Dynamic Management Scenario Generation for Computer Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

The static nature of management scenarios in enterprise computer system landscapes limits flexibility and increases costs when new management programs or computer system entities are introduced, as navigation and maintenance require predefined correspondences between management programs.

Innovation Solution

Deploying management programs as embedded plug-ins with management descriptors that define relationships between programs and entities, allowing for dynamic scenario generation and navigation between management applications based on these descriptors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If static management scenarios with predefined correspondences between management programs are used, then system stability and structured navigation are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to new programs or entities deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructured navigationVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms static management scenarios into dynamic ones by introducing runtime scenario generation. Instead of fixed predefined correspondences, the system dynamically determines which management programs can administer which entities based on current system state and entity types. This allows the navigation structure to adapt automatically when new management programs or entities are introduced, resolving the contradiction between stability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of scenario correspondence from fixed static values to dynamic values determined at runtime. Management scenarios are no longer hardcoded but are generated based on entity types, program capabilities, and system configuration. This parameter change enables both structured navigation (through consistent generation rules) and adaptability (through flexible input parameters).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If static management scenarios with predefined correspondences are maintained, then consistent navigation paths are ensured, but maintenance costs and complexity increase when new programs or entities are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistent navigationVSAvoidmaintenance complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically generating management scenarios based on entity types and program capabilities. Instead of requiring manual updates to maintenance scenarios when new programs or entities are introduced, the system autonomously determines appropriate navigation paths using predefined rules and metadata about program functionalities. This eliminates manual maintenance complexity while preserving consistent navigation through systematic generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing generic templates and metadata descriptions of management program capabilities in advance. Rather than creating specific scenario correspondences for each new program or entity, the system prepares reusable templates that automatically generate appropriate navigation scenarios when instantiated with specific entity types. This preliminary preparation reduces maintenance complexity while ensuring reliable navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple management programs are deployed to provide comprehensive functionality, then system capabilities are improved, but navigation complexity and scenario management burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem capabilitiesVSAvoidnavigation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the dynamic scenario generation system - that mediates between multiple management programs and the user. Instead of requiring users to navigate complex relationships between numerous programs, the intermediary automatically generates appropriate navigation scenarios based on the selected entity type and program capabilities. This intermediary layer simplifies navigation complexity while preserving access to comprehensive system capabilities through multiple programs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8732708B2Dynamic generation of scenarios for managing computer system entities using management descriptors

Publication Date: 2014.05.20 SAP SE

AI summary

Systems and methods for dynamic generation of scenarios for managing computer system entities are described herein. A number of management programs are deployed in an administrator framework as embedded plug-ins. One or more management descriptors are provided for the plug-ins. The management descriptors include a number of relationships between the deployed programs and a number of computer system entities. The relationships indicate that the management applications can administer one or more aspects of the corresponding entities. A first management program is selected from the number of deployed management programs to administer a related computer system entity. One or more other management programs are dynamically identified and presented to the user as possible management scenarios. The identification of the other management programs is based on correspondence defined in the management descriptors to the aspects or the types of the computer system entity.