Creating distributed proxy configurations

An apparatus for installing a proxy in a communication path that carries through a data network from a server to an application a data stream associated with a service provided by the server, comprising:

• an input for receiving a request to install a proxy in the communication path;
• an allocator coupled to said input and automatically responsive to said installation request for allocating in the data network a communication port for coupling to the communication path;
• a loader coupled to said input and automatically responsive to said installation request for loading a proxy to support data flow through said communication port, said proxy operable for performing a proxy operation on the data stream;
• and
• an output coupled to said allocator for outputting information that identifies said communication port.

A method of installing a proxy in a communication path that carries through a data network from a server to an application a data stream associated with a service provided by the server, comprising:

• receiving a request to install a proxy in the communication path;
• in response to said installation request, automatically allocating in the data network a communication port for coupling to the communication path;
• in response to said installation request, automatically loading a proxy to support data flow through the communication port, the proxy operable for performing a proxy operation on the data stream;
• and
• providing information that identifies the allocated communication port.

A system for automatically maintaining proxies in a communication path used to deliver from a server to an application a data stream associated with a service provided by the server, comprising:

• a first server having an input for receiving information which indicates that a first proxy in the communication path is not performing its proxy function in the communication path;
• a second server coupled to said first server;
• said first server responsive to said information for sending to said second server a request to install a replacement proxy to perform said proxy function, said second server responsive to said installation request for installing said replacement proxy on said second server;
• and
• said first and second servers cooperable for coupling said second server into the communication path.