DE102011008281A1 - Method for virtualization of client computer system, involves creating virtualized image of client computer system from transferred system data in host computer system using virtualization program - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves establishing data communication between the client computer system (1) and host computer system (2) over a data network (3). The virtualization program is initialized and system data of the client computer system is transferred to host computer system over the data network. The virtualized image (6) of the client computer system is created from the transferred system data in the host computer system using virtualization program. An independent claim is included for program for virtualization of client computer system.

Description

The invention relates to a method for virtualizing a client computer system and a computer program for virtualizing a client computer system.

There is an increasing desire to reorganize and modernize a physical computer system comprising a particular hardware and software structure as well as user data. In particular, computer systems that are set up as PC workstations require more restructuring as modernization of existing IT infrastructures increases.

To restructure a computer system, for example, there is the possibility of a so-called data migration, wherein all data stored in a physical memory of a computer system, ie user data and operating system data and software applications, are backed up and then transferred to a more modern and upgraded computer system. The migration has the advantage over a new installation, that a user after migration finds his usual PC workstation on the new system, without having to laboriously recreate all the settings and / or reinstall and set up all software.

In many cases, a virtualization of the existing computer system is undertaken in connection with a migration.

Virtualization allows you to create an executable image of the physical computer system in code so that it can be embedded as a virtual machine (VM) in a host system and run as a guest system. Thus, it is possible, for example, to virtualize a client computer system, including its hardware, and store it in a host computer system, for example a server, in such a way that a user can execute the client computer system by accessing the host computer system.

Here, the virtual machine of the client computer system on the host computer system uses the hardware resources of the host computer system, but externally has system behavior of the original client computer system. Virtualization generally provides the benefits of resource distribution within a computer network and the ease of relocating existing client computer systems to host computer systems.

This also simplifies the maintenance and administration of such virtualized systems, since only the hardware of the host computer system has to be maintained. Further, software updates for each virtualized client in the host computer system may be easier to perform than cumbersome software rollouts to all physical client computer systems in a computer network.

In all of these solutions, a user of a client computer system must manually initiate the migration or virtualization of his system locally on the client computer system, carry out the data migration or virtualization locally and finally transfer the created image of the client computer system locally to the host computer system.

It is therefore an object to improve virtualization of a client computer system and to facilitate embedding a virtualized image of the client computer system in a host computer system.

• – Herstellen einer Datenverbindung zwischen dem Client-Computersystem und einem Host-Computersystem über ein Datennetzwerk,
• – Starten eines Virtualisierungsprogramms,
• – Übertragen von Systemdaten des Client-Computersystems an das Host-Computersystem über das Datennetzwerk,
• – Erstellen eines virtualisierten Abbilds des Client-Computersystems aus den übertragenen Systemdaten im Host-Computersystem durch das Virtualisierungsprogramm.

This object is achieved in a first aspect by a method for virtualizing a client computer system, which comprises the following steps:

• Establishing a data connection between the client computer system and a host computer system via a data network,
• - start a virtualization program,
• Transferring system data of the client computer system to the host computer system via the data network,
• - Creating a virtualized image of the client computer system from the transmitted system data in the host computer system by the virtualization program.

Such a method enables a physical client computer system to be extracted into a virtualized image of the client computer system on a host computer system over a data connection in a data network. A user of the client computer system no longer needs to locally initiate and perform virtualization locally on their client computer system, and then submit the virtualized image to the host computer system.

Rather, an automated virtualization of the client computer system is made possible by said method. With an existing data connection between the client computer system and the host computer system system data of the client computer system can be transferred over the data network to the host computer system, in parallel or subsequently in the Host computer system creates a virtualized image of the client computer system from the transmitted system data. This allows automated deduction of the client computer system from the physical system to a virtual client on the host computer system over the data network. Virtualization can be done in a variety of popular formats.

The system data includes program data, user data, and personalized user settings, as well as data that includes information about the existing hardware structure of the client computer physical system that is to be virtualized. Based on this information, the hardware structure of the client computer system can thus be mapped into the virtual machine in the context of virtualization. Virtualization thus includes hardware virtualization as well as so-called operating system virtualization.

