1. A method of discovering and operating a payload node, comprising: in a computer network having a central node coupled to a payload node slot, coupling the payload node to the payload node slot; the payload node executing a payload boot algorithm located at the payload node; the payload boot algorithm discovering a hardware capability set of the payload node; communicating the hardware capability set to a payload discovery manager at the central node; the payload discovery manager selecting a software set based on the hardware capability set; the payload discovery manager communicating the software set to the payload node; and the payload node transitioning from the payload boot algorithm to the software set while bypassing rebooting the payload node to the software set.