Patent attributes
A disclosed method includes assigning a unique identifier to a computer product instance, such as a server, switch, router, or storage device, to be deployed at a data center or other location on behalf of a customer, generating security credentials for the computer product dependent on the identifier, obtaining the credentials by a customer-side automated deployment agent, and using them by the deployment agent during deployment of the computer product. The credentials may be generated by a supplier-side credential management system, then requested and received by the deployment agent over a secure communication channel. The credentials may be generated by a program shared between the supplier-side credential management system and the deployment agent. The identifier may identify a hardware or software component or be selected by the supplier or customer. The credentials may include a username, password, token, cryptographic key, or digital certificate for a first login.
