Data Center Programming Model Abstraction Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data center management systems incur significant overhead due to hardware changes, requiring service operators to revise applications and manage dedicated resources, leading to inflexible and costly arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A programming model abstraction layer that abstracts data center resources, allowing dynamic assignment of resources based on resource classes, which can be modified to account for changes in data center resources, thereby insulating application developers and service operators from resource management complexities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated servers are assigned to services, then service reliability is improved, but resource flexibility and management efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidresource flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments data center resources into virtualized units that can be dynamically allocated. Instead of dedicating entire physical servers to services, resources are divided into virtual machine instances that can be assigned and reassigned based on service needs, maintaining reliability through consistent resource availability while improving flexibility through dynamic allocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (virtualization platform and resource management system) between physical hardware and services. This intermediary abstracts the complexity of resource management, allowing services to access dedicated virtual resources without requiring physical server dedication, thus maintaining reliability while enabling flexible resource orchestration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If hardware resources are upgraded, then data center capability is improved, but application compatibility and service stability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata center capabilityVSAvoidservice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The virtualization layer acts as a buffer between hardware upgrades and running services. When hardware is upgraded or modified, the intermediary management system handles the transition by migrating virtual machine instances across different physical hosts, ensuring services continue to run stably without being directly impacted by underlying hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic resource allocation and live migration capabilities that allow virtual machine instances to be moved between physical servers without downtime. This dynamic approach enables hardware upgrades to proceed while services maintain stability, as the intermediary system continuously orchestrates resource allocation to match changing hardware configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If manual resource management is used, then resource allocation control is improved, but management overhead and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation controlVSAvoidmanagement overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service capabilities where the resource management system automatically performs allocation, monitoring, and optimization tasks without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts resource distribution based on service performance metrics and availability requirements, reducing operational complexity while maintaining effective control through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops that monitor resource utilization, service performance, and hardware status. This feedback mechanism enables the intermediary management layer to automatically adjust resource allocation in response to changing conditions, providing effective control through data-driven automation rather than manual management processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2318942B1Data center programming model
Publication Date: 2017.11.29 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP2318942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2318942B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2318942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An exemplary method includes hosting a service at a data center, the service relying on at least one software component developed according to a programming model and the data center comprising a corresponding programming model abstraction layer that abstracts resources of the data center; receiving a request for the service; and in response to the request, assigning at least some of the resources of the data center to the service to allow for fulfilling the request wherein the programming model abstraction layer performs the assigning based in part on reference to a resource class in the at least one software component, the resource class modifiable to account for changes in one or more resources of the data center. Various other devices, systems and methods are also described