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