The data network may comprise a direct connection between two computer systems (so-called peer-to-peer = P2P), an intranet topology according to the Ethernet protocol or also Internet connections (eg World Wide Web). This is particularly advantageous when a user wants to outsource his client computer system to a remote host, such as a third-party server. Then the data network goes beyond a pure user environment and also includes data connections of the global Internet.

It is conceivable, for example, for a user of a client computer system to establish a data connection to a host computer system, possibly via the Internet, and to inform the host computer system that a virtualization of his client computer system is to be carried out. Subsequently, system data of the client computer system is transferred to the host computer system via the data network and deducted to the host computer system. With the deduction of the system data or subsequently, a virtualized image of the client computer system is created from the system data and stored in the host computer system. Thus, the client computer system is automatically transferred to the host computer system and is subsequently available to the user on the host computer system. The user can connect to the host computer system through another computer system and start and run his virtualized client on the host computer system.

This solution is of particular interest in the transfer of a PC workstation of a physical client to a virtualized PC workstation on a host computer system. For example, users can outsource their PC workstations via a third-party provider that makes the host computer system available ("workplace as a service"). Furthermore, the solution increases the mobility of the user of the client computer system, since it can access the host computer system and thus its virtualized client at any time via any Internet-capable computer system.

Advantageously, the host computer system provides a server with sufficient storage capacity and hardware resources to enable such automated virtualization to a variety of users of client computer systems.

The virtualization program, which is started in the method of the above-mentioned manner to perform the virtualization of the system data of the client computer system, may be wholly part of the host computer system. In that case, in said method, the virtualization program in the host computer system is started and triggers transmission and virtualization of system data of the client computer system to the host computer system.

The advantage of this solution is that a user of the client computer system only needs to establish a data connection to the host computer system. Further steps of virtualizing and transferring the client computer system to the host computer system are performed by the virtualization program on the host computer system.

According to an alternative embodiment, it is also conceivable that subprograms are installed on the client computer system and the host computer system, which together form the virtualization program. In such a configuration, at least a small part of the virtualization program is stored as a part program on the client computer system. The subprogram of the client computer system may in the simplest case include a program agent which, in addition to a data connection to the host computer system, for example, also enables and / or authenticates the user of the client computer system to the host computer system. In the simplest case, the subprogram of the client computer system is, for example, a web browser which supports the described method.

However, it is also conceivable that the subprogram of the client computer system in addition to the tasks mentioned in the other tasks in the Before and during virtualization execution of the client computer system.

As part of virtualization preparation and execution, the client computer system preferably captures system information from the client computer system and passes it to the host computer system. It is conceivable that the subprogram of the client computer system detects this system information and transfers it to the subprogram of the host computer system. For example, during these preparatory steps, the host computer system obtains information about the extent of the system data and the configuration of the client computer system, and may, for example, allocate a corresponding storage space for storing the virtualized image of the client computer system or initiate further preparatory steps for system virtualization.

Preferably, the host computer system initiates the transfer and virtualization of the system data of the client computer system. This means that after establishing a data connection between the client computer system and the host computer system via the data network and after starting the virtualization program, in particular the two part programs on the client computer system and the host computer system, finally the host computer system automated process of virtualization initiated. Thus, the user of the client computer system no longer has to manually initiate this.

It is also conceivable that the client computer system via the virtualization program, possibly via the subprogram of the client computer system, the system data of the client computer system detected and virtualized already in the client computer system. The virtualized system data are then transmitted to the host computer system, wherein the host computer system via the virtualization program, possibly via the subprogram of the host computer system, then assembled and created a virtualized image of the client computer system from the already virtualized system data. This creates an executable image of the client computer system only in the host computer system.

According to an advantageous alternative embodiment, the host computer system accesses the client computer system via the virtualization program and acquires the transmitted system data, virtualizes them and then stores them in the host computer system. This process can also be carried out via the subprogram of the host computer system. Next, a virtualized image of the client computer system is created from the virtualized system data in the host computer system.

In this alternative embodiment, the host computer system optionally takes over the virtualization of the system data via the subprogram of the host computer system. The subprogram of the client computer system in this case has no virtualization tasks. This has the advantage that an automated virtualization of any client computer system can be performed from the host computer system without having to deposit and implement special virtualization tasks in the subprogram of the client computer system.

