Directive Dispatcher for Agentless Multi-Platform Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configuration management systems face challenges in managing diverse computing devices and external systems across multiple platforms, particularly in mobile devices and third-party services, due to limitations in client-server designs and compatibility issues with changing IT management systems.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a directive dispatcher to issue abstract-device neutral directives, which are translated by platform-specific gateways into device-specific forms for execution, enabling unified configuration management across various platforms without requiring agents on devices, and collecting operational data in a device-neutral format for storage and subsequent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a client-server design with device-specific agents is used for configuration management, then management precision for specific device types is improved, but device complexity and system adaptability worsen due to the need for multiple platform-specific agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a translation service as an intermediary component that receives configuration management directives in a first protocol from a management system and translates them into a second protocol suitable for the target computing device. This mediator eliminates the need for multiple platform-specific agents by providing a universal translation layer between the management system and diverse device platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation service provides universal functionality by handling multiple protocol translations through a single unified service. Instead of requiring separate agents for each device platform, the translation service can translate between the management system's protocol and various device-specific protocols, making the configuration management system adaptable to multiple platforms without increasing device complexity.
2Extent of automation
If platform-specific management agents are installed on devices, then configuration management capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to installation restrictions and redundancy with existing device functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service acts as an external intermediary that communicates with the device through existing protocols and interfaces, eliminating the need to install management agents on the device itself. The service can be deployed on a server or cloud platform and translates management directives before sending them to the device through standard communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The management functionality is extracted from the device and relocated to an external translation service. Instead of embedding management agents within the device firmware or operating system, the patent externalizes the translation capability to a separate service that communicates with the device through standard interfaces, removing the installation burden from the device.
3Manufacturing precision
If the IT management system is upgraded to improve functionality, then management precision is improved, but reliability worsens due to compatibility issues with existing device agents
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service provides dynamic adaptability by being able to translate between the upgraded management system's protocol and various device protocols. When the management system is upgraded, the translation service can be updated independently to handle new protocols, while maintaining compatibility with existing devices through its translation capability, thus isolating devices from management system changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation service serves as a buffer between the IT management system and computing devices, absorbing protocol changes and compatibility issues. When the management system is upgraded, the translation service handles the protocol translation, preventing direct compatibility conflicts between the upgraded system and existing device agents.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple platform-specific agents are developed to manage diverse devices, then configuration management precision is improved, but device complexity and development cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The translation service provides a universal solution that handles multiple protocol translations through a single unified architecture. Instead of developing and maintaining separate management agents for each device platform, the patent implements a single translation service that can translate between the management system's protocol and various device-specific protocols, significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple platform-specific translation capabilities into a single unified translation service. Rather than having separate agents for different device types, the translation service combines multiple translation functions into one component, reducing development complexity and maintenance burden while maintaining precise configuration management across diverse platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for managing technology resources across multiple platforms. Embodiments of the invention can be used to manage the configuration of a plurality of different devices. A management server/service can utilize native management capabilities of different devices to provide configuration management without requiring agents to be installed on the devices. In general, the management server/service adapts to the unique characteristics and behaviors of different devices, platforms, and external systems to provide configuration management for the different devices, platforms, and external systems. As such, configuration management can be provided in a unified fashion across different platforms, both on-premise and off-premise, and indirectly. When client agents are present, the management server/service can adjust to compatibly operate with the client agents.