Operation management apparatus, system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program

Abstract

If a service interruption occurs, the present invention appropriately reduces system elements that can be the cause of the service interruption. An operation management device (1) includes: a storage unit (11) for storing a plurality of pieces of communication definition information (111) in which system elements of a communication source and system elements of a communication destination are associated with each other, and a plurality of pieces of service definition information (112) defining services as combinations of some of the plurality of pieces of communication definition information (111); a reception unit (12) for receiving a selection of one or more pieces from among the plurality of pieces of service definition information (112); a first confirmation unit (13) for confirming, as confirmed communication definition information, communication definition information (111) included in the selected piece of service definition information (112) from among the plurality of pieces of service definition information (112); a second confirmation unit (14) for confirming, as a confirmed system element, a system element of a communication destination defined in the confirmed communication definition information; and a generation unit (15) for generating output information including the confirmed system element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to operation management equipment, systems, methods, and procedures, and more particularly to operation management equipment, systems, methods, and procedures for managing the operation of systems that provide multiple services. Background Technology

[0002] It is common for information systems to become platforms and for a single system to provide multiple services. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a server system that provides multiple services to a client device in response to a request from the client device, wherein multiple servers are connected to the client device via a network.

[0003] Reference List

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2013-012187 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] However, in recent years, information systems have become increasingly complex. This has led to the problem that, in the event of a service interruption, it is difficult to narrow down the system elements, such as the target device and the target processing, to the system element that caused the interruption.

[0008] This disclosure was conceived to address the aforementioned problems, with the aim of providing an operation management device, system, method, and procedure for appropriately narrowing down system elements to those likely to be the cause of the interruption in the event of a service interruption.

[0009] Solution to the problem

[0010] An operation management device according to a first exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0011] The storage unit is configured to store multiple communication definition information and multiple service definition information. The multiple communication definition information associates system elements of the communication source with system elements of the communication destination and defines the associated system elements. The multiple service definition information defines services as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information.

[0012] The receiving unit is configured to receive at least one selected service definition information from a plurality of service definition information;

[0013] The first designated unit is configured to specify the communication definition information included in the selected service definition information from multiple service definition information as the designated communication definition information;

[0014] The second designated unit is configured to designate a system element as the designated system element for the communication destination defined in the designated communication definition information; and

[0015] The generation unit is configured to generate output information that includes specified system elements.

[0016] An operation management system according to the second exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0017] The storage device is configured to store multiple communication definition information and multiple service definition information, wherein the multiple communication definition information associates system elements of a communication source with system elements of a communication destination and defines the associated system elements, and the multiple service definition information defines services as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information;

[0018] The receiving unit is configured to receive at least one selected service definition information from a plurality of service definition information;

[0019] The first designated unit is configured as a reference storage device, and then specifies the communication definition information included in the selected service definition information from multiple service definition information as the designated communication definition information;

[0020] The second designated unit is configured to designate a system element as the designated system element for the communication destination defined in the designated communication definition information; and

[0021] The generation unit is configured to generate output information that includes specified system elements.

[0022] The operation management method according to the third exemplary aspect of this disclosure includes:

[0023] The computer receives at least one selected service definition information from multiple service definition information, which defines a service as a combination of some of multiple communication definition information, and the communication definition information associates system elements of a communication source with system elements of a communication destination and defines the associated system elements;

[0024] The computer selects the communication definition information included in the chosen service definition information from multiple service definition information and uses it as the specified communication definition information.

[0025] The system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information is used as the specified system element; and

[0026] Output information, including specified system elements, is generated by computer.

[0027] According to the operation management procedure of the fourth exemplary aspect of this disclosure, the computer performs:

[0028] The process of receiving at least one selected service definition information from multiple service definition information, which defines a service as a combination of multiple communication definition information, whereby the communication definition information associates system elements of the communication source with system elements of the communication destination and defines the associated system elements;

[0029] Specify the communication definition information included in the selected service definition information from multiple service definition information, and process the specified communication definition information;

[0030] The system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information is processed as the specified system element; and

[0031] Processing that generates output information including specified system elements.

[0032] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0033] According to this disclosure, an operation management device, system, method, and procedure may be provided for appropriately narrowing down system elements to those that may be the cause of the interruption in the event of a service interruption. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation management device according to a first exemplary embodiment;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation management process according to the first exemplary embodiment;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a service provisioning system and an operation management device according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation management device according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of service order management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of communication path management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of server management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of network device management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0042] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of storage device management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of functional management information according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation management process according to the second exemplary embodiment;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of operation management processing according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0046] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output message according to a second exemplary embodiment;

[0047] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of operation management processing according to a third exemplary embodiment; and

[0048] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output message according to a third exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions are omitted where necessary for clarity.

