Patent ID: 7013461

Claim:
A computer-based method of performing automated distribution of a software package to one or more target machines in one more regions of a distributed network of target machines, the method comprising the steps of: preparing a base software package for each of the one or more regions, wherein the software package preparation is based on: (I) policy data indicating which of the one or more regions are candidates for receiving the software package, (ii) dependency information indicating requisites for a service provided by the software package comprising at least one of a pre-requisite, an ex-requisite and a co-requisite associated with installation of the software package on a target machine, and (iii) configuration information for each of the candidate regions; distributing the base software package to each of the candidate regions of the distributed network; customizing the base software package received at each of the candidate regions, wherein the software package customization is based on (I) regional distribution policies, (ii) dependency information specific to one or more roles performed by the target machines in that region, and (iii) individual target machine configuration information; and distributing the software package customized in each of the candidate regions to at least one of the target machines in the candidate regions of the distributed network.