Globally Distributed Utility Computing Cloud

• US 20140040343A1
• Filed: 04/19/2013
• Published: 02/06/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nihon Yamamura Glass Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Nihon Yamamura Glass Company Limited
• Inventors: Nickolov, Peter, Armijo, Bert, Miloushev, Vladimir
• Granted Patent: US 9,578,088 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/201
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/4856 resumption being on a different machine, e.g. task migration, virtual machine migration G06F9/5088 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 9/5072 Grid computing
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0283 Price estimation or determination
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/04 Billing or invoicing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1001 for accessing one among a plurality of replicated servers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1008 based on parameters of servers, e.g. available memory or workload monitoring of computer activity G06F11/30
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/101 based on network conditions
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1014 based on the content of a request
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1021 based on client or server locations
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1029 using data related to the state of servers by a load balancer
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1031 Controlling of the operation of servers by a load balancer, e.g. adding or removing servers that serve requests
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/34 involving the movement of software or configuration parameters network booting or remote initial program loading [RIPL] G06F9/4416
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/325 in the network layer [OSI layer 3], e.g. X.25 H04L69/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/328 in the presentation layer [OSI layer 6]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/329 in the application layer [OSI layer 7]

Abstract

Teachings of this application include a computing network that may include multiple different data centers and/or server grids which are deployed in different geographic locations. In at least one embodiment, at least some of the server grids may be operable to provide on-demand, grid and/or utility computing resources for hosting various types of distributed applications. In at least one embodiment, a distributed application may be characterized as an application made up of distinct components (e.g., virtual appliances, virtual machines, virtual interfaces, virtual volumes, virtual network connections, etc.) in separate runtime environments. In at least one embodiment, different ones of the distinct components of the distributed application may be hosted or deployed on different platforms (e.g., different servers) connected via a network. In some embodiments, a distributed application may be characterized as an application that runs on two or more networked computers.

Claims

1. A virtual computing cloud comprising:

a plurality of server grids operable to communicate with each other via a wide area network;

each server grid having associated therewith a plurality of physical servers;

each server grid having associated therewith a respective portion of computing resources;

the plurality of server grids including a first server grid deployed at a first geographic location and a second server grid deployed at a second geographic location different than the first geographic location;

virtual computing cloud resources, the virtual computing cloud resources including an aggregate of portions of resources associated with the first and second server grids;

the virtual computing cloud being operable to run, at one or more of the plurality of server grids, a first instance of a distributed application implemented using at least one virtual appliance.

2. A method for migrating a virtual appliance from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the method comprising:

running a first instance of the virtual appliance at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

storing, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the virtual appliance;

identifying a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establishing a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transferring, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modifying, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid; and

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the virtual appliance includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T, the method further comprising:

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T.

4. The method of any of claims 2-3 wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance includes a first virtual machine having associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T the method further comprising:

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T;

wherein the starting of the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid includes starting, at the second server grid, an instance of the first virtual machine at a state corresponding to the current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T.

6. The method of any of claims 2-5:

wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T;

wherein said detecting further comprises detecting, while the first instance of the virtual appliance is running on the first server grid, the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

wherein said transferring further comprises transferring, to the second server grid while the first instance of the virtual appliance is running at the first server grid, the first disk image;

wherein said modifying further comprises modifying, using the first disk image transferred to the second server grid and using the first portion of updated or modified data, the second disk image to thereby generate the modified second disk image; and

wherein said starting further comprises starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T.

7. The method of any of claims 2-6 further comprising:

identifying a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identifying a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

5. A method for migrating a virtual appliance from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the method comprising:

running a first instance of the virtual appliance at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

establishing a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transferring, to the second server grid, first virtual appliance information relating to the first instance of the virtual appliance, wherein the first virtual appliance information includes virtual appliance descriptor information and virtual appliance configuration information;

starting, using the first virtual appliance information, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid; and

wherein the second instance of the virtual appliance includes a second instance of the virtual machine.