[0050] <First Exemplary Example>

[0051] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the operation management device 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment. In an information system providing multiple services, the operation management device 1 is an information processing device that lists system elements that may be the cause of a service interruption when a specified service is interrupted and outputs the list. Note that the information system is an information system composed of computers, communication equipment, memory, etc. Furthermore, the information system may be, for example, a service providing system that provides multiple services via a network or a business system within a company.

[0052] Here, system elements are the components that constitute the information system to be operated and managed. System elements include, for example, servers, network devices, storage devices, and service functions. Note that "server" refers to a physical server device or virtual server that runs an operating system (OS) and middleware. Furthermore, "service function" refers to the functionality provided through middleware, applications, etc., and may be simply referred to as "function" in the following description.

[0053] The operation management device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a first designation unit 13, a second designation unit 14, and a generation unit 15. The storage unit 11 stores multiple communication definition information 111 and multiple service definition information 112. Communication definition information 111 is information that associates system elements of a communication source with system elements of a communication destination and defines the associated system elements. Service definition information 112 is information that defines a service as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information. That is, a service is defined at least through a combination of communication definition information 111.

[0054] The receiving unit 12 receives at least one selected service definition information 112 from a plurality of service definition information 112. The first designating unit 13 designates the communication definition information 111 included in the selected service definition information from the plurality of service definition information as the designated communication definition information. The second designating unit 14 designates the system element of the communication destination defined in the designated communication definition information as the designated system element. The generating unit 15 generates output information including the designated system element.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation management process according to the first exemplary embodiment. First, the receiving unit 12 receives at least one selection of service definition information from a plurality of service definition information (S11). Note that the selected service definition information is, for example, information indicating that the provided service has been interrupted. Furthermore, the service is selected by the user of the operation management device 1, etc. Next, the first designating unit 13 designates the communication definition information 111 included in the service definition information selected in step S11 from the plurality of service definition information 112, as designated communication definition information (S12). Then, the second designating unit 14 designates the system element of the communication destination defined in the designated communication definition information as designated system element (S13). Afterwards, the generating unit 15 generates output information including the designated system element (S14).

[0056] As described above, in the first exemplary embodiment, by tracing system elements of the communication destination from selected service definition information based on communication definition information, specified system elements that may be the cause of service interruption can be listed. Furthermore, by outputting the generated output information, for example, the operations manager can appropriately narrow down the system elements to those that may be the cause of the interruption when a service interruption occurs.

[0057] Note that the operation management device 1 includes a processor, a memory, and a storage device, which are configured as shown in the diagram. Furthermore, a computer program implementing the operation management method according to this exemplary embodiment is stored in the storage device. The processor loads the computer program from the storage device into the memory and executes the loaded computer program. In this way, the processor performs the functions of the receiving unit 12, the first designation unit 13, the second designation unit 14, and the generating unit 15.

[0058] Alternatively, each of the receiving unit 12, the first designating unit 13, the second designating unit 14, and the generating unit 15 can be implemented using dedicated hardware. Furthermore, some or all of the components of each device can be implemented using general-purpose or special-purpose circuits (circuits), processors, or combinations thereof. They can be formed from a single chip or from multiple chips interconnected via a bus. Some or all of the components of each device can be implemented using a combination of the aforementioned circuits and programs. Furthermore, as a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., can be used.

[0059] Furthermore, when some or all of the components of the operation and management device 1 are implemented through multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., the multiple information processing devices, circuits, etc., can be set up in one place in a centralized manner, or arranged in a distributed manner. For example, the information processing devices, circuits, etc., can be implemented as a client-server system, a cloud computing system, etc., or as a configuration in which devices are interconnected through a communication network. Alternatively, the functionality of the operation and management device 1 can be provided in the form of Software as a Service (SaaS).

[0060] <Second Exemplary Embodiment>

[0061] The second exemplary embodiment is an application example of the first exemplary embodiment described above. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of a service providing system 2 and an operation management device 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment. The user terminal 3 is connected to the service providing system 2 via a network N. Note that the network N is a communication network such as the Internet or a dedicated line.

[0062] User terminal 3 is an information processing device operated by user 30, such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc. In response to the operation performed by user 30, user terminal 3 transmits a request for a pre-defined service to service providing system 2, receives a response from service providing system 2, and displays it on a screen (not shown).

