Virtualizing multiple networked machines using a predetermined network recovery policy

Abstract

Virtualizing multiple networked machines using a predetermined network recovery policy. In one example embodiment, a method for virtualizing multiple networked machines using a predetermined network recovery policy may include identifying multiple image backups of the multiple networked machines, determining an order for booting the multiple networked machines as multiple networked virtual machines, determining network settings for the multiple networked machines when booted as the multiple networked virtual machines, storing the order and the network settings in the predetermined network recovery policy prior to booting the multiple networked machines as the multiple networked virtual machines, booting the multiple networked machines as the multiple networked virtual machines from the multiple image backups in the order stored in the predetermined network recovery policy and with the network settings stored in the predetermined network recovery policy subsequent to the storing and in response to receiving a command to implement the predetermined network recovery policy.

1 . A method for virtualizing multiple networked machines using a predetermined network recovery policy, the method comprising:
 identifying multiple image backups of the multiple networked machines;   determining an order for booting the multiple networked machines as multiple networked virtual machines;   determining network settings for the multiple networked machines when booted as the multiple networked virtual machines;   prior to booting the multiple networked machines as the multiple networked virtual machines, storing the order and the network settings in the predetermined network recovery policy; and   subsequent to the storing and in response to receiving a command to implement the predetermined network recovery policy, booting the multiple networked machines as the multiple networked virtual machines from the multiple image backups in the order stored in the predetermined network recovery policy and with the network settings stored in the predetermined network recovery policy.   
     
     
         2 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the identifying the multiple image backups of the multiple networked machines is based on the multiple image backups of the multiple networked machines belonging to a single backup job. 
     
     
         3 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the network settings include static Internet Protocol (IP) addresses for the multiple networked virtual machines. 
     
     
         4 . The method as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the network settings include network role assignments for the multiple networked virtual machines. 
     
     
         5 . The method as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the network role assignments for the multiple networked virtual machines include assigned roles of domain controller, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Server, exchange server, or some combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . One or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing one or more programs that are configured, when executed, to cause one or more processors to perform the method as recited in  claim 1 .