8. A system for migrating a virtual appliance from a first server grid of computer network to a second server grid of the computer network, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

run a first instance of the virtual appliance at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the virtual appliance;

identify a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modify, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid; and

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the virtual appliance includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T, the system being further operable to:

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T.

10. The system of any of claims 8-9 wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance includes a first virtual machine having associated therewith current virtual machine state information representing a current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T, the system being further operable to:

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T; and

start, at the second server grid, an instance of the first virtual machine at a state corresponding to the current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T.

12. The system of any of claims 8-11:

wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith current virtual appliance state information representing a current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of a specific time T;

wherein said detecting further comprises detecting, while the first instance of the virtual appliance is running on the first server grid, the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

wherein said transferring further comprises transferring, to the second server grid while the first instance of the virtual appliance is running at the first server grid, the first disk image;

wherein said modifying further comprises modifying, using the first disk image transferred to the second server grid and using the first portion of updated or modified data, the second disk image to thereby generate the modified second disk image; and

wherein said starting further comprises starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the virtual appliance as of the specific time T.

13. The system of any of claims 8-12 being further operable to:

identify a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identify a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

11. A system for migrating a virtual appliance from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

run a first instance of the virtual appliance at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the virtual appliance;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, first virtual appliance information relating to the first instance of the virtual appliance, wherein the first virtual appliance information includes virtual appliance descriptor information and virtual appliance configuration information; and

start, using the first virtual appliance information, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the virtual appliance includes a second instance of the virtual machine.

14. A system for use in a computer network comprising:

a first server grid deployed at a first geographic location;

a second server grid deployed at a second geographic location, wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location;

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

run a first instance of the virtual appliance at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the virtual appliance has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the virtual appliance;

identify a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modify, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid; and

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the virtual appliance at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the virtual appliance includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

15. A method for migrating a distributed application from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the method comprising:

running a first instance of the distributed application at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

storing, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the distributed application;

identifying a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establishing a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transferring, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modifying, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid; and

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the distributed application includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T, the method further comprising:

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T.

17. The method of any of claims 15-16 wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T, wherein the first instance of the distributed application includes a first virtual machine having associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T the method further comprising:

starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T;

wherein the starting of the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid includes starting, at the second server grid, an instance of the first virtual machine at a state corresponding to the current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T.

19. The method of any of claims 15-18:

wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T;

wherein said detecting further comprises detecting, while the first instance of the distributed application is running on the first server grid, the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

wherein said transferring further comprises transferring, to the second server grid while the first instance of the distributed application is running at the first server grid, the first disk image;

wherein said modifying further comprises modifying, using the first disk image transferred to the second server grid and using the first portion of updated or modified data, the second disk image to thereby generate the modified second disk image; and

wherein said starting further comprises starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T.

20. The method of any of claims 15-19 further comprising:

identifying a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identifying a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

18. A method for migrating a distributed application from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the method comprising:

running a first instance of the distributed application at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

establishing a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transferring, to the second server grid, first distributed application information relating to the first instance of the distributed application, wherein the first distributed application information includes distributed application descriptor information and distributed application configuration information;

starting, using the first distributed application information, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid; and

wherein the second instance of the distributed application includes a second instance of the virtual machine.

21. A system for migrating a distributed application from a first server grid of computer network to a second server grid of the computer network, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

run a first instance of the distributed application at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the distributed application;

identify a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modify, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid; and

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the distributed application includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

22. The system of claim 21 wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T, the system being further operable to:

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T.

23. The system of any of claims 21-22 wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T, wherein the first instance of the distributed application includes a first virtual machine having associated therewith current virtual machine state information representing a current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T, the system being further operable to:

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T; and

start, at the second server grid, an instance of the first virtual machine at a state corresponding to the current state of the first virtual machine as of the specific time T.