[0063] Service providing system 2 is connected to user terminal 3 via network N, and also to operation management device 5 and external system 4. Service providing system 2 is an information system that processes a selected service in response to a request for a selected service and returns the processing result to the requester. Service providing system 2 can provide multiple services to user terminal 3. Furthermore, service providing system 2 can simultaneously receive service requests from two or more user terminals 3 in parallel.

[0064] Service providing system 2 includes a gateway (GW) server 21, a firewall (FW) device 22, a switch (SW) device 23, an application (AP) server 24, a router device 25, a database (DB) server 26, and a storage device 27. However, the configuration of service providing system 2 is not limited to this. Service providing system 2 may include at least one of computer servers, network devices, storage devices, etc., and may provide multiple different services.

[0065] FW device 22 is a network device that connects to network N, GW server 21 and SW device 23 and relays and monitors communication between service providing system 2 and network N.

[0066] The GW server 21 is a computer connected to the FW device 22 and includes a communication conversion unit 211, which converts the protocols between the service providing system 2 and the network N. The communication conversion unit 211 is a GW function that performs mutual conversion between different communication protocols and interconnects different communication protocols.

[0067] SW device 23 is a network device that connects to FW device 22, AP server 24 and DB server 26 and relays communication data between these devices and the servers.

[0068] AP server 24 is a computer that runs as middleware. Furthermore, it is a computer running multiple applications that provide various services. AP server 24 is connected to SW device 23 and router device 25. AP server 24 includes a first application unit 241 and a second application unit 242. The first application unit 241 is a communication service A function for providing communication service A. The second application unit 242 is a communication service B function for providing communication service B. The first and second application units 241 and 242 are implemented through applications running on the AP server. Note that AP server 24 can be distributed across multiple servers or redundantly configured via a load balancer. In this case, multiple applications can run on each AP server, and the AP server can be different for each application.

[0069] Router device 25 is a network device that connects to external system 4 and AP server 24 and routes communication packets that are transmitted through communication within and outside the service providing system 2.

[0070] DB server 26 is a computer in which a DB server (database management system (DBMS) 261) runs as middleware and manages the data stored in storage device 27. DB server 26 is connected to SW device 23 and storage device 27.

[0071] Storage device 27 is a storage device connected to DB server 26. Storage device 27 stores the dataset managed by DB server 26.

[0072] Although external system 4 is connected to the information system of service provider system 2 via a network (not shown), its data is not managed by operation management device 5. External system 4 is, for example, an information system that collaborates with service provider system 2.

[0073] Based on the above, the process of service providing system 2 providing communication services A and B is described. First, in response to an operation performed by user 30, user terminal 3 requests communication service A through network N, and service providing system 2 provides communication service A to user terminal 3. At this time, a request is sent from user terminal 3 to first application unit 241 through network N, FW device 22, GW server 21, and SW device 23. Then, a request is sent from first application unit 241 to external system 4 through router device 25. When external system 4 receives the request for communication service A, it transmits a response to the request. A response is sent from external system 4 to first application unit 241 through router device 25. A response is further sent from first application unit 241 to user terminal 3 through SW device 23, FW device 22, and network N. In this way, communication service A is provided.

[0074] Furthermore, in response to the operation performed by user 30, user terminal 3 requests communication service B through network N, and service providing system 2 provides communication service B to user terminal 3. At this time, a request is sent from user terminal 3 to second application unit 242 via network N, FW device 22, GW server 21, and SW device 23. The request is further sent from second application unit 242 to DBMS 261 of DB server 26 via SW device 23. When DBMS 261 receives the request, it accesses storage device 27 for the request and transmits the access result as a response. A response is sent from DBMS 261 to user terminal 3 via SW device 23, FW device 22, and network N. In this way, communication service B is provided.

[0075] Operation management device 5 is an example of operation management device 1 described above, and is a computer connected to service providing system 2. Furthermore, operation management device 5 is an information processing device operated directly or indirectly by the operation manager 50 through a management terminal (not shown). Additionally, operation management device 5 can be a computer system that distributes or redundant functions through multiple computer devices. Therefore, operation management device 5 can also be referred to as an operation management system.

[0076] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an operation management device 5 according to a second exemplary embodiment. The operation management device 5 includes a storage unit 51, a control unit 52, a memory 53, and an interface (IF) unit 54.

[0077] Storage unit 51 is a storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory. Storage unit 51 provides storage service order management information 511, communication path management information 512, server management information 513, network device management information 514, storage device management information 515, function management information 516, and operation management program 517.

