Automated Patching Workflow for Distributed Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patching in distributed computing systems is complex and error-prone due to administrators' lack of knowledge about internal software components, leading to potential production downtime and data loss.
Innovation Solution
An automated patching process is introduced, where a patch definition file is created using a structured patch creation module, and a workflow template is built to define actions on software components and nodes, allowing for automated execution without manual intervention, with the ability to reverse and retry patching in case of failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual patching is performed by administrators, then patching can be executed with human judgment, but human errors occur and production downtime results
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service patching through automated agents that execute patching operations without human intervention. The intelligent agent automatically selects patches, determines compatibility, applies updates, and verifies success across distributed nodes, eliminating human error while maintaining continuous operation through automated rollback capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
An intelligent agent acts as an intermediary between the patch management system and distributed computing nodes. This agent receives patch information, analyzes node-specific requirements, coordinates patching sequences, and manages rollback procedures, thereby reducing both human error and production downtime through automated mediation.
2Ease of manufacture
If administrators manually install patches based on knowledge base instructions, then patching can be performed, but errors occur due to lack of knowledge about internal software constructs
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for administrator knowledge about internal software constructs by implementing self-service patching. The intelligent agent automatically analyzes software architecture, identifies compatible patches, and executes installation procedures without human intervention, making patching both easy and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual administrator operations with an automated intelligent agent system. This substitution eliminates human limitations in understanding internal software constructs while providing consistent, accurate patching execution across all nodes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If patching is performed in specific sequences across multiple nodes, then system integrity is maintained, but complexity increases and errors become more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent agent implements dynamic patching sequences that adapt to real-time system states. Rather than following fixed predetermined sequences, the agent continuously monitors node status and adjusts the patching order to maintain system integrity while simplifying the overall process through automated decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the intelligent agent monitors patching progress and system state changes in real-time. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of patching sequences to maintain integrity while reducing complexity through adaptive, rather than rigid, process management.
4Reliability
If automated patching is implemented, then human errors are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent agent provides self-service automation that reduces human error while managing complexity internally. The agent handles patch selection, compatibility verification, sequential application, and rollback procedures automatically, presenting a simple interface to administrators while managing complex operations in the background.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include multiple software components of a software application running on multiple nodes in a distributed computing system, a patch execution server including a patch build server including a structured patch execution module connected to the distributed computing system via a network. The patch execution module receives an uploaded patch, a patch definition file, and a workflow template from a global patch repository. Further, the patch execution module creates a patch definition file for the patch using an associated patch master file, an associated build definition file, and an associated product definition file. Furthermore, the patch execution module creates a workflow template using the patch definition file and the patch. Also, the patch execution module creates a workflow file using node information associated with the multiple nodes and the workflow template. In addition, the patch execution module executed the patch, using the patch, patch definition file and the workflow file, across the multiple nodes in the distributed computing system.