Virtual Machine Snapshot Update via Clone Isolation

The patent segments the snapshot management process by creating a clone virtual machine from the parent VM and applying updates only to the clone, rather than updating all snapshots directly. This segmentation allows selective update application to specific snapshot versions without affecting the entire snapshot hierarchy, reducing overall update time and resource consumption while maintaining security.

The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a clone virtual machine before applying updates. This preliminary clone is then updated with security patches and software updates, and the updated clone serves as a new snapshot. This approach prepares the update environment in advance, allowing the parent VM to continue operating while updates are applied to the clone, significantly reducing the time impact on production systems.

The patent uses copying by creating a clone virtual machine from the parent VM snapshot. This clone is a complete copy that can be updated independently without affecting the operational parent VM. The update process is performed on the copied instance, and once updated, it becomes a new snapshot version. This copying mechanism ensures that the original VM continues to operate normally while receiving updates through the clone, maintaining operational continuity.

The clone virtual machine acts as an intermediary between the parent VM and the update application process. By introducing this intermediate clone, the patent enables update application without directly disrupting the parent VM operations. The intermediary clone absorbs the update process, allowing the parent VM to maintain normal operations while the clone receives and tests updates before becoming a new snapshot version.