Automated Application Reconstruction via Snapshot Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reconstructing applications are cumbersome and inefficient, leading to vulnerabilities and unnecessary downtime, making it impractical to regularly update or recover applications quickly, especially after disasters.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using a processor to receive a workflow of microservice operations, transfer and deactivate databases, rebuild the operating system, install a recovery mode, deploy a post-build configuration, and perform quality assurance, with AI algorithms determining parameters for the configuration based on historical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tasks are used for application reconstruction, then the process can be controlled and validated, but the reconstruction time is excessive and the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by creating complete application snapshots (including database states, configuration files, and binary files) before any reconstruction is needed. These snapshots are stored in backup storage, enabling rapid restoration without manual intervention during the actual reconstruction event. The workflow definitions and parameter specifications are also prepared in advance, allowing the automated system to execute reconstruction immediately when triggered.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through an automated reconstruction system that performs the entire reconstruction process without human intervention. The system automatically detects disasters, retrieves appropriate snapshots from backup storage, validates the reconstruction workflow, executes the restoration of application nodes, and verifies integrity. This eliminates the need for manual tasks while maintaining reliability through automated validation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If frequent application reconstruction is performed to update nodes, then application vulnerabilities are reduced, but the manual process becomes impractical to execute regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated reconstruction system enables frequent reconstruction by eliminating manual operational burden. The system can be triggered automatically upon disaster detection or on scheduled intervals, performing the complete reconstruction process including snapshot retrieval, workflow validation, and node restoration without requiring human operators. This makes frequent reconstruction (daily, weekly, or monthly) practically feasible while maintaining application security.
Solution Approach 2:
By preparing application snapshots, workflow definitions, and validation rules in advance, the system removes the complexity of manual reconstruction planning and execution. Each snapshot contains all necessary components for reconstruction, and the pre-defined workflows ensure proper validation and execution sequences, making frequent operations simple and reliable.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive validation processes are implemented, then application integrity is ensured, but the reconstruction process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the validation process into distinct, manageable components: workflow validation (checking if the reconstruction sequence is correct), parameter validation (verifying configuration values match specifications), and integrity validation (confirming restored files are complete and uncorrupted). Each validation type operates independently on specific aspects of the reconstruction, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces workflow definition files and parameter specification files as intermediary artifacts that mediate between the reconstruction system and the actual application nodes. These intermediaries contain pre-defined validation rules and expected parameter values, allowing the system to validate reconstructions against standardized criteria without requiring complex custom validation logic for each application.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and non-transitory computer-readable medium for automated reconstruction of an application. The method, the system, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium cause a processor: receive a workflow that comprises a sequence of microservice operations that correspond to the application; transfer, from a current host platform that is associated with the application, to a backup memory, a copy of an active database that is associated with the application; deactivate the active database from the current host platform; rebuild an operating system of the application; remove a pre-build configuration of the application; install a recovery mode of the application on the current host platform; deploy a post-build configuration of the application; perform a quality assurance process that comprises validating the post-build configuration of the application; and transfer from the backup memory to the current host platform, the copy of the active database.