Deployment Wizard for Multi-Tier Virtual Appliance Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating multi-tier computer systems with many servers is complex due to varying IT security, network, and machine setup standards, leading to unpredictable results and input errors from pre-built software installers or virtual appliances that require extensive user input.
Innovation Solution
A system that collects deployment information using a deployment wizard to create a deployment configuration file, allowing for the automated configuration and deployment of virtual appliances, reducing user interaction and ensuring compatibility with specific environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-built software installers or virtual appliances are used for deployment, then deployment speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unpredictable results and input errors from extensive user input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment wizard automatically detects system configuration, network settings, and security parameters without requiring manual user input. The system self-configures virtual appliances by gathering deployment information through automated queries and system introspection, eliminating human error while maintaining fast deployment speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment wizard performs preliminary automated detection and configuration validation before actual deployment begins. System parameters, network topology, and security requirements are pre-assessed and stored in a deployment configuration file, ensuring reliability is established before the deployment process commences
2Adaptability or versatility
If extensive user input is required for deployment configuration, then adaptability to specific environments is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex user interaction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual user input mechanisms with automated electronic detection and configuration systems. The deployment wizard uses software-based system introspection, network scanning, and configuration file parsing to automatically adapt to specific IT environments, eliminating the need for complex manual user interaction while maintaining full environmental adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment wizard acts as an intermediary between the deployment system and the target environment. It automatically gathers system information, validates configuration parameters, and generates deployment configuration files without requiring direct user intervention, thereby simplifying operation while preserving adaptability through automated environmental assessment
3Ease of operation
If automated deployment tools are used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to ensure consistent configuration across diverse IT environments
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment wizard dynamically adjusts configuration parameters based on automated detection of the target environment's specific characteristics. It modifies deployment settings to match detected network topology, security requirements, and system capabilities, ensuring configuration consistency is maintained across diverse IT environments through adaptive parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where the deployment wizard continuously monitors deployment status, validates configuration consistency, and makes real-time adjustments to ensure proper configuration across all virtual appliances. Deployment information is collected and verified through automated feedback mechanisms, guaranteeing consistent operation across diverse environments
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for collecting deployment information from a user for a multi-tier computer system. The method includes the steps of receiving a deployment size of the multi-tier system from the user and identifying a set of virtual appliances by function based upon the deployment size received from the user. The method further includes the steps of prompting the user for a name for each identified virtual appliance, collecting network information of each virtual appliance based upon the name and generating a deployment configuration file for a mandatory virtual appliance of the set of virtual appliances.