[0078] Service order management information 511 is information used to manage combinations of communication services and service orders. Note that the combination of communication services and service orders is an example of the service definition information 112 described above. A communication service is at least identification information such as the name of the communication service. Service order is information that defines the order in which communication path information (communication definition information 111) is passed for each communication. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of service order management information 511 according to a second exemplary embodiment. For example, it shows that communication service A arrives at the provider of service A from communication path (1) via communication path (2) and communication path (3).

[0079] Communication path management information 512 is information used to manage communication path information. Note that the communication path information is an example of the communication definition information 111 described above, and includes information defining the system elements of the communication source and destination, the via device (i.e., the device through which communication occurs), and the permitted communication time for each communication path. Note that the system elements of the communication source and destination include the pairing of servers and functions (applications, etc.). Furthermore, the via device is at least one communication device that passes between the communication source and the communication destination. Additionally, the system elements of the communication source and destination and the via device can be identification information. Furthermore, the permitted communication time is a threshold for the allowed waiting time of a communication response in the system elements of the communication source, and is an example of a timeout value. Figure 6This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of communication path management information 512 according to a second exemplary embodiment. Here, the communication path information is shown to be represented by a combination of communication path ID, communication source device information, via device information, communication destination device information, and communication allowed time. For example, communication path (1) is shown to be a communication path from user terminal 3 via FW device 22 to GW server 21 for GW function, and the allowed time for communication path (1) is less than 60 seconds.

[0080] Server Management Information 513 is information used to manage server information that associates server (server type or identification information) with server availability. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of server management information 513 according to a second exemplary embodiment. For example, the availability of the GW server is guaranteed by multiple active / active configurations, while the availability of the AP server is guaranteed by multiple active / standby configurations. Note that availability refers to the ability of the system to operate continuously.

[0081] Network device management information 514 is information used to manage network device information that associates network device (network device type or identification information) with network device availability. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of network device management information 514 according to a second exemplary embodiment. For example, it shows that the availability of the FW device is guaranteed by multiple active / standby configurations.

[0082] Storage device management information 515 is information used to manage storage device information that associates storage devices (the type or identification information of storage devices) with the availability of storage devices. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of storage device management information 515 according to a second exemplary embodiment. For example, it shows that the availability of the storage device is guaranteed by redundancy in the device.

[0083] Function management information 516 is information used to manage function information that associates (middleware or application) functions with function availability. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of function management information 516 according to a second exemplary embodiment. For example, it shows that the availability of the GW function is guaranteed by the automatic restart of the process. Furthermore, it shows that in the availability of service A function, a fault / switchout (F / O) occurs when service A function stops.

[0084] return Figure 4The description continues. Operation management program 517 is a computer program that implements operation management processing according to this exemplary embodiment. Note that all or part of the service order management information 511, communication path management information 512, server management information 513, network device management information 514, storage device management information 515, and function management information 516 may be stored in an external storage device connected to the operation management device 5, and the control unit 52 may appropriately refer to this information.

[0085] Memory 53 is a volatile storage device such as random access memory (RAM), and is a storage area used to temporarily store information during operation control unit 52. IF unit 54 is an interface for receiving and outputting data from outside the operation management device 5. For example, IF unit 54 receives operations performed by operation manager 50 through input devices (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse, and touchpad, and outputs the received operation content to control unit 52. Furthermore, in response to instructions from control unit 52, IF unit 54 outputs data to touchpad, display device, printer, etc. (not shown).

[0086] The control unit 52 is a processor that controls each component of the operation management device 5, i.e., a control device. The control unit 52 loads the operation management program 517 from the storage unit 51 into the memory 53 and executes the loaded operation management program 517. In this way, the control unit 52 realizes the functions of the receiving unit 521, the first designation unit 522, the second designation unit 523, the generation unit 524, and the output unit 525.

[0087] The receiving unit 521 is a specific example of the receiving unit 12 described above, and receives the selection of the interrupt service. The first designation unit 522 is a specific example of the first designation unit 13 described above, and refers to the service order management information 511, and then designates the service order associated with the selected service (designate communication definition information).

[0088] The second designation unit 523 is a specific example of the second designation unit 14 described above, and refers to the communication path management information 512, and then specifies the via device information (specifying the communication device), communication destination device information and communication allowed time associated with each communication path ID included in the designated service order.

[0089] Generation unit 524 is a specific example of generation unit 15 described above, and generates a message indicating the probability of failure of a specified system element as output information. Here, generation unit 524 generates a message including a timeout value from a communication source associated with the specified system element. By doing so, the probability of the cause of the failure can be made more specific.

[0090] Furthermore, generation unit 524 generates a message corresponding to each server and function included in the specified system elements. Specifically, generation unit 524 generates a message corresponding to each server and function included in the specified system elements, each message including a timeout value from the communication source associated with the specified system element.

