reference to the extent file and used by a virtualization stack of a host computer to manage the virtual disk. The plug-in is attached to the virtual disk in response to the received selection. Attaching the plug-in includes adding an identification of the plug-in to the descriptor file. The plug-in is notified of the attachment to the virtual disk. A request is received from the plug-in to create a sidecar file to store data or metadata on behalf of the plug-in. The sidecar file is created for the attached plug-in. The sidecar file is attached to the virtual disk.

Abstract: To create a backup of a live (running) virtual machine, a backup agent may take a snapshot of the virtual machine, backup the virtual machine from the snapshot disk, and delete the snapshot. Deleting the snapshot initiates a snapshot consolidation process where delta disks of the virtual machine are collapsed. A virtual disk layer sets up a mirror driver between a current virtual disk and a target virtual disk. Data sectors of the delta disk are copied over to the target virtual disk in a single pass, while the mirror driver mirrors write request for the current virtual disk to the target virtual disk.