Dynamic Business Rule Configuration in Virtual Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual machine environments lack efficient mechanisms for dynamically updating and managing business rules at runtime, leading to challenges in configuration management and access control across multiple applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for dynamically configuring and managing business rules within a virtual machine environment, involving loading rules at startup, registering for runtime modifications, receiving notifications, and updating applications without restarting the virtual machine, while using a rules control mechanism to restrict access to specific rules based on the application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If business rules are loaded at virtual machine startup, then the initial configuration is established, but runtime modifications cannot be applied without restarting the virtual machine
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static rule loading at startup to dynamic rule loading at runtime. The virtual machine can load new business rules during operation without restarting, allowing the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining continuous operation and avoiding downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing business rules to be updated without interrupting the virtual machine's execution. Applications can register for notifications and receive updated rules dynamically, ensuring the useful action of application processing continues uninterrupted during rule modifications.
2Ease of operation
If all applications can access all business rules, then rule accessibility is maximized, but security and access control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements differentiated access rights where different applications can be granted access to different sets of business rules based on their specific needs. This allows maximum accessibility for authorized applications while maintaining security by restricting access to inappropriate rules for unauthorized applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments business rules into different accessible sets for different applications. Instead of a monolithic access model, the system divides rules into portions that can be selectively accessed by specific applications, enabling both broad accessibility where needed and targeted security where required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If applications restart to apply rule changes, then rule updates are applied, but service continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic rule updates without requiring application restarts. Applications can register for change notifications and automatically receive updated rules while continuing to execute, transforming the static restart-based update mechanism into a dynamic runtime update capability that preserves service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a notification mechanism where applications register to receive feedback when business rules change. This feedback loop allows applications to automatically receive and apply updated rules without restarting, maintaining continuous service operation while adapting to new requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are illustrated that relate to a dynamic configuration of rules (e.g., business rules, presentation rules, and the like) in a virtual machine environment. Moreover, the rules may be updated and used with an application that is running on a virtual machine without requiring the virtual machine to be stopped and started (i.e., restarted). Furthermore, aspects of the disclosure describe managing the visibility of dynamic rules to various applications running on the same virtual machine.