Auto Scaling Service Configuration for Virtual Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud computing auto-scaling solutions require manual configuration of newly provisioned instances for enterprise applications, leading to inefficiencies and errors, especially for closed-source applications like VoIP, which do not dynamically scale with infrastructure changes.
Innovation Solution
An auto-scaling service maintains a configuration package with application-specific scripts that automatically configures new instances within the cluster using an event-driven computing service, ensuring seamless integration without requiring application redesign or manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration is used for newly provisioned instances, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring instance templates with all necessary application-specific settings before instances are provisioned. When new instances are created, they automatically inherit these pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for manual configuration after provisioning while ensuring configuration accuracy is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service through automated configuration management where the provisioning system automatically applies configuration packages to newly created instances based on the application type and cluster requirements. This self-configuration process eliminates manual intervention while maintaining consistent, accurate configuration across all instances.
2Reliability
If manual configuration updates are performed for each new instance, then application functionality is maintained, but productivity and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration packages containing all necessary application settings and scripts are prepared in advance for each application type. When instances are provisioned, these pre-prepared configuration packages are automatically applied, ensuring application functionality is maintained while enabling rapid scaling without manual configuration updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where configuration management scripts automatically detect new instances and apply appropriate configuration packages. This closed-loop approach ensures that every new instance receives the correct configuration automatically, maintaining application functionality while enabling rapid scaling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auto-scaling is implemented without application-specific configuration, then scalability is improved, but configuration errors and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing application-specific configuration packages tailored to each application type (e.g., VoIP, web applications). Instead of a generic auto-scaling approach, the system delivers customized configuration scripts and settings specific to each application's requirements, ensuring both scalability and configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Configuration packages serve as intermediaries between the auto-scaling system and application-specific requirements. These packages contain application-tailored settings and scripts that bridge the gap between generic infrastructure provisioning and application-specific configuration needs, enabling accurate automated configuration.
4Reliability
If closed-source applications are used, then application reliability is maintained, but auto-scaling configuration capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configuration packages as intermediaries that work externally to closed-source applications. These packages contain scripts and settings that configure instances without requiring modifications to the application code itself, thereby maintaining application reliability while enabling automated configuration for auto-scaling.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management is segmented into separate, independent configuration packages that can be applied to closed-source applications without modifying the applications. This segmentation allows automated configuration capabilities to be added while preserving the integrity and reliability of existing closed-source applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for modifying an application-level configuration of a cluster of virtual application servers in response to an automatic provisioning of server instances to or from the cluster. An auto-scaling service receives an indication that one or more metrics associated with a cluster in a service provider environment triggers a specified scaling condition. The cluster includes application server instances executing one or more services provided by an application. The auto-scaling service provisions an additional application server instance in response to the indication. One or more services provided by the application are installed on the additional application server instance. A configuration engine obtains one or more scripts for configuring the additional application server instance to execute the services as part of the cluster. The scripts are executed on the application server instances to include the additional application server instance to the cluster.