Cloud Resource Configuration Tool with Impact Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing systems lack efficient tools for configuring cloud-based network resources, often requiring manual intervention and lacking pre-impact assessments, which can lead to performance issues and disturbances during configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A configuration tool that uses Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and workflow representations to manage cloud resources, providing a state processor to identify changes and generate impact reports, allowing users to plan and execute configuration procedures with improved accuracy and minimal disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration procedures are used for cloud computing resources, then flexibility in customization is improved, but configuration time and potential for errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by generating a workflow representation and impact report before the actual configuration procedure is executed. The state processor analyzes the desired state configuration and compares it with the present state to identify required operations in advance, allowing users to review and approve the configuration plan before implementation, thus reducing configuration time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration tool implements self-service by automatically comparing configuration states, identifying required operations, and generating impact reports without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously determines the difference between present and desired states and prepares the configuration workflow, reducing both configuration time and potential for human error while preserving customization options.
2Productivity
If configuration changes are implemented without pre-assessment, then configuration speed is improved, but system stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by generating an impact report that assesses the consequences of configuration changes before they are applied. The state processor identifies operations required to transition from present to desired state and evaluates potential impacts on system stability, allowing administrators to make informed decisions before execution, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies feedback by providing an impact report that shows the anticipated effects of configuration changes. This feedback mechanism allows users to review the consequences of proposed changes, validate them against system stability requirements, and make adjustments if necessary before the changes are implemented, ensuring reliable configuration procedures.
3Measurement precision
If detailed impact assessments are generated before configuration, then configuration accuracy and reliability are improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the configuration assessment into distinct components: the state processor compares configuration states, the workflow representation structures the required operations, and the impact report presents the anticipated effects. This segmented approach provides detailed and accurate impact assessments without overwhelming system complexity, as each component handles a specific aspect of the analysis.
4Manufacturing precision
If automated configuration tools are implemented, then configuration precision and consistency are improved, but ease of operation for manual customization decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the configuration system adaptable to user needs. The workflow representation can be generated and reviewed before execution, allowing users to intervene and customize the configuration process if required. The system dynamically adjusts between automated precision and manual flexibility based on user interaction, maintaining both configuration consistency and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and systems are disclosed to provide a configuration tool that can be used to improve configuration of cloud-based network resources. In some implementations, data indicating (i) a present configuration state of a cloud computing resource, and (ii) a desired state configuration of the cloud computing resource is obtained. A determination is made that adjusting the cloud computing resource from the present state configuration to the desired state configuration includes executing one or more operations classified as likely involving user confirmation. A workflow representation is generated for configuring the cloud computing resource from the present state configuration to the desired state configuration. The workflow representation identifies a hierarchical arrangement of tasks to be performed. A user interface is provided for output to a computing device. The user interface enables a user to perceive the hierarchical arrangement of tasks to be performed in configuration of the cloud computing resource.