Cloud Instance Linking via GUI Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing environments, users face difficulties in linking multiple instances (such as virtual machines) so that changes in one instance's status automatically reflect in another, with semantic relationships not being captured during provisioning, requiring manual user intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for linking cloud instances via a graphical user interface, associating them with predefined rules that dictate behaviors or reactions to actions performed on one instance, allowing automatic triggering of actions on linked instances based on these rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual user intervention is used to link instances and monitor relationships, then users can understand and manage instance relationships, but user workload and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic instance linking and relationship monitoring without requiring continuous user intervention. The instance linking module automatically detects instance relationships, captures semantic relationships during provisioning, and triggers actions based on instance state changes, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual user management
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing semantic relationships during the instance provisioning process itself, rather than requiring subsequent manual configuration. The instance linking module pre-establishes relationships and rules before instances need to interact, automating the linking process in advance
2Ease of manufacture
If semantic relationships are not captured during instance provisioning, then provisioning process remains simple, but instance relationships require external automation or manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the semantic relationship capture function directly into the instance provisioning process. The instance linking module integrates relationship detection and rule association with instance creation, eliminating the need for separate relationship configuration steps and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The instance linking module serves multiple functions: it captures semantic relationships during provisioning, automatically links instances based on detected relationships, monitors instance state changes, and triggers appropriate actions. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated component
3Extent of automation
If users manually link instances and configure relationships, then control over instance relationships is maintained, but productivity and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the instance linking module continuously monitors instance state changes and automatically responds by triggering appropriate actions on linked instances. This closed-loop feedback system enables full automation while maintaining control, as the system self-regulates based on real-time instance states without requiring manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The instance linking module acts as an intermediary between instances, automatically detecting relationships, managing linkages, and coordinating actions between instances. This intermediary component enables automation by handling the complexity of instance relationships in the background, thereby increasing productivity without sacrificing control
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to allow a user to link multiple cloud instances (e.g., virtual machines) together such that an action on one (cloud) instance is triggered when a second instance's state changes thereby invoking a predefined set of rules. Specifically, instances can be linked to one another via a graphical user interface (GUI or the like), and associated with a set of rules. The set of rules indicates a behavior/reaction of one instance when an action is performed with respect to another instance linked thereto. These embodiments could be implemented external to or within a cloud operating environment.