[0091] Furthermore, the generation unit 524 generates messages that also include designated communication devices. Additionally, the generation unit 524 generates messages for designated communication devices that are common to each designated communication device, including shorter timeout values ​​among the timeout values ​​of communication sources associated with each designated communication device.

[0092] The output unit 525 outputs the message generated by the generation unit 524 as output information. For example, the output unit 525 causes a display device (not shown) connected to the operation management device 5 to display the generated message. Alternatively, the output unit 525 can transmit the generated message to a terminal used by the operation manager 50 via the network N.

[0093] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation management process according to a second exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of operation management processing according to a second exemplary embodiment. The following description... Figure 11 And refer to as appropriate Figure 12 .

[0094] First, the receiving unit 521 receives the selection of an interrupt service (S21). For example, the receiving unit 521 receives the selection of communication service A. Next, the first designating unit 522 designates the service order of the selected service according to the service order management information 511 (S22). For example, the first designating unit 522 designates the service order of the communication paths (1), (2), and (3) associated with communication service A from the service order management information 511.

[0095] Then, the second designation unit 523 designates the via device, the communication destination device, and the communication allowance time for each communication path in the designated service order (S23). For example, the second designation unit 523 designates the FW device as the via device information associated with communication path (1), designates the pairing of the GW server and GW function as the communication destination device information, and designates less than 60 seconds as the communication allowance time. Furthermore, for communication paths (2) and (3), the second designation unit 523 performs similar designations as for communication path (1).

[0096] At this time, when the identification information of each transit device and communication destination device is stored in the communication path management information 512 but the string of its name is not stored, the second designation unit 523 obtains the string of the name corresponding to each identification information from the server management information 513, network device management information 514, storage device management information 515, and function management information 516. For example, the second designation unit 523 obtains the string information of the GW server from the server management information 513 as the communication destination device information. In addition, the second designation unit 523 obtains the string information of the FW device from the network device management information 514 as the transit device. In addition, the second designation unit 523 obtains the string information of the GW function from the function management information 516 as the communication destination device information. Furthermore, the second designation unit 523 can obtain strings indicating availability from the server management information 513, etc.

[0097] Next, generation unit 524 generates an output message indicating the possibility of a failure for each specified transit device and communication destination device, using the corresponding communication allowance time (S24). For example, generation unit 524 generates an output message indicating the possibility that the communication destination device "GW server" has stopped communication for more than 60 seconds. Note that the communication allowance time "60 seconds" included in the output message is the timeout value in the communication source device "user terminal" associated with the communication destination device "GW server". Similarly, generation unit 524 generates an output message indicating the possibility that the communication destination device "AP server" has stopped communication for more than 50 seconds.

[0098] Here, the "FW device" via the device is passed through in both communication paths (1) and (2). In this case, the generation unit 524 can generate a message with a shorter duration within the communication allowable time in the communication source associated with the designated communication device in each communication path. For example, the communication allowable time "50 seconds" in the communication source device "GW server / GW function" of communication path (2) is shorter than the communication allowable time "60 seconds" in the communication source device "user terminal" of communication path (1). Therefore, the generation unit 524 generates an output message indicating the possibility that the communication allowable time "50 seconds" via the device information "FW device" has stopped. This configuration reduces unnecessary messages indicating the possibility of failure and allows the operator to better narrow down the range of possible failures.

[0099] Note that, as described above, when the second designated unit 523 obtains a string indicating availability from server management information 513, the generation unit 524 can generate an output message based on the string indicating availability. Alternatively, the generation unit 524 can pre-register strings, such as "suspend" for functional conditions and "stop" for other conditions, and can select from these strings and use the selected string for the output message.

[0100] Then, the output unit 525 outputs the generated output message (S25). Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output message according to a second exemplary embodiment.

[0101] As described above, in the second exemplary embodiment, by tracing communication path management information using the service order defined for the interrupted service as a clue, system elements (destination device, via device) that may be the cause of a failure in the service can be specified. Specifically, by listing them, a detailed understanding of the probability of failure via the device can be obtained. Furthermore, because the communication destination device generates output messages by separating the probability of failure at the server level (hardware, OS, middleware) or application level, the isolation of the cause of failure can be facilitated. In addition, by using the timeout value in the communication source of each communication path, a more specific and detailed probability of the cause of failure can be obtained. Furthermore, when the same device is specified multiple times, the person in charge of operations can obtain more reasonable information about the probability of failure by generating output messages with shorter timeout values ​​rather than generating output messages with longer timeout values.

