A management tool that streamlines the server allocation and provisioning processes within a data center is provided. The system, method, and computer program product divide the server provisioning and allocation into two separate tasks. Provisioning a server is accomplished by generating a fully configured, bootable system image, complete with network address assignments, virtual LAN (VLAN) configuration, load balancing configuration, and the like. System images are stored in a storage repository and are accessible to more than one server. Allocation is accomplished using a switching mechanism which matches each server with an appropriate system image based upon current configuration or requirements of the data center. Thus, real-time provisioning and allocation of servers in the form of automated responses to changing conditions within the data center is possible. The ability to instantly re-provision servers, safely and securely switch under-utilized server capacity to more productive tasks, and improve server utilization is also provided.