Computer System Compatibility Analysis for IT Consolidation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large organizations face challenges in managing distributed computing systems due to inefficiencies and redundancies, leading to underutilized servers, increased costs, and complexities in consolidating capacity while maintaining functionality and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining a consolidation solution by obtaining compatibility scores for pairs of computer systems, identifying candidate transfer sets, and selecting a desired consolidation solution using an analysis program that includes an audit engine, analysis engine, and client for evaluating compatibility and displaying results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If distributed computing systems are expanded to handle large amounts of data, then processing capacity increases, but system complexity and redundancy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distributed computing environment into individual computer system profiles, each characterized by specific attributes (hardware specifications, software configurations, workload types). This segmentation enables granular analysis of each system's compatibility and utilization, allowing organizations to systematically evaluate consolidation opportunities without being overwhelmed by overall system complexity.
2Power
If more servers are added to distributed systems, then processing capacity increases, but cost and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary compatibility analysis and consolidation identification before actual consolidation actions are taken. By pre-evaluating computer system profiles and identifying suitable consolidation targets using compatibility algorithms, organizations can plan consolidation strategies in advance, reducing the complexity and burden of actual consolidation execution and maintenance.
3Loss of energy
If server consolidation is pursued to reduce costs, then operating costs decrease, but system compatibility and functionality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where compatibility scores are calculated and used to guide consolidation decisions. The system continuously evaluates potential consolidations by comparing computer system profiles, calculating compatibility metrics, and providing feedback on which consolidations are likely to succeed while maintaining functionality. This feedback loop enables organizations to make informed decisions that balance cost reduction with functionality preservation.
4Loss of energy
If underutilized servers are eliminated to reduce redundancy, then cost savings increase, but system reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used to evaluate server value by introducing compatibility scores and utilization metrics. Instead of simply eliminating underutilized servers, the system evaluates them based on multiple parameters including hardware compatibility, software compatibility, workload characteristics, and potential consolidation targets. This parameter transformation enables more nuanced decisions that preserve reliability while achieving cost savings.
Data Source
AI summary
Compatibility and consolidation analyses can be performed on a collection of systems to evaluate the 1-to-1 compatibility of every source-target pair, evaluate the multi-dimensional compatibility of specific transfer sets, and to determine the best consolidation solution based on various constraints including the compatibility scores of the transfer sets. The analyses can be done together or be performed independently. These analyses are based on collected system data related to their technical configuration, business factors and workloads. Differential rule sets and workload compatibility algorithms are used to evaluate the compatibility of systems. The technical configuration, business and workload related compatibility results are combined to create an overall compatibility assessment. These results are visually represented using color coded scorecard maps.