[0102] <Third Exemplary Example>

[0103] The third exemplary embodiment is another example of the second exemplary embodiment described above. In the third exemplary embodiment, a situation is described where system elements that may be the cause of the failure are specified when multiple service interruptions occur simultaneously. Note that because the configuration of the operation management device and information system to be managed according to the third exemplary embodiment is the same as that of the second exemplary embodiment, their illustrations and detailed descriptions are omitted. The differences between this exemplary embodiment and the second exemplary embodiment are described below.

[0104] According to the third exemplary embodiment, when the receiving unit 521 receives the selection of two or more service definition information, the first designating unit 522 designates the common communication definition information among the communication definition information defined in each selected service definition information as the designated communication definition information. By doing so, the efficiency of narrowing down the system elements to system elements that may be the cause of the failure is improved.

[0105] Figure 14This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of operation management processing according to a third exemplary embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the interruption of communication service A and the interruption of communication service B occur simultaneously. In this case, receiving unit 521 receives the selection of communication services A and B. Then, first designation unit 522 designates the service order for each communication service A and B. Here, the service order of communication service A is in the order of communication paths (1), (2), and (3), while the service order of communication service B is in the order of communication paths (1), (4), (5), and (6). Therefore, first designation unit 522 compares the communication paths of each service order with each other and designates a common communication path (1) as designated communication definition information. That is, first designation unit 522 narrows down the communication paths to the common communication paths among multiple service orders.

[0106] Therefore, in the following process, the second designation unit 523 refers to the communication path management information 512 for the designated communication path (1), and then specifies the via device information, communication destination device information, and communication allowable time. The generation unit 524 generates an output message based on the designated information described in step S24 above. Then, the output unit 525 outputs the generated output message. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an output message according to a third exemplary embodiment.

[0107] As mentioned above, in Figure 13 In the example, because only communication service A was interrupted, eight possible failure scenarios were listed. In contrast, in... Figure 15 In this case, because communication services A and B are interrupted, this indicates that the range of possible failures is narrowed down to three. That is to say, under normal circumstances, when there are multiple service interruptions, although the impact of service interruptions on the operation and management side is wide and the burden imposed on it is heavy, according to the third exemplary embodiment, the accuracy of narrowing down the system elements to the system elements that may be the cause of the failure is improved.

[0108] <Other exemplary embodiments>

[0109] Note that although this disclosure is described as a hardware configuration in the exemplary embodiments described above, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In this disclosure, any processing can also be implemented by causing a central processing unit (CPU) to execute a computer program.

[0110] In the examples above, any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium can be used to store and provide the program to the computer. Non-transitory computer-readable media includes any type of tangible storage medium. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), optical-magnetic storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read-Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, DVDs (Digital Universal Discs), and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, RAMs (Random Access Memory), etc.). Any type of transient computer-readable medium can be used to provide the program to the computer. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transient computer-readable media can provide the program to the computer via wired communication lines (e.g., electrical wires and optical fibers) or wireless communication lines.

[0111] Note that this disclosure is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above and may be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented by appropriately combining exemplary embodiments.

[0112] All or part of the exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be described in, but are not limited to, the following notes.

[0113] (Note A1)

[0114] An operation management device, comprising:

[0115] The storage unit is configured to store multiple communication definition information and multiple service definition information. The multiple communication definition information associates the system elements of the communication source with the system elements of the communication destination and defines the associated system elements. The multiple service definition information defines a service as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information.

[0116] The receiving unit is configured to receive at least one selected service definition information from a plurality of service definition information;

[0117] The first designated unit is configured to designate communication definition information included in the selected service definition information from multiple service definition information as the designated communication definition information;

[0118] The second designated unit is configured to designate a system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information, as a designated system element; and

[0119] The generation unit is configured to generate output information that includes specified system elements.

[0120] (Note A2)

[0121] According to the operation management device described in Appendix A1, when the receiving unit receives two or more selections of service definition information, the first designating unit designates common communication definition information from the communication definition information defined in each of the selected service definition information as the designated communication definition information.

[0122] (Note A3)

[0123] According to the operation management device described in Appendix A1 or A2, the generation unit generates a message indicating the probability of failure of a specified system element as output information.

[0124] (Note A4)

[0125] According to the operation and management equipment described in Appendix A3, wherein...

[0126] The communication definition information includes timeout values ​​in the system elements of the communication source, and

[0127] The generation unit generates a message that includes timeout values ​​from communication sources associated with specified system elements.

[0128] (Note A5)

[0129] According to the operation and management equipment described in Appendix A4, wherein...

