Application Transformer for Cross-Platform Containerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently containerize applications for different operating systems, as applications containerized on one OS are generally not compatible with another OS, limiting cross-platform deployment.
Innovation Solution
An application transformer running on a first OS gathers process artifacts from a VM with a second OS, transfers them to a builder VM with the same second OS, and builds a container image compatible with that OS, enabling the transformer to generate containerized applications for the second OS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If applications are containerized on one operating system, then they can run efficiently on that specific OS, but they cannot run on a different operating system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a container image builder as an intermediary component that runs on the target operating system (e.g., Windows). This builder receives application artifacts from the source environment and creates container images specifically tailored for the target OS. The intermediary ensures that the container image is compatible with the target OS while maintaining the original application's functionality, thus resolving the contradiction between cross-platform adaptability and execution reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of container image compatibility by dynamically adjusting the build environment to match the target operating system. The container image builder modifies build parameters, dependencies, and configuration settings based on the target OS requirements. This parameter transformation allows the same application to be containerized for different operating systems while ensuring each container image is reliably executed on its intended platform.
2Ease of manufacture
If application code is sent to third parties for containerization, then containerization services can be accessed, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal container image builder that can operate locally within the user's environment rather than requiring external third-party services. This multi-functional system can build container images for multiple target operating systems while remaining on-premises, eliminating the need to send application code outside the organization. The local builder provides both the ease of containerization services and enhanced security by keeping code within the trusted environment.
3Reliability
If containerization is performed locally within the same data center, then security is improved, but the capability to containerize applications for different operating systems is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the local environment to serve itself by implementing a self-contained container image builder that runs within the same data center or host. This self-service system automatically detects the target operating system requirements and configures the build environment accordingly, eliminating the need for external services. The builder leverages local resources and tools to create multi-OS container images, thus achieving both enhanced security through local operation and versatile multi-OS containerization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for containerization of an application, by an application transformer running a first operating system, to run on a second operating system, include gathering, by the application transformer running the first operating system, process artifacts of the application running on a first machine running the second operating system, sending, to a builder machine running the second operating system, the process artifacts of the application, and building, by the builder machine, a container image corresponding to the application based on the process artifacts, the container image being configured to run on the second operating system.