Optimizing order of migrating virtual computing instances for increased cloud services engagement

A management server for a virtual computing system that includes a plurality of virtual computing instances that are in communication with each other, the management server comprising:

• a storage unit that stores a plurality of numerical values each representing an amount of data transmission between a different pair of the virtual computing instances over a predetermined period of time;
• and
• a processor programmed to determine a recommended order of migration for the virtual computing instances based on the assigned numerical values, wherein the recommended order of migration is determined by comparing total costs of migration for different hypothetical orders of migration, wherein a total cost of migration for a hypothetical order of migration for the virtual computing instances is equal to a sum of a plurality of interim costs of migration, wherein each interim cost of migration is computed based on an assumption that a corresponding number of virtual computing instances have been migrated, and as a sum of the numerical values assigned to a selected number of different pairs of virtual computing instances, wherein the processor determines the recommended order of migration by:
• comparing a total cost of migration for a first hypothetical order of migration and a total cost of migration for a second hypothetical order of migration;
• and
• selecting one of the first and second hypothetical orders of migration as the recommended order.

A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that are executable in a computer system to carry out a method of determining a recommended order of migrating a plurality of virtual computing instances that are in communication with each other, the method comprising:

• building a matrix using numerical values each representing an amount of data transmission between a different pair of the virtual computing instances over a predetermined period of time;
• inputting the matrix into an algorithm for solving a travelling salesman problem to produce a solution;
• and
• iteratively refining the solution by comparing different hypothetical orders of migration and selecting a best solution among the different hypothetical orders of migration as the recommended order, wherein a total cost of migration for a hypothetical order of migration for the virtual computing instances is equal to a sum of a plurality of interim costs of migration, wherein each interim cost of migration is computed based on an assumption that a corresponding number of virtual computing instances have been migrated, and as a sum of the numerical values assigned to a selected number of different pairs of virtual computing instances, wherein said determining includes:
• comparing a total cost of migration for a first hypothetical order of migration and a total cost of migration for a second hypothetical order of migration;
• and
• selecting one of the first and second hypothetical orders of migration as the recommended order.