A system includes at least one processor configured to host virtual machines in a cloud. Each virtual machine executes a plurality of instances of a first application. Each virtual machine also executes a distributor. The distributor is configured for accessing a profile of the application and a distribution of the first application, wherein the distribution identifies a respective first number of instances of the first application to execute in each respective virtual machine. After launch of the first application, the distributor is configured for computing an updated distribution that includes a respective second number of instances of the first application to execute in each respective virtual machine. The distributor is also configured for determining whether the second number of instances is different from the first number of instances. The distributor is configured for storing the updated distribution in a database in response to receiving a lock for accessing the distribution.