Configurable Connector for Virtualization External Service Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of external services in virtualization environments often requires modifications to virtualization environment elements, such as virtual machines and hypervisors, due to the need to adhere to specific APIs, protocols, and data formats, making it cumbersome to switch or utilize different external providers.
Innovation Solution
A configurable connector, such as a virtual interface or code modules, is introduced to facilitate interaction with external services, allowing consumers to use external services without modifying their internal operations, by communicating with the external service provider and configuring the connector accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization environment elements are modified to adhere to specific APIs and protocols of external services, then compatibility with external services is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the virtualization environment and external services. The connector handles API-specific configurations, protocols, and data formats, allowing virtualization elements to interact with external services without direct modification. The connector translates and adapts communications, shielding the virtualization environment from external service specificities while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct components: the virtualization environment, the connector, and the external services. The connector is further segmented into configurable elements that can be independently adjusted for different external services. This segmentation allows modifications to be isolated in the connector rather than propagated to core virtualization elements, reducing overall system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtualization environment elements are modified to integrate external services, then functionality is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connector serves as a mediator that abstracts external service specificities from the virtualization environment. When switching external providers, only the connector's configuration needs to be updated, not the core virtualization elements. This maintains ease of operation while enabling functionality expansion through different external services.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, allowing its parameters, APIs, and protocols to be adjusted based on the external service being used. This dynamic configuration capability enables easy switching between external providers without permanent modifications to the virtualization environment, maintaining both functionality and operational ease.
3Reliability
If specific APIs and protocols are implemented for external service integration, then reliability of service integration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates automated configuration capabilities that reduce manual setup of APIs and protocols. The system can automatically detect external service requirements and configure appropriate connection parameters, minimizing the complexity burden on operators while maintaining reliable service integration through proper API implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple APIs and protocols through a unified interface. Rather than requiring separate integration mechanisms for each external service, the connector provides multi-functional support that simplifies configuration while ensuring reliable integration across different service providers through standardized handling of diverse protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus identifies a connector configuration event. Responsive to the connector configuration event, the apparatus sends an external service information request. The apparatus receives an external service reply to the external service information request. The apparatus performs connector configuration, wherein the connector configuration employs information included in the external service reply, and wherein the performing connector configuration yields a connector employable in consumer external service access.