Patent ID: 6253224
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a computer system including a hardware machine having an operating system which supervises a plurality of virtual-machine sessions, a method for protecting the operating environment of one or more of said virtual-machine sessions, the method comprising the steps of:defining a plurality of session types for said virtual-machine sessions, including a session type of protected virtual-machine sessions, said protected virtual-machine sessions including program code for implementing a service in support of a defined set of interactions, and a session type of corresponding interacting virtual-machine sessions, said interacting virtual-machine sessions being permitted to interact with said protected virtual-machine sessions to request said service therefrom;defining one or more of said protected virtual-machine sessions within the operating system;defining one or more of said corresponding interacting virtual-machine sessions within the operating system;supervising and enabling the occurrence of said interactions between said defined protected virtual-machine sessions and said defined interacting virtual-machine sessions through the operating system; andinterrogating the operating environment of said defined protected virtual-machine sessions if said service is requested therefrom to verify the continued integrity of said operating environment.