Cloud Resource Licensing Using Configuration Item Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional licensing methods based on user or node counts are inadequate for complex cloud-based systems, failing to meet the needs of multi-tenant cloud services.
Innovation Solution
Implementing computer resource licensing that manages Configuration Items (CIs) such as memory, IP addresses, and virtual machine usage, allowing requests to be modified or split to align with predefined licenses, and merging requests based on priority and availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional user-based licensing is used, then licensing is simple to implement, but it does not meet the needs of complex cloud-based systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the licensing parameter from user-based to Configuration Item (CI) based. Instead of counting users or nodes, the system now licenses based on the number and type of CIs (such as memory, IP addresses, virtual machines) that can be changed over a time period. This parameter change enables the licensing model to adapt to complex cloud-based systems while maintaining a manageable licensing structure.
2Reliability
If requests are strictly enforced against license limits, then license compliance is maintained, but service quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic request modification and splitting mechanisms. When a request would exceed license limits, the system dynamically modifies the request by splitting it into multiple smaller requests that comply with license terms. This dynamic approach maintains license compliance while ensuring service quality is preserved through automated request adjustment rather than rigid rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments large configuration requests into smaller sub-requests when the original request would exceed license limits. By dividing a single large CI change request into multiple smaller requests that individually comply with licensing terms, the system maintains license compliance while still delivering the complete service to the tenant.
3Reliability
If requests are modified or split to meet license requirements, then license compliance is achieved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation of requests against license limits before full processing. By checking whether a request complies with license terms in advance and pre-modifying or splitting requests that would violate limits, the system avoids rework and reduces overall processing time. This preliminary action ensures license compliance is built into the request handling process from the start.
Data Source
AI summary
A request is received from a tenant. For example, the tenant may be a tenant of a multi-tenant cloud service. The request comprises a one or more Configuration Items (CIs). A CI is used to change data on a computer system or network. A computer resource license associated with the tenant is identified. A determination is made to identify if the request meets the computer resource license. In response to the request meeting the computer resource license, the one or more configuration items are implemented according to the computer resource license. In response to the request not meeting the computer resource license, the request is modified. For example, the request may be split into a plurality of requests.