Combining system blueprints, functional layer, and software bits in parallel development of machines

摘要

A self-replicating machine includes a virtualization tool, a provisioning tool, and a configuration tool, stored in a distributable self-contained repository of the machine. The machine is able to automatically rebuild itself solely from the tools stored in the distributable self-contained repository. The virtualization tool is configured to build one or more virtual machines on the machine. Each virtual machine has a corresponding operating system and environment. The provisioning tool is configured to provision the one or more virtual machines. The configuration tool is to configure the one or more provisioned virtual machines. A custom configuration management tool further customize and configure the physical machine for specific users. A source code management tool stored in the distributable self-contained repository is configured to develop each virtual machine independently from each other in parallel, and to merge back the developments to a corresponding parent virtual machine.