25. The system of any of claims 21-24:

wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith current distributed application state information representing a current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of a specific time T;

wherein said detecting further comprises detecting, while the first instance of the distributed application is running on the first server grid, the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

wherein said transferring further comprises transferring, to the second server grid while the first instance of the distributed application is running at the first server grid, the first disk image;

wherein said modifying further comprises modifying, using the first disk image transferred to the second server grid and using the first portion of updated or modified data, the second disk image to thereby generate the modified second disk image; and

wherein said starting further comprises starting, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid at a first state corresponding to the current state of the first instance of the distributed application as of the specific time T.

26. The system of any of claims 21-25 being further operable to:

identify a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identify a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

24. A system for migrating a distributed application from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

run a first instance of the distributed application at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the distributed application;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, first distributed application information relating to the first instance of the distributed application, wherein the first distributed application information includes distributed application descriptor information and distributed application configuration information; and

start, using the first distributed application information, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the distributed application includes a second instance of the virtual machine.

27. A system for use in a computer network comprising:

a first server grid deployed at a first geographic location;

a second server grid deployed at a second geographic location, wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location;

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

run a first instance of the distributed application at the first server grid, wherein the first server grid has associated therewith a first portion of virtualized computing resources representing computing resources associated with a first plurality of physical servers, wherein the first instance of the distributed application has associated therewith a first instance of a virtual machine and a first instance of a virtual volume;

store, at the first instance of the virtual volume, a first disk image for use by the first instance of the distributed application;

identify a first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

establish a connection over the communication network from the first server grid to the second server grid;

transfer, to the second server grid, information relating to the first portion of updated or modified data relating to the first disk image;

modify, using the first portion of updated or modified data, a second disk image for use by a second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid; and

start, using the modified second disk image, the second instance of the distributed application at the second server grid;

wherein the second instance of the distributed application includes a second instance of the virtual machine and a second instance of the virtual volume.

28. A method for migrating a first distributed application from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the first distributed application comprising a plurality of virtual appliances described in a first distributed application descriptor and a first storage volume, the method comprising:

transferring at least a portion of contents of the first distributed application descriptor from the first server grid to the second server grid; and

transferring at least a portion of contents of the first storage volume from the first server grid to the second server grid.

29. The method of claim 28 further comprising:

identifying a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identifying a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

30. The method of any of claims 28-29, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further includes a plurality of identifiers of virtual appliances that comprise the first distributed application.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines at least one connection between a first virtual appliance and a second virtual appliance.

32. The method of any of claims 30-31, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines the value for at least one configuration parameter of a first virtual appliance.

33. The method of any of claims 30-32, wherein the first distributed application descriptor identifies at least a first class of a virtual appliance to be used to instantiate a first instance of a virtual appliance.

34. The method of any of claims 28-33, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further includes a plurality of identifiers of virtual machines that comprise the first distributed application.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines at least one connection between a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine.

36. The method of any of claims 34-35, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines the value for at least one configuration parameter of a first virtual machine.

37. The method of any of claims 34-36, wherein the first distributed application descriptor identifies at least a first class of a virtual machine to be used to instantiate a first instance of a virtual machine.

38. A system for migrating a first distributed application from a first server grid to a second server grid via a communication network, the first distributed application comprising a plurality of virtual appliances described in a first distributed application descriptor and a first storage volume, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

transfer at least a portion of contents of the first distributed application descriptor from the first server grid to the second server grid; and

transfer at least a portion of contents of the first storage volume from the first server grid to the second server grid.

39. The system of claim 38 being further operable to:

identify a first geographic location where the first server grid is deployed; and

identify a second geographic location where the second server grid is deployed;

wherein the second geographic location is different than the first geographic location.

40. The system of any of claims 38-39, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further includes a plurality of identifiers of virtual appliances that comprise the first distributed application.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines at least one connection between a first virtual appliance and a second virtual appliance.

42. The system of any of claims 40-41, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines the value for at least one configuration parameter of a first virtual appliance.

43. The system of any of claims 40-42, wherein the first distributed application descriptor identifies at least a first class of a virtual appliance to be used to instantiate a first instance of a virtual appliance.

44. The system of any of claims 38-43, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further includes a plurality of identifiers of virtual machines that comprise the first distributed application.

