On-Demand Executable Files for Storage Management Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing approach to managing upgrades in storage management systems is inefficient, as it involves deploying service packs to thousands of components, burdening network traffic, consuming substantial bandwidth, and causing significant downtime, while also occupying large storage space and prolonging the upgrade process.
Innovation Solution
Hosting executable files, such as service packs, on a central server and serving them on demand to client computing devices, eliminating the need for local storage and reducing the load on the network by using lightweight messages, allowing components to refresh their connections quickly and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If service packs are deployed to each individual component, then components can be upgraded, but network traffic is burdened and bandwidth is consumed substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple service pack files are merged into a single executable file that contains embedded instructions. When this single file is transferred to a component, it automatically extracts and distributes the necessary service pack files to the appropriate locations, thereby reducing network traffic from transferring multiple large files to transferring one smaller file.
Solution Approach 2:
The executable file acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between centralized service pack storage and distributed component deployment. It contains embedded instructions that guide the automated extraction and installation process, eliminating the need for manual intervention and reducing network burden by consolidating the deployment mechanism.
2Ease of manufacture
If service packs are stored locally on each endpoint, then components can execute upgrades, but substantial storage space is used
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of storing complete service pack files locally on each endpoint, the system uses a single executable file containing embedded instructions that copies only the necessary portions of service pack data to temporary locations during the upgrade process. This eliminates the need for persistent local storage of large service pack files.
Solution Approach 2:
The executable file changes its state by embedding compressed or encoded service pack data within its structure. This allows the service pack information to be stored in a compact form that requires minimal local storage space while still containing all necessary upgrade information when executed.
3Reliability
If service packs are deployed to thousands of components, then system upgrades are achieved, but the upgrade process becomes lengthy
Solution Approach 1:
The executable file is pre-configured with embedded instructions that contain all necessary information about target components, extraction locations, and installation procedures. This preliminary preparation allows the upgrade process to begin immediately upon file transfer without requiring subsequent manual configuration or multiple sequential operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The executable file is self-contained and automatically performs the entire upgrade process including extraction, file distribution, and installation without requiring manual intervention. When executed, it autonomously carries out all upgrade steps, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual deployment methods.
4Reliability
If service packs are deployed to each component, then components can be upgraded, but downtime in targeted components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The executable file enables rapid extraction and installation of service pack files by skipping intermediate manual steps. It directly extracts files to the correct locations and initiates installation immediately, minimizing the time the component remains non-operational during the upgrade process.
Solution Approach 2:
The upgrade process maintains continuity by using the executable file to automatically manage the entire installation sequence without interruptions. The embedded instructions ensure that files are extracted and installed in the correct order without breaking the upgrade workflow, reducing total downtime compared to manual methods that may require pauses or verification steps.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for speedily upgrading (e.g., via service packs) components of a storage management system, such as media agents and data agents, which may number in the thousands. The disclosed methods and systems provide a lightweight and flexible approach. Executable files such as service packs are deployed to a network-shared file system and are served on demand to each targeted host computing device to launch a data agent and/or media agent component. New service packs (e.g., upgrades) are installed on another shared drive and the connection thereto is refreshed by each targeted storage management component to begin executing the new version on demand. The resultant overall upgrade process across the storage management system may be substantially shortened, and the network burden greatly reduced.