Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for the automatic migration of applications and their associated data and configuration files from a source data processing system to a destination data processing system. A data store containing meta data regarding files associated with the application is queried in which the data store includes meta data describing the files accessed by the application. A result is received in response to querying the data store in which the associations are maintained. Copying of the files from the source data processing system to the destination data processing system using the result is initiated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for tracking relationships between programs and data in a data processing system. A file access request is received from a program, wherein the request is received at an operating system level. An association is stored between the file and the program.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method, computer program product, and data processing system for providing automatic, mass-customized preparation of disk images. The invention relies on a front end, which interacts with customers and sales personnel to acquire self-consistent provisioning requirements. These requirements are input to a provisioning engine, which uses a knowledge base of constraints and affinities to generate a set of provisioning orders. These orders are input to a disk image builder, which automatically creates the disk image and saves it for distribution. The disk image builder also consults a knowledge base concerning best practices established by the service provider for disk image builds. Finally, the requirements are used to drive a disk image tester, which exercises the image as a quality inspection.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for the automatic migration of applications and their associated data and configuration files from a source data processing system to a destination data processing system. A data store containing meta data regarding files associated with the application is queried in which the data store includes meta data describing the files accessed by the application. A result is received in response to querying the data store in which the associations are maintained. Copying of the files from the source data processing system to the destination data processing system using the result is initiated.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer implemented instructions for tracking relationships between programs and data in a data processing system. A file access request is received from a program, wherein the request is received at an operating system level. An association is stored between the file and the program.