A method, system and computer program product for creating a virtual
network identity, by using a virtual IP address and hostname, in a
software application for the express purpose of making the application
node-independent (where node is defined as a particular machine running a
given operating system at a specific moment in time) is disclosed. By
virtualizing the IP address and hostname, a running software application
can be moved from one node to another within a computer network, allowing
for process migration and the reallocation of system resources.