Preferably, the data connection for transmitting the system data of the client computer system is a secure, in particular an encrypted data connection. Any type of encryption is conceivable, for example, an encryption via hash functions, asymmetric keys with a public and a private key, password or other authentication measures. It is also conceivable, for example, to set up a VPN connection, that is to say a connection between two private neighboring networks, as a so-called virtual private network interface.

Preferably, the data network comprises a cloud with Internet connections. The cloud here refers to at least part of the Internet, that is to say a part of a network between computers which are connected via the Internet. Thus, the cloud schematically describes a data connection between remote computers, which can be addressed by web applications according to the TCP / IP protocol, for example. Thus, within the meaning of the subject matter herein, the data network is not limited to private networks between different computer systems, but advantageously extends to the global Internet as a data connection between globally distributed computer systems.

Thereby, it is possible to perform the method wherein a client computer system is locally and / or structurally completely detached from a host computer system. The client computer system may be embedded in a computer network of an intranet. The same applies to the host computer system. In between, however, the cloud symbolizes as an Internet connection between the two private networks. Such a data network also allows access to a virtualized image of the client computer system on the host computer system on the globally distributed Internet from anywhere in the world via a computer system.

In a second aspect, the object is also achieved by a computer program for virtualizing a client computer system, wherein the computer program is installed on a computer system and thereby performs a method of the manner explained.

Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims and in the following description of the figures.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to two drawings.

Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a data connection between computer systems for performing a method for automated virtualization and

2 a schematic flow diagram of a method for automated virtualization.

1 schematically illustrates an arrangement and data connection between multiple computer systems for virtualizing a client computer system on a host computer system.

1 shows a client computer system 1 which represents, for example, a user's workstation computer. The client computer system 1 is for example set up in a private computer network (not shown) of the user, for example within an intranet. The client computer system 1 Of course, it includes hardware, program data such as an operating system, as well as user data (private data of a user) and personalized user settings, for example within the operating system. The client computer system 1 thus includes all the data of a user's usual workstation computer.

The client computer system 1 can over a data network 3 a connection to a host computer system 2 build up. The data network 3 includes in this embodiment, a "cloud" of the manner explained, that is, a data network between multiple computer systems, which are connected to each other in particular via the Internet. The "cloud" of the data network 3 Thus, besides local interfaces to an intranet, it includes the environment of the client computer system 1 also interfaces to a common network, which goes beyond a local network. Furthermore, the data network represents 3 Interfaces for connecting a local data network in the environment of the host computer system 2 (Also exemplified an intranet, not shown) to the common network available. Thus, a data connection between the client computer system 1 and the host computer system 2 over the data network 3 , advantageously via the Internet.

For example, it is conceivable that the client computer system 1 is set up in an intranet environment of a company and over the data network 3 a data connection to the host computer system 2 built in one by the client computer system 1 separate and / or remotely located infrastructure, for example in another company in a different location.

The host computer system 2 includes, by way of example, one or more servers for holding stored data. Corresponding hardware resources, in particular sufficient memory as well as sufficient memory management and predetermined software are on the server of the host computer system 2 set up.

Data of the host computer system 2 However, you can also access a physical memory 4 which is sent to the host computer system 2 is connected. The physical memory 4 is used for the retention of data and, for example, as a redundant arrangement of independent storage media (so-called RAID system = redundant array of independent disks) or as a virtual hard disk (VHD = virtual hard disk) set up.

The host computer system 2 and the physical memory 4 can transfer data to the data network 3 to hand over. This is symbolic by another "cloud" of the data network 3 shown, being another computer system 5 the data of the host computer system 2 or the physical memory 4 about the further "cloud" of the data network 3 receive and process.

All data streams between the individual systems 1 . 2 . 4 and 5 are in 1 symbolized by block arrows.

Hereinafter, a method according to 2 to virtualize the client computer system 1 which also explains in 1 is shown symbolically.

