Packaging pre-configured software as ready to run Amazon Machine Instance(AMI) is being explored. A launcher application that controls the EC2 instance based on the AMI will be handy for the end user.

Sim-OnDemand is a packaging of Opensimulator's OpenSim 3D virtual world software as ready to use Amazon Machine Instance(AMI). The code here is the launcher application that complements the AMI.

What is the need for downloadable launcher application rather than a online application? The primary reason is protecting the EC2 credentials of the user. The keys are entered and stored within the local application. The secret key is not transmitted over the web. Key is same as money. The risk involved in managing the keys online are too high and not worth the headache.

Implementation details: The launcher application is structured as a rundown firefox extension. The extension is packages in a custom firefox user profile. This eliminates the need to install the extension in the regular(default) profile. The EC2 API call handling is direct lift from ElastciFox(ec2ui) firefox extension codebase.