Abstract: A method and system for identifying and reducing costs of information technology actions in real time. Initiation of an information technology (IT) action by a user is detected. An actual cost to perform the IT action is determined in real time prior to a completion of the IT action. A target cost (e.g., average cost) to perform the IT action is obtained. The actual cost is determined to be greater than the target cost. Recommended actions for reducing the actual cost are obtained. A notification is presented to the user in real time and prior to the completion of the IT action. The notification includes a description or a link to a description of the recommended actions.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and reducing costs of information technology actions in real time. Initiation of an information technology (IT) action by a user is detected. An actual cost to perform the IT action is determined in real time prior to a completion of the IT action. A target cost (e.g., average cost) to perform the IT action is obtained. The actual cost is determined to be greater than the target cost. Recommended actions for reducing the actual cost are obtained. A notification is presented to the user in real time and prior to the completion of the IT action. The notification includes a description or a link to a description of the recommended actions.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a method and system for performing computer system cloning. A program on a client system requests a system image and a system customization from a server system. Space requirements are received from the server system and then the client system uses these space requirements to set up temporary storage space. An image file corresponding to the system image that was requested is then received from the server system and stored in the temporary storage space. The client system then recreates the system image from the image files. The image files are then deleted from the temporary storage space on the client system. A customization file corresponding to the requested system customization is then received from the server system and stored in the temporary storage space on the client system. The customization file is applied to the system image on the client system and then the temporary storage space is deleted.