Abstract: A method for generating a software container includes receiving a software application and a containerization file. The method also includes building an image file using the containerization file, the image file containing the software application. The method also includes recording, in the image file, an image lineage. The method also includes performing a security scan of the image file to obtain a result, the security scan comprising checking the image file for inadequacies. The method also includes assigning, to the image file, a security level selected from among a plurality of different predetermined security levels. Assigning is based on a combination of the image lineage and the result of the security scan. The method also includes signing the image file with the security level to create a signed image file. The method also includes storing the signed image file as the software container.

Abstract: A method and system generates extended patterns from base patterns with an automatic pattern generation engine. The method and system tests the extended patterns with an automatic pattern testing engine. The patterns correspond to configurations for implementing cloud-based applications. The patterns are extendable to make additional extended patterns. Extended patterns carry the characteristics of the patterns from which they were extended. Updating a base pattern with new security measures causes a cascade effect that updates all extended patterns that descend from the base pattern.