[0130] The system elements of the communication destination include the pairing of servers and functions, and

[0131] The generation unit generates messages corresponding to the various servers and functions included in the specified system element, with each message including a timeout value from the communication source associated with the specified system element.

[0132] (Note A6)

[0133] According to the operation and management equipment described in Appendix A3, wherein...

[0134] The system elements of the communication destination include the pairing of servers and functions, and

[0135] The generation unit generates messages corresponding to the various servers and functions included in the specified system elements.

[0136] (Note A7)

[0137] The operation and management equipment according to any one of notes A1 to A6, wherein...

[0138] The communication definition information further includes at least one communication device traversed between the communication source and the communication destination.

[0139] The second designating unit further designates the communication device defined in the designated communication definition information as the designated communication device, and

[0140] The generation unit generates the output information, which further includes the specified communication device.

[0141] (Note A8)

[0142] According to the operation and management equipment described in Appendix A7, wherein...

[0143] The second designation unit specifies two or more designated communication devices, and

[0144] The generation unit generates a message for a common designated communication device among the designated communication devices, which includes the shorter timeout value among the timeout values ​​in the communication sources associated with each designated communication device.

[0145] (Note B1)

[0146] An operation management system, comprising:

[0147] The storage device is configured to store multiple communication definition information and multiple service definition information. The multiple communication definition information associates system elements of the communication source with system elements of the communication destination and defines the associated system elements. The multiple service definition information defines services as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information.

[0148] The receiving unit is configured to receive at least one selected service definition information from a plurality of service definition information;

[0149] The first designated unit is configured as a reference storage device, and then specifies the communication definition information included in the selected service definition information from multiple service definition information as the designated communication definition information;

[0150] The second designated unit is configured to designate a system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information, as a designated system element; and

[0151] The generation unit is configured to generate output information that includes specified system elements.

[0152] (Note B2)

[0153] According to the operation management system described in Appendix B1, when the receiving unit receives two or more selections of service definition information, the first designating unit designates common communication definition information from the communication definition information defined by each selected service definition information, as the designated communication definition information.

[0154] (Note C1)

[0155] An operation management method, comprising:

[0156] The computer receives at least one selected service definition information from multiple service definition information, the service definition information defining a service as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information, the communication definition information associating system elements of the communication source with system elements of the communication destination and defining the associated system elements;

[0157] The computer selects the communication definition information included in the chosen service definition information from multiple service definition information and uses it as the specified communication definition information.

[0158] The system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information is used as the specified system element; and

[0159] Output information, including specified system elements, is generated by computer.

[0160] (Postscript D1)

[0161] An operation management program for causing a computer to perform:

[0162] At least one selected process is received from multiple service definition information, whereby the service definition information defines a service as a combination of some of the multiple communication definition information, and the communication definition information associates the system elements of the communication source with the system elements of the communication destination and defines the associated system elements.

[0163] From multiple service definition information, specify the communication definition information to be included in the selected service definition information, and process the specified communication definition information.

[0164] The system element that specifies the communication destination as defined in the specified communication definition information is processed as the specified system element; and

[0165] Processing that generates output information including specified system elements.

[0166] Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Various changes to the configuration and details of the invention, which will be understood by those skilled in the art, can be made within the scope of the invention.

[0167] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-174793, filed on September 25, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0168] List of reference numerals

