Context-Based Alert Management for CMDB Rule Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuration management databases (CMDBs) face challenges in managing increasing amounts of data, including alerts, which require complex and automated responses, but existing systems lack intuitive and flexible tools for users to create and visualize alert rules effectively.
Innovation Solution
A context-based alert management system that allows users to create and implement customized alert rules, with access to all alert context during execution, enabling intuitive, flexible, and structured alert management through a user-friendly interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If users need to manage increasing amounts of alert data in CMDBs, then the system's data processing capability is improved, but the complexity of creating and visualizing alert rules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alert rule creation interface is segmented into multiple tabs (filter tab, condition tab, action tab) that allow users to configure different aspects of alert rules separately. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by presenting information in manageable sections rather than overwhelming users with all options simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a visual timeline dimension for configuring alert rules, allowing users to specify time-based conditions and actions along a temporal axis. This additional dimensional approach to rule creation simplifies complex temporal logic by providing an intuitive visual interface instead of requiring complex logical expressions.
2Extent of automation
If users need to create complex automated responses to alerts, then the automation capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service capabilities through pre-configured alert rules and templates that automatically handle common alert scenarios. Users can select from predefined rule patterns that automatically configure complex response logic, eliminating the need for users to manually design sophisticated automation workflows from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing pre-configured alert rules and templates that contain commonly needed automation logic already designed and tested. Users can directly apply these pre-prepared rules to their alerts, obtaining complex automation capabilities without having to perform the complex configuration work themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system provides access to all alert context during rule execution, then the flexibility of alert management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alert context data structure is designed as a universal, standardized format that provides all necessary alert information (alert properties, associated CIs, event details, etc.) in a consistent manner across different rule types and scenarios. This universal interface allows flexible rule creation without requiring separate handling mechanisms for different data access needs.
Data Source
AI summary
An alert management system for a configuration management database (CMDB) platform includes a client instance configured to: apply a first filter of an alert rule to CMDB alerts to select a first alert based on context of the first alert and apply a second filter of the alert rule to the CMDB alerts to select a second alert based on context of the second alert, wherein the context of the first and second alerts includes details regarding the first and second alerts and associated configuration items (CIs). The client instance is also configured to: evaluate at least one condition of the alert rule using the context of the first and/or second alert; and in response to evaluating the at least one condition of the alert rule to be true, performing at least one action of the alert rule using the context of the first and/or second alert.