Cloud Resource Tracking Module for Dynamic Subscription Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Independent software vendors (ISVs) face challenges in managing software subscriptions in cloud networks due to discrepancies between estimated and actual resource usage by end users, leading to disproportionate charging and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a resource tracking module within a cloud management system to monitor and adjust virtual machine resources based on actual usage, allowing for scalable subscription plans that align fees with actual usage patterns, thereby optimizing resource allocation and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud network resources are allocated based on estimated usage in original agreements, then ISVs can secure guaranteed resource availability, but they may be charged for resources not actually used or forced to pay on-demand rates for excess resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by continuously monitoring actual resource usage metrics (CPU, memory, storage, network) and automatically adjusting the subscription plan to match observed usage patterns. This replaces static estimated allocations with adaptive allocations that evolve based on real operational data, resolving the contradiction between guaranteed availability and cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where resource usage is continuously measured, compared against subscription plan limits, and used to trigger automatic plan modifications. This closed-loop control ensures that ISVs pay proportionally for actual usage while maintaining reliable resource access, as the system responds to usage feedback by adjusting allocations in real-time.
2Ease of manufacture
If subscription plans are based on estimated resource usage, then the agreement can be established in advance, but the actual usage may vary significantly leading to disproportionate charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary resource allocation based on initial usage estimates to enable immediate subscription establishment. However, it simultaneously implements continuous monitoring that progressively refines the allocation accuracy over time, allowing the agreement to start simply and become increasingly precise as more usage data accumulates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes subscription plan parameters (resource limits, pricing tiers) based on actual measured usage patterns. This transforms the rigid initial estimation into a flexible, data-driven allocation model where parameters are continuously optimized to reflect true usage, eliminating the disparity between estimated and actual consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If on-demand rates are charged for excess resources, then resource flexibility is provided, but ISVs incur higher costs for resources beyond the original subscription
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides resource flexibility through dynamic subscription plan adjustment rather than relying solely on expensive on-demand rates. As actual usage patterns emerge, the system adapts the subscription allocation to match needs, allowing ISVs to access necessary resources at subsidized subscription rates rather than premium on-demand pricing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-adjusting subscription plans that automatically scale resources based on monitored usage without requiring manual intervention or expensive on-demand purchases. The system serves itself by detecting usage patterns and autonomously modifying allocations, providing flexibility while controlling costs through intelligent automation rather than costly ad-hoc resource acquisition.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for managing a software subscription between an independent software vendor (ISV) and a cloud network provider. In embodiments, the software subscription can be a Software as a Service (SaaS) agreement whereby an amount of resources of the cloud network to be operated by end users can be specified. In embodiments, a resource tracking module associated with the cloud network can track the actual amount of resources operated by the end users in executing applications associated with the ISV. The resource tracking module can compare the actual amount to the amount specified in the SaaS, and adjust the resources of the cloud network accordingly. In embodiments, the SaaS can be updated based on the adjustment.