Abstract: A mechanism is disclosed for automatically configuring a resource to interact with a network. In one embodiment, the mechanism takes the form of a configuration program executed by the resource being configured. The program obtains a set of configuration information, configures the resource using the configuration information, registers the resource with a domain, and creates a user account on the domain. In addition, the program copies a profile from one account to another to migrate an operating environment from an existing account into a new account. By automating the resource configuration process, the program transforms what currently is a time consuming task requiring potentially thousands of manhours into a simple task that takes just minutes.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a data backup with a stochastic scheduler in a distributed computing environment are described. A data set on a client is tracked. The data set is to be maintained with a backup data set on a centralized server within the distributed computing environment. A time period during which to initiate a data backup session for the tracked data set is selected. An instance of a backup session application on the client is periodically executed. The client attempts to initiate a connection with the centralized server beginning at a random start time during the selected time period. The client regularly reattempts the connection initiation following each failed connection initiation attempt. The tracked data set is selectively copied into the backup data set upon a successful connection initiation. Upon each successful data backup session for the tracked data set, a new random start time within the selected time slice for a next data backup session is generated.