Cloud Based Application Packaging

A method of creating an application package, comprising:

• creating a cloud environment of a desired topology and configuration;
• configuring an application database;
• installing and configuring an application into the cloud environment;
• creating a manifest file, said manifest file comprising configuration data for the cloud environment;
• creating templates based on the configuration of the database and the application;
• adding the templates to the package as resources;
• publishing the package in a package repository.

A cloud computing system, comprising:

• at least one storage repository;
• and
• at least one microprocessor, programmed to:
• create a package comprising a manifest file, said manifest file comprising a cloud environment specification, a deployment section, a configuration section, and a settings section, said package also comprising at least one application module, application resources, and configuration scripts;
• upload the package into a storage repository;
• download the package from the storage repository;
• unpack the application package;
• parse the manifest file;
• execute the instructions in the manifest file;
• create or modify a cloud environment;
• deploy the application into the cloud environment;
• configure the application.