In a first step S1, first a data connection between the client computer system 1 and the host computer system 2 over the data network 3 produced. At the same time, a virtualization program will be started. The virtualization program virtualizes the client computer system 1 and to transfer a virtualized image of the client computer Systems 1 in the host computer system 2 , For example, the virtualization program can work entirely on the host computer system 2 be installed. Such an embodiment has the advantage that the host computer system 2 initiate the procedure and can perform largely independently, using the host computer system 2 on the client computer system 1 accesses and over the data network 3 System data from the client computer system 1 into a virtualized image.

However, it is also conceivable that the virtualization program comprises a plurality of subprograms, for example a subprogram on the client computer system 1 and another subprogram on the host computer system 2 is installed. In such an embodiment, in addition to the established data connection, a communication and initialization of the two partial programs of the virtualization program are executed among each other.

The subprogram on the client computer system 1 may include, for example, a program agent. The subprogram can have different functional scope. Thus, it is possible, on the one hand, for the subprogram to merely provide a web browser for a data connection to the host computer system 2 and, where appropriate, an exchange between the two subprograms of the virtualization program on the systems 1 and 2 to enable. However, it is also conceivable that the subprogram of the client computer system 1 includes further functions, which include, for example, acquiring system information of the client computer system 1 and / or subsequent virtualization and transmission of system data of the client computer system 1 include.

Depending on the version, the process can thus be entirely based on the host computer system 2 initialized and performed using the host computer system 2 on the client computer system 1 accesses, transmits and virtualizes all system data and system information from there. However, it is also possible that two subprograms of the client computer system 1 and the host computer system 2 act together, and finally the capture, transmission and virtualization of the system data of the client computer system 1 enable.

In all of the mentioned embodiments, finally, in step S2 of the method system information of the client computer system 1 detected. The collected system information may be sent to the host computer system 2 be transmitted, the host computer system 2 For example, a corresponding memory section for storing a virtualized image of the client computer system 1 allocate and reserve. This prevents the erroneous and / or low-performance storage and management of surprisingly large amounts of data that the host computer system 2 did not expect in advance. The system information of the client computer system 1 are also detected, so that the host computer system 2 In addition to the expected amount of data also first information about the configuration, both hardware and software, of the client computer system 1 receives.

A handover of the system information of the client computer system 1 to the host computer system 2 Finally, in step S3. The host computer system 2 can capture the system information, interpret and initial preparatory steps to virtualize the client computer system 1 carry out. For example, the subprogram or the virtualization program itself may be in the host computer system 2 preparatory steps for system virtualization of the client computer system 1 based on the transmitted system information. For example, this may also include hardware resource planning and distribution for later execution of a virtualized image of the client computer system 1 include.

Finally, during the procedure, a query is made as to whether all system information has been completely transferred, such that the host computer system 2 Complete all preparatory steps. If this is not the case, the process returns to step S2 and this is repeated together with the subsequent step S3 until the system information has finally been completely transmitted.

If this can be answered in the affirmative, a first essential step S4, which involves the systematic transmission and virtualization of the system data of the client computer system, takes place 1 provides. This means system data of the client computer system 1 be continuous over the data network 3 to the host computer system 2 transferred and stored there. The system data can be packetized, for example, so that according to a predetermined transmission protocol individual data packets of the system data of the client computer system 1 be transmitted sequentially. Parallel to this, or following a data transmission or a transmission of a single data packet, the virtualization of the transmitted system data takes place. Thus, a data packet may either be before or after transmission to the host computer system 2 be virtualized via the virtualization program. It is also conceivable that initially all the data packets of the system data to the host computer system 2 be transferred and only then all data packets are virtualized. It is as an intermediate step, it is conceivable that the data packets are first unpacked, assembled and the completely transmitted and present system data of the client computer system 1 be virtualized.

Finally, in step S5, the virtualized system data becomes a virtualized image 6 of the client computer system 1 in the host computer system 2 created. Essential in the process is that thus an executable virtualized image 6 of the client computer system 1 first in the host computer system 2 after or in parallel to the data transfer of the system data is created. The advantage is that a user of the client computer system 1 a virtualization of his client computer system 1 does not need to initiate and perform locally by hand, but automates virtualization by transferring data to the host computer system 2 is carried out. Advantageously, the host computer system 2 to the client computer system 1 access, collect, virtualize, transmit, and create a virtualized image 6 of the client computer system 1 create and host computer system 2 save. The image 6 of the client computer system 1 is in 1 symbolic in the host computer system 2 stored.

