1. A computer-implementable method, comprising the steps of: (a) initializing operation of a physical service processor to communicatively couple to a remote file system over a communications link, the remote file system having a computer-executable development module for modifying at least one network configuration setting for the physical service processor; (b) causing the development module to modify at least one network configuration setting on a virtual service processor that is operative to emulate operation of the physical service processor; (c) initializing operation of the virtual service processor with the at least one modified network configuration setting; and (d) verifying that the virtual service processor, when initialized with the at least one modified network configuration setting, operates without error.