METADATA DRIVEN AUTOMATIC DEPLOYMENT OF DISTRIBUTED SERVER SYSTEMS

Automatic and reliable deployment of system topology to computing devices within an enhanced communication system is provided. Specific roles and features associated with individual devices such as servers are defined in a centrally managed topology document, which is replicated to devices to be configured along with one or more modules for performing local configuration. Upon deployment, the module(s) determine a local device configuration, a desired configuration for the device, and update the device's configuration installing and activating roles and features assigned to the device by the topology document. Feedback regarding the results of the configuration is provided to a central management store such that administration can monitor status of devices within the system. Modifications to the assigned roles and prerequisites for supporting those roles are made dynamically through the same mechanism as system topology changes.