Method and system for calculation and use of a disk image identifer

摘要

A method of calculating a disk image identifier for use in a software delivery system is disclosed. An order entry process produces a bill of materials (BOM) and a unique software image identification number (USIIN) is calculated therefrom. The USIIN is then added to the BOM. The BOM is sorted into ascending alphanumeric order. The USIIN is generated using a 128-bit hash algorithm on each entry in the BOM until the end. A software delivery process looks for exact image orders and sets a system duplication process in motion where duplicate orders of images will generate the same USIIN and be cached for future use in the software delivery process as required.