Virtual computing systems and methods

A computer system for providing virtual computers, the computer system comprising:

• (a) a pool storage for storing a pool of suspended unused virtual computers based on at least one virtual computer template that has been updated at least once so that when each suspended unused virtual computer is resumed, the resumed unused virtual computer reflects the at least one update;
• (b) a provision manager for ensuring that a series of system logon requests by each user results in the user being provided with a series of previously unused virtual computers that reflect applied updates;
• the provision manager including an (c) update facility, (d) a resume facility and (e) a customization facility;
• the update facility for applying updates to the at least one virtual computer template to ensure that each virtual computer provided reflects the applied updates;
• the resume facility for resuming suspended unused virtual computers from the pool of suspended virtual computers provided by the pool facility in a manner that is non-repeatable in respect of each resumed virtual computer;
• the customization facility for customizing each previously unused virtual computer for the particular user after the previously unused virtual computer is resumed from the pool of suspended unused virtual computers, the customization including providing the resumed previously unused virtual computer with a user data layer.

A method of providing virtual computers to users, the method comprising:

• creating a pool of suspended virtual unused computers where the suspended unused virtual computers are based on at least one virtual computer template;
• applying updates to the at least one virtual computer template to ensure that each virtual computer in the pool reflects the applied updates;
• receiving a series of system logon requests by each user;
• providing the respective user with a previously unused virtual computer for each received system logon request received from the respective user;
• wherein each provided virtual computer has applied updates;
• wherein providing each previously unused virtual computer comprises resuming a suspended unused virtual computer from the pool of suspended unused virtual computers;
• customizing each previously unused virtual computer for the particular user after the suspended unused virtual computer is resumed from the pool of suspended unused virtual computers to provide an active virtual computer;
• said customizing each previously unused virtual computer for the particular user including providing the resumed previously unused virtual computer with a user data layer;
• removing from the pool of suspended unused virtual computers suspended unused virtual computers that meet an age criterion and not returning to the pool a virtual computer which has been used as an active virtual computer and the user has logged off from use of the active virtual computer;
• and
• replenishing the pool of suspended unused virtual computers with suspended unused virtual computers based on the regularly updated at least one virtual computer template at a rate so as to have sufficient suspended unused virtual computers in the pool of suspended unused virtual computers to meet a minimum rate of receiving system logon requests.