In a data center architecture or the like, the present invention provides
a method for setting up hosting environments concurrently by loading a
boot image by means of network boot or the like, allowing for fast
booting even with a large boot image, while preserving security. A boot
image is divided into a plurality of parts. Computer resources have their
public keys stored in their BIOS ROMs and e-signatures are attached to
the boot image parts with a private key corresponding to one of the
public keys. Also, priority levels in e-signature verification are
assigned to the boot image parts. A boot instruction includes priority
level setting. Only for boot image parts with that priority level or
higher, e-signature verification is performed. By this manner, booting
can be performed faster than booting involving verification of the
e-signature to a whole boot image.