Cloud Reference Model Layering for IT Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computing adoption is hindered by legal, indemnity, and compliance issues, as well as technical challenges such as security, reliability, and performance, compounded by the complexity of cloud-based application architecture and varying vendor offerings.
Innovation Solution
A cloud transformation module transforms content for a compute platform, with a cloud control module provisioning virtual machine appliances and adding middleware, while a cloud virtualization module produces a virtualized representation, using a cloud reference model to decouple and abstract IT functionality into layers, enabling clearer evaluation and combination of per-layer solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-based application architecture is used with multiple vendor offerings, then functionality and capabilities are enhanced, but system complexity and difficulty of evaluation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cloud-based application architecture into multiple distinct layers (infrastructure layer, platform layer, application layer, etc.) to organize the complex system. Each layer can be independently evaluated and selected from different vendors, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining versatility. This layered segmentation allows enterprises to navigate vendor offerings more effectively by evaluating each layer separately rather than as a monolithic system.
2Reliability
If comprehensive cloud services are provisioned to meet security, reliability, and compliance requirements, then system robustness is improved, but implementation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary layers (such as platform layer and application layer) that mediate between the infrastructure layer and end-user requirements. These intermediaries abstract and manage security, reliability, and compliance concerns, allowing enterprises to achieve robust systems without directly managing the underlying complexity. The intermediary layers provide standardized interfaces and services that simplify implementation while maintaining high reliability and security standards.
3Measurement precision
If detailed evaluation of per-layer solutions is performed, then selection accuracy is improved, but time and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cloud architecture into distinct layers, the patent enables enterprises to evaluate each layer separately with focused criteria, improving selection accuracy without requiring exhaustive evaluation of the entire system at once. This segmented approach allows teams to allocate evaluation resources more efficiently across layers based on their specific requirements and risk profiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows enterprises to perform partial evaluation of layers based on their specific needs. Not all layers require the same level of detailed evaluation - enterprises can focus intensive evaluation on critical layers while using simpler assessment methods for less critical layers, thereby reducing overall evaluation time and resources while maintaining adequate selection accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device implemented method, in one embodiment, can include a cloud transformation module transforming content for a compute platform. Additionally, the method can include a cloud control module receiving the content from the cloud transformation module. The method can also include the cloud control module provisioning a virtual machine appliance to form the compute platform. Furthermore, the method can include a cloud instantiation module executing the provisioning of the cloud control module. In addition, the method can include a cloud appliance module adding middleware to a virtual machine to create the virtual machine appliance. Moreover, the method can include a cloud virtualization module producing a virtualized representation of the compute platform.