Distributed Context Synchronization for Multi-Server Reservation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern travel reservation systems face challenges in synchronizing Passenger Name Record (PNR) data across different platforms and protocols during migration or operation, leading to consistency and resource overhead issues.
Innovation Solution
A distributed context synchronization mechanism that maintains a local context version on each server, using a shared context storage area to ensure the most up-to-date PNR data is used, with lazy synchronization only occurring when necessary, and employing a Distributed Context Correlator to manage context sharing across heterogeneous platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batch synchronization of PNRs is implemented across multi-server systems, then data consistency is improved, but resource overhead increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements event-driven synchronization that triggers periodically only when specific events occur (PNR updates, context changes). This avoids continuous batch synchronization while maintaining data consistency, reducing resource overhead by activating synchronization mechanisms only when necessary rather than on fixed schedules or continuously
Solution Approach 2:
Each server maintains its own local context version and autonomously determines whether synchronization is needed by comparing version identifiers. Servers self-manage their synchronization needs without requiring centralized batch coordination, reducing overall system resource overhead while ensuring data consistency through decentralized decision-making
2Adaptability or versatility
If progressive migration from legacy mainframe to open system is performed, then system adaptability is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shared context storage area that acts as an intermediary between legacy mainframe systems and open systems. This mediator layer handles protocol differences and data format conversions, allowing progressive migration while managing synchronization complexity through a standardized interface that abstracts the heterogeneity between different platforms
Solution Approach 2:
The shared context storage area serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores PNR data, maintains version identifiers, tracks last update timestamps, and provides a common interface for both mainframe and open systems. This multi-functional component reduces synchronization complexity by consolidating multiple synchronization tasks into a single universal mechanism that works across heterogeneous platforms
3Speed
If multiple servers maintain local context versions of PNR, then access speed is improved, but data consistency becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where each server continuously monitors the shared context storage area for version identifier changes. When a server detects that its local context version is outdated compared to the shared storage, it automatically retrieves the updated version. This feedback loop ensures data consistency is maintained across all servers without requiring continuous synchronization, preserving fast local access while ensuring reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
The method and system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows synchronizing the PNR values across a multi-server (possibly multi-platform) reservation system with an efficient and consistent mechanism. The mechanism addresses the consistency and performance issues thanks to its versioning and its lazy behaviour (the synchronization occurs only when required). It can be used as a solution during a migration phase from one system to another with progressive migration of applications sharing data, and also as a permanent solution for distributed applications across different platforms. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reservation services are distributed between two different platforms (e.g. mainframe and open platforms) they require sharing the same Passenger Name Record (PNR) contextual data in read and write mode to perform their business functionalities. The method and system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows the synchronization of data (e.g. PNR data) which are shared in read and write mode across different platforms and across protocols of communication (e.g. TPF mainframe and open systems) so that the systems can share the same up-to-date PNR context data