Abstract: A cloud configuration, including public and private clouds, is organized hierarchically, with a top level and any number of lower levels. A parent level cloud receives resource workload metrics from respective child level cloud(s), makes predictions, based in part on the metrics, as to future resource needs at the child level. The parent level sets up runtime-modifiable business rules and scaling plans based on the predictions. The parent level cloud sends the scaling plans to respective child level(s). The parent level automatically triggers a scaling plan at a child level, if conditions written into the business rules are satisfied. Resources are scaled upward or downward automatically as needed to maintain optimal resource usage.

Abstract: A method includes generating, by a computing device, a probe; deploying, by the computing device, the probe into a virtual machine hosting a cloud application; increasing, by the computing device, resource consumption by the probe; collecting, by the computing device, performance data from the cloud application; and training, by the computing device, a machine learning model using the performance data.

Abstract: A cloud configuration, including public and private clouds, is organized hierarchically, with a top level and any number of lower levels. A parent level cloud receives resource workload metrics from respective child level cloud(s), makes predictions, based in part on the metrics, as to future resource needs at the child level. The parent level sets up runtime-modifiable business rules and scaling plans based on the predictions. The parent level cloud sends the scaling plans to respective child level(s). The parent level automatically triggers a scaling plan at a child level, if conditions written into the business rules are satisfied. Resources are scaled upward or downward automatically as needed to maintain optimal resource usage.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of managing virtual local area networks (VLANs) using abstract broadcast domains. First, a first broadcast domain having a first VLAN is established. Next, a second broadcast domain having a second VLAN is established. A third broadcast domain is then established, replacing both the first broadcast domain and the second broadcast domain. Thus, the first VLAN and the second VLAN are included in the third broadcast domain without having to physically manipulate switches or otherwise manipulate the logical connection between data processing systems. After aggregation, the first VLAN directly communicates with the second VLAN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus enhancing software catalog manageability, providing abstract software configuration, and desired state management. A first mechanism enhances software catalog manageability. The first mechanism includes a software model that separates metadata of software from actual binaries of the software. A second mechanism abstracts software configuration for automation. The second mechanism includes a hierarchical software resource template structure that specifies parameters, dependencies between parameters, features, options, and parameters that cannot be predefined. A third mechanism provides for desired state management and patch compliance assessments. The third mechanism checks against a server template or software resource in a data center model against what is installed on actual machines to determine compliance.