Dynamic Software License Broker for Demand-Driven Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software licensing models are inefficient due to overprovisioning for peak capacity, leading to underutilization and excessive costs, as they do not account for varying user demand and lack effective license allocation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a license broker to automatically provision software servers based on user demand, ensuring only needed software is made available on a just-in-time basis, utilizing a license broker to manage and allocate licenses dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software licenses are provisioned for peak capacity, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases due to underutilization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license provisioning where licenses are allocated based on actual user demand rather than fixed peak capacity. The system continuously monitors usage patterns and adjusts license allocation in real-time, transitioning from static overprovisioning to dynamic demand-driven allocation that matches actual consumption with available resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of license allocation from time-based (continuous availability) to demand-based (on-demand allocation). By monitoring usage metrics and changing allocation parameters dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between reliability and cost, provisioning licenses only when and where needed rather than maintaining constant capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If licenses are shared without user discrimination, then license quantity is reduced, but allocation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating license allocation based on user characteristics, usage patterns, and organizational context. Instead of uniform treatment, the system assigns licenses selectively to users or groups with demonstrated demand, optimizing both the number of licenses needed and the efficiency of their allocation through targeted, context-aware provisioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that monitor actual software usage and feed this information back into the license allocation process. Usage data is continuously analyzed to adjust future license assignments, creating a closed-loop system that improves allocation efficiency over time by learning from actual consumption patterns and adapting provisioning strategies accordingly.
3Ease of operation
If continuous license availability is assumed, then ease of operation is improved, but cost increases due to unnecessary licenses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively monitoring usage patterns and predicting future license needs before demand occurs. The system analyzes historical data and usage trends to anticipate when licenses will be needed, allowing for timely provisioning that maintains availability while avoiding unnecessary licenses during low-demand periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic review and adjustment of license allocations based on recurring usage patterns. Rather than continuous static allocation, the system performs periodic assessments of usage data and adjusts license provisioning accordingly, maintaining availability during high-demand periods while reducing allocation during low-demand periods through rhythmic, pattern-based adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system for managing and deploying a plurality of software with a plurality of associated licenses in the computer system. Software allocation workflow requests are obtained from a requester for a target server referencing specific software and then redirected to a license broker. The license broker determines availability of the plurality of associated licenses referenced in the request and provisions the target server with said plurality of software. The requester of software allocation is then notified of the results. The workflow need not be concerned with monitoring resource status and providing requester feedback. Provisioning is handled on a just-in-time basis by the license broker as requested by the workflow making necessary licenses available (and software) only on as needed basis.