Abstract: A deployment system allows an administrator to convert virtual deployments to physical deployments so that an administrator can easily move between the virtual and physical world. The deployment system allows an administrator to directly deploy an operating system image in the form of a VHD file to the hard disks of a physical machine as a directly bootable and natively installed operating system. Thus, the deployment system relieves administrators from separately managing physical and virtual deployment images. Instead, administrators can manage only virtual deployment images and convert virtual images to physical deployments as needed.

Abstract: A deployment system allows an administrator to convert virtual deployments to physical deployments so that an administrator can easily move between the virtual and physical world. The deployment system allows an administrator to directly deploy an operating system image in the form of a VHD file to the hard disks of a physical machine as a directly bootable and natively installed operating system. Thus, the deployment system relieves administrators from separately managing physical and virtual deployment images. Instead, administrators can manage only virtual deployment images and convert virtual images to physical deployments as needed.

Abstract: A method for managing a program in a hardware/software environment is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of dynamically instrumenting the program, intercepting communications between the program and the hardware/software environment, and utilise the intercepted communication in the management of the program.