Email-Based Virtual Machine Management Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing virtualized data centers from remote devices is challenging due to the need for compatibility with various hardware and software platforms, which complicates the implementation and maintenance of management terminal software applications.
Innovation Solution
A cross-platform technique using a rich email client UI that generates a first region for displaying messages from a management server and a second region for sending commands to the server in response to user input, allowing remote management of virtual machines across different platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a management terminal software application is developed to support multiple hardware and software platforms, then remote management capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an email server as an intermediary component that receives management commands from remote devices and forwards them to the virtualization management system. This mediator approach allows the system to communicate with diverse email clients (Outlook, Gmail, mobile email apps) without requiring platform-specific management software, thereby resolving the contradiction between platform compatibility and software complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal email-based interface that can be accessed from any device with an email client. The management terminal functionality is made universal by leveraging the widespread adoption of email clients across all platforms (desktop, mobile, web), eliminating the need to develop and maintain separate applications for each platform
2Ease of operation
If platform-specific management terminal software is used, then functionality is complete, but ease of operation across different devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The email server acts as a universal intermediary that translates between the virtualization management system's command format and various email client formats. This allows administrators to operate the management system from any device with an email client, improving ease of operation without sacrificing platform support
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the self-service capability of existing email clients, which are already installed and configured on user devices. Administrators use their familiar email clients to send management commands, eliminating the need to learn or adapt to new platform-specific interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for remotely managing virtual machines employs a user interface (UI) of a rich e-mail client that is configured to interpret metadata included in a communication received from a management server for the virtual machines and, in response, generate one or more UI elements. The UI includes a first region that displays a message from the management server and a second region that displays the one or more UI elements for causing a command to be generated and sent to the management server in response to a predetermined input made thereon.