Distributed Application Discovery via Intermediary Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex network environments, managing distributed application components and identifying their topology is challenging due to variability in configuration and deployment, leading to issues with discovering non-running applications and understanding application relationships, which can result in resource waste and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for discovering distributed applications by obtaining information through detectors and probes, executing processing instructions to identify applications, and confirming identification based on responses, with the use of abstract models to represent application components and their relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional client/server or multi-tier network configurations are used to distribute applications, then service coverage and flexibility are improved, but the complexity of managing and discovering distributed application components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary discovery mechanism that acts as a mediator between distributed application components and management systems. This intermediary automatically discovers, identifies, and maps application components across the network, reducing the manual management complexity while maintaining the distributed architecture's service coverage benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of application component discovery from static configuration to dynamic detection by monitoring runtime parameters such as process states, port assignments, and component relationships. This allows the system to adapt to changing network configurations automatically, reducing management overhead.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive discovery of distributed application components is performed to understand application topology, then application identification accuracy is improved, but the time and resources required for discovery increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring discovery templates and detection rules for common application patterns. When discovery is initiated, these pre-prepared templates enable rapid identification of application components without requiring exhaustive analysis from scratch, thus maintaining high accuracy while reducing discovery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by performing discovery at appropriate granularities - not every component requires the same level of detailed analysis. The discovery mechanism adapts the depth of inspection based on the specific component type and context, achieving sufficient identification accuracy without unnecessary exhaustive analysis that would waste time.
3Reliability
If multiple detection methods are used to identify running and non-running applications, then discovery completeness is improved, but the complexity of the detection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct, modular phases: initial application identification, component discovery, relationship mapping, and state verification. Each phase uses specific detection methods appropriate to that stage, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive discovery through systematic progression through segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The discovery mechanism is designed with universal detection capabilities that can identify multiple types of applications and components using a unified approach. Rather than requiring separate specialized tools for each application type, the system employs multi-functional detection methods that adapt to different target objects, reducing detection process complexity while maintaining completeness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for discovering applications having components distributed over a plurality of nodes in a network is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of obtaining information associated with at least one application, said information providing first and second instructions, executing processing associated with the first instructions, determining a tentative identification of at least one application based on responses associated with the processing of the first instructions, executing processing associated with the second instructions based on each of the tentatively identified applications, and confirming an identification of at least one application based on responses associated with the processing of the second instructions. In one aspect of the invention, the method further comprises the step of storing the application identification and characteristics in a representation of the application.