Automated Computer Configuration via IT Policy Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring a large number of computers manually is cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly, and existing software deployment tools offer limited automation capabilities, requiring specific skills and resulting in IT administration burdens.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for automated computer configuration using a configuration tool that accesses a plain text configuration file specifying settings according to an IT policy, determines compliance, selects settings, and automatically configures the computer with identified software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of computers is performed, then flexibility and customization are improved, but time consumption and administrative burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining configuration templates and policies that contain common software deployment settings and parameters. These templates are created in advance and can be automatically applied to multiple computers, eliminating the need to manually configure each system individually while maintaining the ability to customize when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by replicating standardized configuration settings across multiple computers. Configuration templates and policy definitions are copied and applied to target systems automatically, ensuring consistency while reducing the time required for deployment. The system allows copying of successful configurations to multiple machines simultaneously.
2Extent of automation
If existing software deployment tools are used, then automation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a configuration tool that sits between the administrator and the complex deployment infrastructure. This tool provides a simplified interface that translates high-level policy definitions into detailed deployment configurations, shielding administrators from technical complexity while maintaining automation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a configuration tool that can handle multiple deployment scenarios and software types through a single unified interface. The system provides multi-functional capabilities including template management, policy enforcement, and automated deployment, all accessible through one tool regardless of the specific configuration needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If proprietary configuration tools are used, then functionality is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to vendor lock-in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the configuration logic from vendor-specific implementation details. The system divides deployment functionality into modular components that can be independently configured and exchanged, allowing organizations to mix and match tools from different vendors while maintaining a consistent configuration management approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by defining configurations in terms of abstract parameters and policies rather than vendor-specific commands. This allows the same configuration logic to be applied across different software platforms and tools by simply changing the underlying implementation parameters, providing vendor independence without sacrificing deployment capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations described herein relate to methods, systems, and computer-readable media for automated computer configuration. In some implementations, a method includes providing a configuration tool on a computer. The method further includes determining compliance of the computer with an IT policy for access to one or more computer systems remote to the computer, and automatically configuring the computer, by execution of the configuration tool, with particular software that is identified based on particular settings.