Centralized Certificate Management System for Data Centers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing certificate management systems across data centers are inefficient due to the use of multiple independent tools, lack of single-view visibility, and device-centric monitoring, which complicates traffic routing, error-prone operations, and hinders migration and upgrading, especially in critical industries like banking and healthcare.
Innovation Solution
An application-centric centralized certificate management system that includes modules for discovering, inventorying, and managing certificates across data centers, providing a holistic view for granular object-level actions, and integrating with certificate authorities for policy enforcement and compliance reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent tools are used for certificate management, then specific certificate tasks can be performed, but system complexity increases and single-view visibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent certificate management tools into a single centralized system that provides unified visibility and control across all certificates in the organization, eliminating the need to switch between separate tools while maintaining comprehensive management capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized certificate management system performs multiple certificate management functions (discovery, inventory, validation, renewal, revocation) within a single platform, making it universally applicable to all certificate-related tasks across the organization rather than requiring specialized tools for each function
2Ease of operation
If device-level operations are used on management tools, then device control is achieved, but traffic routing becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between device-level operations and traffic routing that abstracts and simplifies the complexity, allowing device control to be managed through standardized interfaces while traffic routing is handled through centralized policies without direct device-level complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent tools are used for certificate management, then specific functions can be performed, but migration and upgrading become almost impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate management system into modular functional components (discovery module, inventory module, validation module, etc.) that can be independently developed, tested, and upgraded, enabling seamless migration and system evolution without requiring complete system replacement
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent tools are used, then specific certificate tasks can be managed, but time and resources are excessively consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple certificate management tools into a single centralized system that automates workflows and eliminates the need to manually switch between separate tools, significantly reducing the time and resources required to perform certificate management tasks across the organization
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing one or more certificates on granular object level in one or more datacenters is provided. The system includes a discover module, an inventory module, a work order module, and a policy module. The discover module is configured to discover the one or more certificates. The inventory module is configured to provide details of the one or more certificates. The work order module is configured to store details of (i) a work order id of the one or more certificates, (ii) device information of the one or more certificates, (iii) a time stamp of implementation of the one or more certificates, and (iv) a status the one or more certificates. The policy module is configured to create a policy that specifies (i) usage of the one or more certificates, and (ii) practices that a certificate authority (CA) employs to manage the one or more certificates.