If the transfer of the system data and its virtualization is not yet completed, steps S4 and S5 are iterated until the virtualization of the client computer system 1 finally fully completed.

A complete completion is achieved when an executable virtualized image of the entire client computer system 1 on the host computer system 2 is deposited. That means a virtualized image 6 of the client computer system 1 Same behavior as the physical client computer system 1 , A virtualization of the client computer system 1 Thus, not only includes program virtualization, but also complete hardware virtualization of the client computer system 1 ,

If the virtualization is finally completed, then in step S6, the virtualized image 6 in the host computer system 2 to get managed. This can be, for example, the removal of the virtualized image 6 in the physical memory 4 include. It also represents the host computer system 2 appropriate hardware resources, as well as a management utility available, allowing for the host computer system 2 accessed and the virtualized image 6 can be started and executed. The management program can be integrated into the virtualization program and form a subprogram of the virtualization program. A corresponding management program for managing the virtualized image 6 includes, for example, a so-called hypervisor or virtual machine monitor (VMM), which executes the virtualized image 6 in the host computer system 2 or in physical memory 4 allows and monitors.

The virtualized image 6 is a virtualized implementation of the client computer system 1 as a guest system in the host computer system 2 which represents a host system. The advantage of the said method is that any physical client 1 automated into the host computer system 2 deducted and virtualized in it. Thus, another computer system 5 for example via the data network 3 on the host computer system 2 and / or the physical memory 4 access and from this the virtualized image 6 of the client computer system 1 load, start and execute. That means having an internet-enabled computer system 5 from anywhere in the world via a "cloud" of the data network 3 on the host computer system 2 can be accessed using the virtualized client 1 in the form of the image 6 is made available.

With regard to the virtualization of computer workstations ("workplace as a service"), this means that a user of a client computer system 1 for example, within a company, completely outsource its work and the host computer system 2 For example, a third-party provider can pass. Subsequently, the user can access his virtualized workstation from anywhere in the world via another computer system 5 in the host computer system 2 call and execute there. The client computer system 1 is in the form of a virtual machine (VM) as a virtualized image 6 in the host computer system 2 deposited. Finally, with step S6, the method ends.

All data connections of the data network mentioned here 3 may comprise a specially secured data connection, in particular an encrypted data connection. In this case, all measures already described for encrypting or authenticating a user can be used.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Client computer system

2

Host computer system

3

Data network

4

physical memory

5

another computer system

6

virtualized image of the client computer system

Claims (10)

Method for virtualizing a client computer system ( 1 ) comprising the steps of: - establishing a data connection between the client computer system ( 1 ) and a host computer system ( 2 ) via a data network ( 3 ), - start a virtualization program, - transfer system data of the client computer system ( 1 ) to the host computer system ( 2 ) over the data network ( 3 ), - create a virtualized image ( 6 ) of the client computer system ( 1 ) from the transmitted system data in the host computer system ( 2 ) through the virtualization program. The method of claim 1, wherein subprograms on the client computer system ( 1 ) and the host computer system ( 2 ), which together form the virtualization program. The method of claim 2, wherein the client computer system ( 1 ) System information of the client computer system ( 1 ) and the system information to the host computer system ( 2 ) passes. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the host computer system ( 2 ) the transmission and the virtualization of the system data of the client computer system ( 1 ). The method of claim 4, wherein the host computer system ( 2 ) via the virtualization program on the client computer system ( 1 ) and collects the transferred system data, virtualizes it and then in the host computer system ( 2 ) stores. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the system data of the client computer system ( 1 ) are divided into data packets according to a predetermined transmission protocol and the data packets are sent serially to the host computer system ( 2 ) be transmitted. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data connection is a secure, in particular an encrypted data connection. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the data network ( 3 ) comprises a cloud with internet connections. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the virtualization program the virtualized image ( 6 ) of the client computer system ( 1 ) on the host computer system ( 2 ) and an access to the image ( 6 ) via the data network by another computer system ( 5 ). Computer program for virtualizing a client computer system ( 1 ), the computer program being stored on a computer system ( 1 . 2 ) is installed and thereby performs a method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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