Cloud Manager Automates VHD Deployment for Server Farms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the deployment and operation of large-scale web-based services across multiple servers is a time-consuming process prone to human error, requiring significant operational staff and resources.
Innovation Solution
A cloud manager system that automates the deployment and management of virtual hard disks (VHDs) across networks, creating deployment-ready VHDs for virtual machines (VMs) in both test and production environments, and provisions machines with these VHDs, minimizing downtime during upgrades by replacing VMs with new configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual deployment and management of servers is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption increases and human error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual hard disk images (VHDs) that can be copied and deployed across multiple servers. The build system creates a master VHD image that serves as a template, allowing rapid cloning and deployment of identical server configurations without manual intervention, thus resolving the contradiction between deployment speed and automation level
Solution Approach 2:
The build system performs preliminary actions by pre-building and testing VHD images before actual deployment. Configuration files and deployment manifests are prepared in advance, allowing the deployment process to proceed automatically and rapidly without manual configuration during deployment, thereby increasing productivity while reducing manual operation
2Productivity
If manual server management is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operational costs and staff requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system enables self-service through automated provisioning. The cloud manager automatically provisions servers by deploying pre-built VHD images to physical hosts, and the build system automatically creates and tests new VHD configurations. This eliminates the need for manual server management operations, thereby increasing operational efficiency while reducing the quantity of operational staff required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated software-based systems. The build system uses automated scripting and configuration management to create, test, and deploy VHD images, substituting manual server configuration tasks with automated software processes, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing staff requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual testing and deployment is used, then adaptability to different configurations is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains adaptability by allowing parameter changes in configuration files and deployment manifests that define different server configurations. The build system can modify VHD parameters such as storage capacity, processor allocation, and software configurations without requiring retesting of the entire deployment process, thus maintaining configuration flexibility while reducing deployment time through parameter-based adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple configuration variants of VHD images are prepared and tested in advance during the build process. Deployment manifests pre-specify the exact configuration parameters for different server roles, allowing rapid deployment without time-consuming on-site configuration or testing, thereby maintaining adaptability to different configurations while minimizing deployment time
4Reliability
If traditional server upgrades are performed, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The build system creates new VHD images with updated software and configurations in advance, fully testing them before deployment. During upgrades, the system can deploy new VHD images to standby servers and switch traffic over without interrupting service, as the upgraded systems are ready beforehand. This preliminary preparation eliminates upgrade downtime while maintaining service continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining a pool of pre-upgraded VHD images that can be instantly deployed if needed. The build system prepares backup VHD images with updated configurations, allowing seamless failover or upgrade without service interruption. This cushioning approach ensures reliability during upgrades by having prepared alternatives ready before any failure or downtime occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A cloud manager controls the deployment and management of machines for an online service. A build system creates deployment-ready virtual hard disks (VHDs) that are installed on machines that are spread across one or more networks in farms that each may include different configurations. The build system is configured to build VHDs of differing configurations that depend on a role of the virtual machine (VM) for which the VHD will be used. The build system uses the VHDs to create virtual machines (VMs) in both test and production environments for the online service. The cloud manager system automatically provisions machines with the created virtual hard disks (VHDs). Identical VHDs can be installed directly on the machines that have already been tested.