Dependency Knowledgebase for IT Configuration Items
Solution Overview
Problem
Current IT computing environments face challenges in efficiently resolving issues due to a lack of knowledge about dependencies between configuration items, leading to time-intensive root cause analysis, which affects Service-Level Agreements (SLAs), Key Result Objectives (KRO), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically identifies and builds a knowledgebase of dependencies between configuration items by mapping actions, tracking activities, and forming dependency topologies, enabling automatic generation of visual representations to facilitate swift issue resolution with minimal manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual root cause analysis is performed by service engineers, then issues can be resolved with existing expertise, but the process becomes time-intensive and affects SLA/KRO/KPI performance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically discovering and storing dependency relationships between configuration items before issues occur. The dependency knowledge base is built in advance through automated discovery processes, so when an issue arises, the pre-established dependency information can be immediately utilized to accelerate root cause analysis and resolution.
2Measurement precision
If service engineers manually analyze large volumes of data and navigate through configuration items, then root cause can be identified using infrastructure knowledge, but the process requires extensive time and expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism - the automated dependency discovery engine and knowledge base - that mediates between the complex IT infrastructure and the service engineer. This intermediary automatically analyzes configuration items, discovers dependencies, and presents structured dependency information, eliminating the need for engineers to manually navigate through large volumes of data while maintaining high accuracy in root cause identification.
3Productivity
If dependency information is not available, then manual analysis must be performed for each issue, but this lacks efficiency and scalability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automated self-discovery of dependency relationships between configuration items. The dependency discovery engine automatically monitors and analyzes the IT infrastructure, autonomously building and updating the dependency knowledge base without requiring manual intervention. This self-organizing capability improves productivity while the automation actually reduces the operational complexity burden on the system.
4Loss of time
If a comprehensive dependency knowledge base is built, then issue resolution is accelerated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by implementing a living, evolving dependency knowledge base that automatically adapts to changes in the IT infrastructure. The dependency discovery engine continuously monitors configuration items and updates dependency relationships in real-time, ensuring the knowledge base remains current without manual intervention. This dynamic approach reduces time to resolve issues while the automated nature of the system keeps operational complexity manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for building a knowledgebase of dependencies between Configuration Items(CIs) associated with IT computing environment. In operation, the present invention provides for mapping a plurality of Configuration Items(CI) with respective one or more actions. The present invention further provides for tracking and capturing of one or more actions performed on one or more CIs in relation to resolving an activity related to a reported CI. Further, the present invention provides for identifying dependencies between one or more CIs and the reported CI based on the captured one or more actions. Furthermore, the present invention provides for building a knowledgebase of dependencies between CIs of the computing environment based on the identified dependencies between one or more CIs and the reported CI. Yet further, the present invention provides for generating visual representations of dependencies between CIs.