45. The system of claim 44, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines at least one connection between a first virtual machine and a second virtual machine.

46. The system of any of claims 44-45, wherein the first distributed application descriptor further defines the value for at least one configuration parameter of a first virtual machine.

47. The system of any of claims 44-46, wherein the first distributed application descriptor identifies at least a first class of a virtual machine to be used to instantiate a first instance of a virtual machine.

48. A virtual cloud system comprising:

a plurality of server grids, each server grid comprising a plurality of servers connected with a communications network, each server being capable to operate at least one virtual appliance;

a catalog service comprising storage with a definition of at least a first virtual appliance; and

a communications network for transferring the definition of the first virtual appliance from the catalog service to a first server grid for the purpose of executing an instance of the first virtual appliance on the first server grid.

49. A virtual appliance catalog system comprising:

a first virtual appliance produced by a first appliance vendor;

a second virtual appliance produced by a second appliance vendor;

a first application definition including identification of the first virtual appliance and the second virtual appliance.

50. The system of claim 49 further comprising:

a first server grid on which the first application is operated after obtaining;

the first virtual appliance, the second virtual appliance and the first application definition.

51. The system of any of claims 49-50 wherein the virtual appliance catalog system is implemented at a server grid.

52. The system of claim 50 wherein the first server grid includes local storage for storing a copy of the first virtual appliance.

53. A method for delivering pre-packaged software in virtual appliances to computing systems for use in operating software applications, the method comprising:

identifying a first virtual appliance class by a first identifier;

requesting the first virtual appliance class from a first catalog service using the first identifier;

transferring the first virtual appliance class from the catalog server to a first computing system; and

starting an instance of the first virtual appliance class on the first computing system.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the first computing system is a server grid.

55. The method of any of claims 53-54 wherein the first virtual appliance class includes a first class descriptor and a first storage volume, wherein the first class descriptor includes a definition of at least one configurable parameter for instances of the first virtual appliance class, and wherein the first storage volume includes a disk image of an operating system and software sufficient to create a virtual machine instance booted from the first storage volume, the method further comprising:

creating, using at least a portion of the disk image, the virtual machine instance; and

booting the virtual machine instance from the first storage volume;

wherein the virtual machine instance is operable to perform functions assigned to the first virtual appliance class.

56. The method of any of claims 53-55 further comprising:

authenticating the first computing system to the first catalog service for a purpose of authorizing the transfer of the first virtual appliance class from the catalog server to the first computing system.

57. The method of any of claims 53-56 further comprising:

validating that the first virtual appliance class has not been altered without authorization.

58. The method of any of claims 53-57 further comprising:

validating that the first virtual appliance class has not been altered without authorization, wherein the validating of the first virtual appliance includes verification of a cryptographic checksum.

59. The method of any of claims 53-58 further comprising:

requesting a first set of license terms for using the first virtual appliance; and

recording an acceptance of the first license terms by an end user.

60. The method of any of claims 53-59 further comprising:

requesting pricing information relating to a use of the first virtual appliance class.

61. A method for delivering pre-packaged software in virtual appliances to computing systems for use in operating distributed applications on a computing system, the method comprising:

identifying a first virtual appliance class by a first identifier;

locating a first copy of the first virtual appliance class at the computing system;

requesting from a first catalog service, using the first identifier, first metadata relating to the first virtual appliance class;

verifying, using the first metadata, whether the first copy is up-to-date with the first catalog service;

starting an instance of the first virtual appliance class on the first computing system using the first copy.

62. The method of claim 61 further comprising:

determining wherein there is a need to transfer the first appliance class based on an outcome of the verification of the first copy of the first virtual appliance class.

63. A system for delivering pre-packaged software in virtual appliances to computing systems for use in operating software applications, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

identify a first virtual appliance class by a first identifier;

request the first virtual appliance class from a first catalog service using the first identifier;

transfer the first virtual appliance class from the catalog server to a first computing system; and

start an instance of the first virtual appliance class on the first computing system.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the first computing system is a server grid.

