Adaptive Switch Installer for Database Upgrade Downtime Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional database upgrade methods face challenges such as extended downtime, potential failures, and technology dependency, particularly when upgrading large databases with continuous availability requirements.
Innovation Solution
The adaptive switch installer creates a shadow application server by cloning repository and customizing tables, applying upgrades to the shadow system, and then switching to the new tables, allowing for delta upgrades with minimal downtime and maintaining continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional database upgrade methods are used, then the database can be upgraded to a new release, but the downtime is extended and availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a shadow application server and copying necessary tables (repository and customizing tables) before the actual upgrade. This preparation allows the upgrade to be performed in advance on the shadow server, so that when the switch occurs, the system can immediately use the upgraded version with minimal downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a shadow application server that copies the source application server's structure and data. The shadow server includes copied repository tables and customizing tables, which can be upgraded independently. This copying mechanism allows the production system to remain operational while the upgraded version is prepared in parallel.
Solution Approach 3:
The shadow application server acts as an intermediary between the old and new database versions. It contains the upgraded version and serves as a bridge, allowing the system to transition from the source application server to the shadow application server with minimal disruption to continuous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modifications and customizing data are maintained during upgrade, then system functionality is preserved, but the upgrade process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies not only the basic database structure but also the customizing tables and repository tables to the shadow application server. This comprehensive copying ensures that all system functionality, including modifications and customizations, are preserved in the upgraded version without requiring complex manual adjustments during the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing the upgrade in advance on the shadow application server, the patent allows all necessary modifications and customizing data to be automatically carried forward. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-upgrade adjustments and simplifies the overall upgrade process.
3Loss of time
If a shadow application server is created and tables are copied, then upgrade downtime is reduced, but the initial setup complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated copying mechanisms to create the shadow application server and its tables. This copying process, while creating additional structures, is performed automatically through system commands and procedures, which reduces the manual effort required despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shadow application server and its copied tables are temporary structures that are discarded after the upgrade is complete and the switch from source to shadow server is finalized. This temporary nature means the complexity is only present during the upgrade process, not in the long-term system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for upgrading software. In one aspect there is provided a method. The method may include copying a source application server to form a shadow application server, the copying including copying a repository table and a customizing table to form a shadow repository table and a shadow customizing table. Moreover, the upgrade may be implemented at the shadow application server. The upgrade may be applied to a first synonym of the shadow repository table and a second synonym of the shadow customizing table. The first synonym may enable the shadow application server to connect to the shadow repository table, when the upgrade is being implemented. The second synonym may enable the shadow application server to connect to the shadow customizing table, when the upgrade is being implemented. The method may also include switching to the upgrade by renaming the shadow repository table and the shadow customizing table to identifiers corresponding to the repository table and customizing table of the source application server. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.