Distributed Rules Processing via Coordination Proxies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing business process management (BPM) applications face challenges in deploying rules-processing systems in distributed environments, such as cloud computing, due to security concerns and inefficient utilization of computing and networking resources, leading to uneven usage of information technology resources and potential data exposure.
Innovation Solution
A distributed rules processing system is implemented, utilizing first and second digital data processors coupled by networks, with coordination modules (proxies) making available selected rules and transactional data for execution, while ensuring security through firewalls and network access control, allowing rules engines to process data across multiple processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If BPM applications are deployed in cloud environments with distributed servers, then resource utilization and system flexibility are improved, but security risks and data exposure concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the rules processing functionality by distributing rules bases and transactional databases across multiple digital data processors. Each processor handles specific rules and data locally, reducing the attack surface and enabling selective deployment in cloud environments while maintaining security through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Coordination modules act as intermediaries between digital data processors, managing communication and data access between distributed systems. These modules enable secure interaction between processors while maintaining controlled access to rules and transactional data, reducing direct exposure of sensitive information.
2Reliability
If rules and transactional data are stored centrally, then data security is improved, but system scalability and distributed processing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the central rules base and transactional database into distributed copies across multiple digital data processors. Each processor maintains local copies of relevant rules and data, enabling parallel processing while security is maintained through access control mechanisms and coordinated data management.
Solution Approach 2:
Digital data processors are designed as universal units that can store and process various types of rules and transactional data depending on deployment needs. This multi-functionality allows the same processor architecture to serve multiple purposes - local processing, data storage, and security functions - while maintaining scalability.
3Productivity
If cloud computing resources are dynamically allocated, then resource efficiency is improved, but network infrastructure complexity and security management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coordination modules enable digital data processors to autonomously manage their own resource allocation and communication needs. Processors can independently access rules and transactional data from appropriate sources without requiring complex centralized network management, reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining dynamic resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Coordination modules serve as intermediaries that simplify network communication between distributed processors. They handle the complexity of resource allocation, data access, and communication protocols, allowing the system to benefit from dynamic cloud resources without exposing users to underlying network infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides in some aspects a distributed rules processing system that includes a first and second digital data processors that are coupled to one another by one or more networks. A rules base and a transactional data base are each coupled to one of the digital data processors; both may be coupled to the same digital data processor or otherwise. One or more coordination modules (e.g., “proxies”), each of which is associated with a respective one of the digital data processors, makes available to a selected one of those digital data processors from the other of those digital data processors (i) one or more selected rules from the rules base, and/or (ii) one or more data from the transactional database on which those rules are to be executed. The selected digital data processor executes one or more of the selected rules as a rules engine, executes one or more of the selected rules using a rules engine, and/or processes one or more data from the transactional database with rules executing on a rules engine.