65. The system of any of claims 63-64 wherein the first virtual appliance class includes a first class descriptor and a first storage volume, wherein the first class descriptor includes a definition of at least one configurable parameter for instances of the first virtual appliance class, and wherein the first storage volume includes a disk image of an operating system and software sufficient to create a virtual machine instance booted from the first storage volume, the system being further operable to:

create, using at least a portion of the disk image, the virtual machine instance; and

boot the virtual machine instance from the first storage volume;

wherein the virtual machine instance is operable to perform functions assigned to the first virtual appliance class.

66. The system of any of claims 63-65 being further operable to:

authenticate the first computing system to the first catalog service for a purpose of authorizing the transfer of the first virtual appliance class from the catalog server to the first computing system.

67. The system of any of claims 63-66 being further operable to:

validate that the first virtual appliance class has not been altered without authorization.

68. The system of any of claims 63-67 being further operable to:

validate that the first virtual appliance class has not been altered without authorization, wherein the validating of the first virtual appliance includes verification of a cryptographic checksum.

69. The system of any of claims 63-68 being further operable to:

request a first set of license terms for using the first virtual appliance; and

record an acceptance of the first license terms by an end user.

70. The system of any of claims 63-69 being further operable to:

request pricing information relating to a use of the first virtual appliance class.

71. A system for delivering pre-packaged software in virtual appliances to computing systems for use in operating distributed applications on a computing system, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

identify a first virtual appliance class by a first identifier;

locate a first copy of the first virtual appliance class at the computing system;

request from a first catalog service, using the first identifier, first metadata relating to the first virtual appliance class;

verify, using the first metadata, whether the first copy is up-to-date with the first catalog service;

starting an instance of the first virtual appliance class on the first computing system using the first copy.

72. The system of claim 71 being further operable to:

determine wherein there is a need to transfer the first appliance class based on an outcome of the verification of the first copy of the first virtual appliance class.

73. A system for managing use of computing resources implemented in a computing network, the system comprising:

a first server grid including a first set of computing resources;

an exchange system operable to;

publish available computing resources associated with the first server grid; and

facilitate client subscriptions to computing resources associated with the first server grid; and

a client system operable to;

enable a first client to subscribe to a first set of computing resources at the first server grid; and

submit a first workload to the first set of computing resources.

74. The system of claim 73, wherein the first set of computing resources are provided by the first server grid over a globally distributed computing network.

75. The system of any of claims 73-74 further comprising:

a catalog service operable to provide at least one virtual appliance class for instantiating a virtual appliance at the first server grid.

76. The system of any of claims 73-75 being further operable to:

provide pricing information relating a price or charge for usage of a first portion of computing resources at the first server grid during a first time interval; and

facilitate an exchange of payment between the client system and the first server grid.

77. The system of any of claims 73-76 being further operable to:

monitor usage of computing resources at the first server grid;

generate first client billing information relating to usage of a first portion of computing resources at the first server grid during a first time interval, wherein the first client billing information includes resource usage pricing information specifying prices or costs associated with the usage of the first portion of computing resources at the first server grid; and

facilitate an exchange of payment between the client system and the first server grid.

78. The system of any of claims 76-77 being further operable to:

determine the pricing information via use of an auction between a plurality of client systems.

79. The system of any of claims 76-78 being further operable to:

determine the pricing information via use of a reverse auction between multiple server grids offering computing resources which are substantially similar to the first portion of computing resources.

80. A system for managing use of computing resources implemented in a computing network, the system comprising:

a first server grid including a first set of computing resources;

an exchange system operable to;

publish available computing resources associated with the first server grid; and

facilitate client subscriptions to computing resources associated with the first server grid; and

a client system operable to;

enable a first client to subscribe to a first set of computing resources at the first server grid; and

submit a first workload to the first set of computing resources.