[0169] 1. Operation and management equipment

[0170] 11 storage units

[0171] 111 Communication Definition Information

[0172] 112 Service Definition Information

[0173] 12 Receiving Units

[0174] 13 First designated unit

[0175] 14 Second designated unit

[0176] 15 Generating Units

[0177] 100 System

[0178] N Network

[0179] 2 Service Provider System

[0180] 21 GW servers

[0181] 211 Communication Conversion Unit

[0182] 22 FW equipment

[0183] 23 SW equipment

[0184] 24 AP Server

[0185] 241 First Application Unit

[0186] 242 Second Application Unit

[0187] 25 Router Devices

[0188] 26 DB Servers

[0189] 261 DBMS

[0190] 27 Storage devices

[0191] 3 User Terminals

[0192] 30 users

[0193] 4. External Systems

[0194] 5. Operation and management equipment

[0195] 50 Operations Supervisors

[0196] 51 storage units

[0197] 511 Service Order Management Information

[0198] 512 Communication Path Management Information

[0199] 513 Server Management Information

[0200] 514 Network Device Management Information

[0201] 515 Storage Device Management Information

[0202] 516 Function Management Information

[0203] 517 Operation Management Procedures

[0204] 52 Control Unit

[0205] 521 Receiving Unit

[0206] 522 First designated unit

[0207] 523 Second Designated Unit

[0208] 524 generation units

[0209] 525 Output Unit

[0210] 53 Memory

[0211] 54 IF Unit

Claims

1. An operation management apparatus comprising: a storage device configured to store a plurality of pieces of communication path information and a plurality of pieces of service definition information, each piece of the communication path information associating a system element of a communication source, a system element of a communication destination, a transit device, and a timeout value of the system element of the communication source with each other, each piece of the service definition information associating a service with some of the plurality of pieces of communication path information, wherein the timeout value indicates a threshold value of a waiting time of a communication response allowed in the system element of the communication source; a reception device configured to receive at least one selection of the service definition information corresponding to an interrupted service from among the plurality of pieces of service definition information; a first designation device configured to designate some of the plurality of pieces of communication path information included in the selected pieces of service definition information as a plurality of pieces of designated communication path information; a second designation device configured to designate, with respect to each of the plurality of pieces of designated communication path information, the transit device, the system element of the communication destination, and the timeout value; and a generation device configured to, when the same transit device is designated to two or more of the plurality of pieces of designated communication path information, designate a shorter timeout value of the plurality of timeout values defined in the two or more of the plurality of pieces of designated communication path information, and generate output information indicating a possibility of a failure of a timeout value based on the designation of the transit device. 2.The operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first designation device is configured to, when the reception device receives two or more selections of the service definition information, designate, as the designated communication path information, common communication path information among entries of the communication path information defined in the selected pieces of service definition information. 3.The operation management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the system element of the communication destination includes a pair of a server and a function. 4.An operation management system comprising: a storage device configured to store a plurality of pieces of communication path information and a plurality of pieces of service definition information, each piece of the communication path information associating a system element of a communication source, a system element of a communication destination, a transit device, and a timeout value of the system element of the communication source with each other, each piece of the service definition information associating a service with some of the plurality of pieces of communication path information, wherein the timeout value indicates a threshold value of a waiting time of a communication response allowed in the system element of the communication source; a reception device configured to receive at least one selection of the service definition information corresponding to an interrupted service from among the plurality of pieces of service definition information; a first specifying device for referring to the storage device and then specifying some of the pieces of communication path information included in the selected service definition information as pieces of specified communication path information; a second specifying device for specifying, with respect to each of the pieces of specified communication path information, the via device, the system element of the communication destination, and the timeout value; and a generating device configured to, when the same via device is specified for two or more of the pieces of specified communication path information, specify a shorter timeout value of the multiple timeout values of the system element of the communication source defined in the two or more of the pieces of specified communication path information, and generate output information indicating a possibility of a failure based on the specified timeout value of the via device.

5. An operation management method comprising: storing, by a computer, pieces of communication path information and pieces of service definition information, each of the pieces of communication path information associating a system element of a communication source, a system element of a communication destination, a via device, and a timeout value of the system element of the communication source with each other, each of the pieces of service definition information associating a service with some of the pieces of communication path information, wherein the timeout value indicates a threshold value of a waiting time of a communication response allowed in the system element of the communication source; receiving, by the computer, at least one selection of the service definition information corresponding to an interrupted service from among the pieces of service definition information; specifying, by the computer, some of the pieces of communication path information included in the selected service definition information as pieces of specified communication path information; specifying, by the computer and with respect to each of the pieces of specified communication path information, the via device, the system element of the communication destination, and the timeout value; when the same via device is specified for two or more of the pieces of specified communication path information, specifying, by the computer, a shorter timeout value of the multiple timeout values of the system element of the communication source defined in the two or more of the pieces of specified communication path information; and generating, by the computer, output information indicating a possibility of a failure based on the specified timeout value of the via device.

6. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing an operation management program that causes a computer to execute: storing a plurality of pieces of communication path information each associating a system element of a communication source, a system element of a communication destination, a transit device, and a timeout value for the system element of the communication source with each other, and a plurality of pieces of service definition information each associating a service with some of the plurality of pieces of communication path information, wherein the timeout value indicates a threshold value of a waiting time of a communication response allowed in the system element of the communication source; receiving at least one selection of the service definition information corresponding to an interrupted service from among the pieces of service definition information; specifying some of the pieces of communication path information included in the selected service definition information as pieces of specified communication path information; specifying, with respect to each of the plurality of pieces of specified communication path information, the via device, the system element of the communication destination, and the timeout value; when the same via device is specified to two or more of the plurality of pieces of specified communication path information, specifying a shorter timeout value among the plurality of timeout values of the system element of the communication source defined in the two or more of the plurality of pieces of specified communication path information; and generating output information indicating a possibility of failure based on the specified timeout value of the via device.

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