Copying segments of a virtual resource definition

Abstract

Segments of a virtual resource definition are copied from an existing virtual resource to create a new virtual resource definition or modifying an existing one to simplify virtualization management. The virtualization manager divides a virtual resource definition into a number of reusable segments. A user may then select one or more segments and place them into a new or existing virtual resource definition. The user can choose to mix and match segments to quickly create or modify a virtual resource definition such as a virtual server, virtual printer or virtual data storage. Any default information in the new virtual resource or old information in the existing resource is replaced by the information in the copied segment. Any dependencies in the existing virtual resource are resolved with user input to break the dependencies or copy dependent data.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This disclosure generally relates to virtualization of computer resources and virtual resource managers, and more specifically relates to copying segments of an existing virtual resource to another virtual resource definition to simplify virtualization management.[0003]2. Background Art[0004]Many companies and organizations must maintain a substantial information technology (IT) infrastructure that comprises a large number of computer resources including data servers integrated together. The data servers and other computer resources are often maintained using server management software such as the Systems Director 6.1 by International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). Using server management tools such as IBM's Systems Director 6.1, systems administrators can manage a large number of physical and virtual resources on multiple platforms and operating systems.[0005]A virtual resource is a resource such as a virtual server, virtual disk drive ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a method for making new virtual resources or modifying existing ones to simplify virtualization management. It works by dividing a virtual resource definition into reusable segments that can be mixed and matched to create or modify a virtual resource. The method also allows users to replace default information and resolve dependencies in the existing virtual resource with user input. In summary, the patent provides a quick and efficient way to create and modify virtual resources.

Problems solved by technology

Even with the new tools for managing resources, virtualization management is complex and can be time consuming.

Without a way to more efficiently and simply create and manage virtualization tasks of creating virtual resources, system administrators will continue to suffer from inefficient management of virtual resources using virtualization management tools.

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