Associating Virtual Machines on a Server Computer with Particular Users on an Exclusive Basis

Abstract

A first computer of a plurality of computers in a server computer system may be associated with a first user on an exclusive basis. An administrator of the server computer system may utilize an administrative user interface in order to specify the association. Associating the first computer with the first user on the exclusive basis may prevent users other than the first user from using the first computer. In response to receiving a request from the first user to connect to the server computer system, the system may operate to determine that the first computer is associated with the first user on the exclusive basis and may assign the first computer to the first user. Once the first computer has been assigned to the first user, the first user can begin using the first computer. In some embodiments the first computer may be a physical computer. In other embodiments the first computer may be a virtual machine.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 889,994 titled, “Virtualization Methods for a Blade Computing System,” which was filed on Feb. 15, 2007, whose inventor was Syed Mohammad Amir Husain.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to a server computer system that provides centralized computing resources to a plurality of users. More particularly, the invention relates a system and method for associating virtual machines on a server computer with particular users on an exclusive basis.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Many commercial businesses and enterprises make extensive use of personal computers (PCs) in their daily operations. Typically, each user of a PC in the enterprise has a networked PC at his / her desk or work area. As the number of networked computer systems utilized in an enterprise increases, the management of resources in the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system and method for associating a computer in a server computer system with a user. This allows the administrator to assign the computer to a specific user, preventing others from using it. The user can then connect to the server computer system and use the assigned computer. The computer can be a physical computer or a virtual machine. In some cases, the virtual machine may not be removed after the user disconnects from it, and the user may be able to connect to it again in the future. The virtual machine may be actively executed or hibernated when the user disconnects from it. The technical effect of this system is improved security and access control for server computer systems.

Problems solved by technology

As the number of networked computer systems utilized in an enterprise increases, the management of resources in the network may become increasingly complex and expensive.

Some of the manageability issues involved in maintaining a large number of networked computer systems may include ease of installation and deployment, the topology and physical logistics of the network, asset management, scalability (the cost and effort involved in increasing the number of units), troubleshooting network or unit problems, support costs, software tracking and management, as well as the simple issue of physical space, be it floor space or room on the desktop, as well as security issues regarding physical assets, information protection, software control, and computer virus issues.

However, in some embodiments the first virtual machine may not be removed from the server computer after the first user has been de-assigned from the first virtual machine.

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