81. A system for renting or leasing computing resources comprising:

a first exchange system operable to;

register available computing resources provided by a plurality of different server grids; and

register resource subscribers desiring to use at least a portion of the available computing resources registered at the first exchange system;

a first set of computing resources registered with the first exchange system;

a second set of computing resources registered with the first exchange system; and

a first resource subscriber registered with the first exchange system, wherein the first resource subscriber is registered to use a portion of the first set of computing resources and a portion of the second set of computing resources

82. An exchange system for renting or leasing computing resources provided over a computing network, the system comprising:

at least one processor;

at least one interface operable to provide a communication link to at least one network device; and

memory;

the system being operable to;

register a first set of computing resources provided by a first resource provider;

register a second set of computing resources provided by a second resource provider; and

register at least one resource subscriber including a first resource subscriber, wherein the first resource subscriber is registered to use a portion of the first set of computing resources and a portion of the second set of computing resources.

83. The system of claim 82 being further operable to:

register a first set of available computing resources provided by the first resource provider;

register a second set of available computing resources provided by the second resource provider;

request and obtain access to the first set of available computing resources; and

request and obtain access to the second set of available computing resources.

84. The system of any of claims 82-83 being further operable to:

register a first set of available computing resources provided by the first resource provider;

register a second set of available computing resources provided by the second resource provider;

facilitate resource subscriber access to the first set of available computing resources; and

facilitate resource subscriber access to the second set of available computing resources.

85. The system of any of claims 82-84 further comprising:

a metering system operable to measure an amount of computing resources used by the first resource subscriber during a first time interval.

86. The system of any of claims 82-85 further comprising:

a billing system operable to;

facilitate initiation of a first automated payment relating to the resource subscriber'"'"'s usage of the first portion of computing resources; and

facilitate initiation of a second automated payment relating to the resource subscriber'"'"'s usage of the second portion of computing resources.

87. The system of any of claims 82-86 further comprising:

a metering system operable to measure an amount of computing resources used by the first resource subscriber; and

a billing system operable to;

facilitate initiation of a first automated payment relating to the resource subscriber'"'"'s usage of the first portion of computing resources;

facilitate initiation of a second automated payment relating to the resource subscriber'"'"'s usage of the second portion of computing resources;

facilitate delivery of the first automated payment to the first resource provider; and

facilitate delivery of the second automated payment to the second resource provider.

88. The system of any of claims 82-87 further comprising:

a metering system operable to measure usage of computing resources associated with the first resource subscriber; and

a billing system operable to facilitate an exchange of payment between the resource subscriber and the first and second resource providers.

89. The system of any of claims 82-88 further comprising:

a metering system operable to measure usage of computing resources associated with the first resource subscriber; and

a billing system operable to facilitate an exchange of payment between the resource subscriber and publishers of the first and second sets of computing resources.

90. The system of any of claims 82-89 further comprising:

a first catalog service operable to provide resource subscriber access, via the computing network, to a first catalog of virtual appliances.

91. The system of any of claims 82-90 further comprising:

a first catalog service system operable to;

provide resource subscriber access, via the computing network, to a first catalog of virtual appliances; and

record resource subscriber acceptance of licensing terms associated with one or more virtual appliances.

92. The system of any of claims 82-91 further comprising:

a first catalog service system operable to;

provide resource subscriber access, via the computing network, to a first catalog of virtual appliances; and

facilitate an exchange of payment between the resource subscriber and at least one publisher of virtual appliances associated with the first catalog of virtual appliances.

93. A system for offering computing resources via a computing network, the system comprising means for offering, via a computing network, virtualized computing resources for use in deployment of one or more distributed applications at one or more server grids of the computing network.

94. A system for offering distributed application components via a computing network, the system comprising means for offering, via a computing network, distributed application components for use in deployment of one or more distributed applications at one or more server grids of the computing network.

95. The system of claim 94 wherein the distributed application components includes at least one component selected from a group consisting of:

virtual appliances, virtual machines, virtual interfaces, virtual volumes, and virtual network connections.

96. A system for facilitating exchange of computing resources in a computing network, the system comprising means for implementing exchange of computing resources between computing resource providers and computing resource subscribers of the computing network.