Configuration Version Tree for Cloud Application Conflict Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cloud-based software applications lack effective version management and conflict resolution for configurations, leading to inefficiencies in testing and implementing changes across different user groups, particularly when multiple users simultaneously modify configurations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a configuration service that uses version control and merging techniques, storing configurations as nodes within a tree structure with version metadata, allowing for tracking and merging of configuration versions, and enabling automatic validation to resolve conflicts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple users simultaneously modify configurations without version control, then users can independently experiment with configurations, but conflicts arise and manual coordination is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration experimentationVSAvoidconflict management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates sandbox environments where users can experiment with configurations before applying them to production. This preliminary action allows configuration testing in isolation, preventing conflicts from occurring in the first place while maintaining independent experimentation capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration service acts as an intermediary between users and the cloud application configurations. It manages version control, tracks changes, and coordinates updates, eliminating the need for manual user coordination while enabling simultaneous configuration experimentation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual configuration tracking and communication are used, then users can coordinate changes, but time is lost in communication and manual replication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration coordinationVSAvoidmanual intervention time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration service provides self-service capabilities including automatic version tracking, change logging, and conflict detection. The system automatically manages configuration states and provides audit trails, eliminating the need for manual communication and coordination while ensuring reliable configuration management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that automatically notify users of configuration changes, conflicts, and validation results. This automated feedback loop replaces manual communication, reducing time loss while maintaining configuration coordination through real-time updates and status notifications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If configurations are tested in sandbox environments and manually replicated, then configuration validation is possible, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration validationVSAvoidconfiguration deployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration validation in sandbox environments automatically before deployment to production. Configuration syntax, semantics, and compatibility are validated in advance, ensuring manufacturing precision while the automated process maintains high productivity by eliminating manual validation steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual configuration replication with automated deployment mechanisms. The configuration service automatically applies validated configurations from sandbox to production environments, eliminating manual replication errors and significantly increasing deployment speed while maintaining validation precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If configuration changes are applied directly without version tracking, then implementation is fast, but reverting to previous versions is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration implementation speedVSAvoidconfiguration reversal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates copies of configuration versions in a version history database before applying changes. Each configuration state is preserved as a reproducible copy, enabling fast implementation through direct application while allowing easy reversal by restoring previous version copies, thus maintaining both productivity and ease of repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS11704114B2Data structures for managing configuration versions of cloud-based applications

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 AMPERITY INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for applying version control of configurations to a software application, such as, a cloud-based application. Each version may be stored as a plurality of configuration nodes within a configuration tree structure. Versions are tracked in a configuration version history. Different versions may be merged together and applied to the software application.