Browser-Controlled Remote Software Installation via Disposable Web Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing software on remote computer systems, such as IBM z/OS servers, lack a convenient user interface, leading to error-prone command line installations and significant security risks, with difficulties in providing UI for error clarification and progress information.
Innovation Solution
A browser-controlled method involving a non-user interface, platform-independent installation program with an embedded light-weight web server and web application, allowing users to access and install software remotely through a web interface, with the installation program and web server being temporarily transferred and removed after completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a command line installation program is used on a remote computer system without a convenient UI runtime, then the installation can be executed, but the user experience is poor and errors are not clearly communicated
Solution Approach 1:
A web browser serves as an intermediary between the user and the remote installation system. The browser displays a web-based user interface that communicates installation progress and errors to the user, while the actual installation executes through command line on the remote system. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing user-friendly interaction without requiring UI runtime on the remote system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical UI runtime system with a web-based interface delivered through a browser. Instead of requiring local installation of UI components on the remote system, the interface is delivered as web content through the browser, eliminating the need for UI runtime while maintaining user experience.
2Ease of operation
If an installation UI runs on one computer system and communicates with a non-UI installation program on a remote computer system, then user interaction is enabled, but significant communications programming is required and progress information is difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The web browser provides a universal interface that can display installation progress and communicate with the remote system through standard web protocols. Instead of requiring custom communications programming for each installation scenario, the browser's universal web capabilities handle diverse installation tasks, reducing programming complexity while maintaining user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The web browser acts as an intermediary that simplifies communications between the user interface and the remote installation program. By using standard web protocols (HTTP, HTML, JavaScript), the browser mediates complex communication tasks through well-established, standardized mechanisms rather than requiring custom programming for each interaction scenario.
3Productivity
If traditional installation methods are used on remote computer systems, then software can be installed, but security risks are exposed through creating security holes during or after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable, temporary web server that runs only during the installation process and is then removed. This temporary server provides necessary installation capabilities without leaving persistent security vulnerabilities on the remote system. The short-lived nature of the server minimizes the window of exposure to security risks while maintaining installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server and web application are extracted as temporary, self-contained components that are transferred to the remote system only when needed for installation, and then removed afterward. This extraction approach separates the installation capability from the permanent system configuration, reducing security risks while maintaining installation functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a web browser-controlled installation of software on a remote computer system includes accessing at least one remote computer system; temporarily transferring a non-user interface, platform-independent installation program having an embedded web application and light-weight web server onto the at least one remote computer system, wherein the web application provides a web user interface; accessing a web browser and connecting to the light-weight web server via the web interface provided by the web application; providing instructions for installing software on the at least one remote computer to the web interface; the light-weight web server transferring the instructions to the non-user interface installation program; transferring and installing software on the at least one remote computer system; and removing the installation program, web application, and light-weight web server from the at least one remote computer.