Dynamic License Balancing Across Server Pools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software license management systems face challenges in efficiently managing and balancing licenses across multiple servers, particularly in scenarios where one server fails, leading to potential system failures and inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically balances license allocations among multiple license servers by updating distribution tables based on actual or expected usage, allowing reassignment of allocations from a nonfunctional server to a functioning one and enabling network administrators to adjust initial distributions, add allocations, or add license codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single license server is used to manage software licenses, then the system is simple to operate, but the system reliability deteriorates when the server fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the license management system into multiple independent license servers instead of using a single centralized server. Each server can independently manage license allocations, and the system segments the license pool across multiple servers to eliminate single points of failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple license servers into a unified networked system where servers can share license allocations dynamically. The distribution tables enable merged view of license availability across all servers, allowing clients to access licenses from any server in the pool.
2Reliability
If multiple license servers are used to improve reliability, then the system reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each license server in the patent is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of independently managing the entire license portfolio. Any server can fulfill any license request, and all servers use the same distribution table format, eliminating the need for specialized server roles or complex configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying of distribution tables across all license servers to simplify complexity. Each server maintains an identical copy of the license allocation data, eliminating the need for complex inter-server communication protocols or centralized coordination mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If license allocations are statically assigned to license servers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases when usage patterns change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license allocation where the distribution tables can be automatically updated based on actual usage patterns. License allocations are not fixed but can be rebalanced in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing demand and optimize utilization without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor license usage across the server pool and automatically trigger rebalancing operations. When usage patterns change, the system receives feedback about allocation inefficiencies and dynamically adjusts distribution to optimize productivity.
4Ease of operation
If licenses are centralized on one server, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time increases when that server becomes nonfunctional
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares for server failures in advance by pre-configuring multiple standby license servers with identical distribution tables. When a primary server fails, clients can immediately switch to alternative servers without waiting for system reconfiguration or data synchronization, eliminating downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining redundant license server capacity and distributed allocation data. This cushioning ensures that when any server fails, the system can absorb the shock and continue operating seamlessly using remaining servers, preventing service interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for balancing a distribution of allocations for protected software over a communication network is disclosed. The system is comprised of at least one client computer and a pool of license servers coupled to the communication network. The client computers request authorizations to use the protected software, while a distribution of allocations is managed among the pool of servers for tracking and managing available allocations for using the protected software. One license server in the pool is designated as the current leader server. When a particular license server does not have a selectable minimum amount of available allocations, the current leader server re-assigns, where possible, the allocations within the pool by updating memory containing the distribution tables of license servers in the pool, to give at least one additional allocation to the particular license server.