Deployment Testing System for Infrastructure Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large organizations face challenges in deploying and managing complex data center infrastructure, including initial deployment, upgrades, and ongoing verification of hundreds or thousands of servers, which requires efficient deployment testing and verification tools to ensure system configuration and service availability.
Innovation Solution
A deployment testing system that includes a test loader, database of test objects, test executor, and test reporter to verify hardware configuration, network connections, file and application presence, and services across multiple computer systems, enabling flexible tools for initial deployment and ongoing upgrades, and enhancing system delivery automation and service ownership.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deployment testing is performed manually or with basic tools, then deployment verification can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone when managing hundreds or thousands of servers
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-verification of deployment configurations through programmable test objects that automatically check hardware configuration, network connections, file presence, and service status without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between verification accuracy and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms deployment verification from manual parameter checking to automated parameter validation by defining test objects with specific configuration parameters and expected values, allowing efficient verification across hundreds or thousands of servers while maintaining accuracy
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive deployment testing is implemented across all systems, then configuration accuracy is improved, but system complexity and test management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is segmented into independent test objects, each representing a specific configuration aspect (hardware, network, files, services). This segmentation allows comprehensive testing while managing complexity through modular, reusable test components that can be independently developed and maintained
Solution Approach 2:
Test objects are designed as universal, reusable components that can be applied across multiple systems and deployment scenarios. A single test object can verify the same configuration parameter across hundreds of servers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Productivity
If deployment testing tools are highly automated, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different deployment scenarios and upgrade types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is designed as a dynamic, configurable framework where test objects can be programmatically defined and modified to match different deployment scenarios. Service owners can create custom test objects for specific upgrade types (initial deployment, version upgrades, hardware changes) while maintaining automated execution, thus achieving both high productivity and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed deployment testing system includes a test loader that loads and parses test objects and the antecedent test objects on which the selected test object depends, to prepare a test sequence. A database of test objects apply to one or more SUT and specify aspects of deployed SUT configuration that include hardware configuration, active connection of the SUT to other network devices, configuration of the actively connected network devices to accept access by the SUT, presence of files and applications in storage, and services running on the SUT; identify dependencies on antecedent test objects; specify test object features that extend object features found in the antecedent test objects; and override test parameter values in the antecedent test objects. A test executor obtains administrative credentials for accessing and testing a SUT and uses the test and antecedent test objects to verify the SUT; and a test reporter publishes tester results.