Application Fingerprinting for Scalable IT Infrastructure Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system management solutions for IT infrastructure are inefficient in tracking application installations across large networks, leading to issues like redundant applications and performance delays, as they require manual data input and are difficult to scale.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for identifying applications in a computer network by searching the run-time environment of servers, using unique identifiers to match active processes, files, and log contents, allowing for scalable tracking without shutting down the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual mapping of IT infrastructure is used to track application installations, then application tracking capability is provided, but the solution is difficult to scale and maintain for large infrastructure with high number of changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the infrastructure to automatically provide application installation information through runtime environment searching. The manager autonomously connects to servers, accesses process tables, and identifies applications without requiring manual data input or updates from IT managers, thus eliminating the scalability and maintenance issues of manual mapping approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual mapping process with an automated electronic searching mechanism. Instead of manually creating and updating infrastructure maps, the system uses a manager to electronically search runtime environments, access process tables, and automatically identify applications, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes
2Reliability
If traditional system management products are used to monitor servers, then basic monitoring functionality is provided, but it is difficult to determine which applications are installed and regularly used on specific servers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the specific application identification function from general system management products. By focusing solely on searching runtime environments and process tables to identify applications, the system provides specialized application detection capability that complements existing monitoring functionality, thereby improving overall application identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a manager as an intermediary between system management products and servers. This manager acts as a specialized component that connects to servers, searches runtime environments, and identifies applications, serving as a bridge that enhances the capability of traditional monitoring products to detect specific application installations and usage
3Productivity
If application tracking is implemented to prevent redundant installations, then system performance is improved, but the solution must work while servers are running without shutting down the network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by searching for applications in the runtime environment while servers are still running, before any shutdown or restart would be needed. The manager connects to active servers, accesses process tables, and identifies applications in their current running state, eliminating the need to shut down servers for tracking purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic tracking approach that adapts to the running state of servers. The system continuously monitors and searches runtime environments of active servers, adjusting its operation to work within the constraints of live systems rather than requiring static, shutdown conditions, thereby maintaining continuous operation while achieving accurate application identification
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to a system and related method for scanning active instances of an application within a system. Unique identifiers in the form of fingerprints, tags, or metadata can be associated with a target application. A manager can then scan the process tables and file system directories of the servers within the system to find active processes and stored files that include the unique identifier. In some embodiments, the manager scans the active processes while they are running to search for the unique ID within the process' command line structure. In some embodiments, the manager also finds processes or files that do not have the unique identifier, but were previously associated with the unique identifier. The manager can then report the server and application information to user. Such information can include which of the one or more servers has the target application as an active process.