Host Build System Hardware Certification and Profile Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Business organizations face challenges in efficiently configuring and maintaining computer networks while minimizing costs, as existing methods are often inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for building and rebuilding host computer systems that involve discovering and certifying hardware components, downloading profiles with operating system, application, and configuration parameters, and executing runtimes to install and configure the host systems, utilizing a database-driven approach with user interfaces for system administrators to manage builds and certifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual configuration methods are used, then flexibility and customization are maintained, but configuration efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The build system performs self-service by automatically discovering hardware components, certifying them against a database of certified components, and configuring the system without manual intervention. The runtime automatically installs operating systems, applications, and configurations based on profiles stored in the database, eliminating the need for manual configuration while maintaining system integrity through automated certification checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-certifying hardware components and pre-defining system profiles in the database before actual system deployment. Hardware components are certified against the profile database in advance, and build profiles containing operating system images, application packages, and configuration parameters are prepared beforehand, enabling rapid automated deployment without manual intervention during the actual build process.
2Productivity
If automated build processes are implemented, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but reliability and control over certification standards may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by automatically comparing discovered hardware components against the profile database and providing feedback on certification status. The runtime receives feedback from the certification process and automatically adjusts the build process accordingly, ensuring that only certified components are used while maintaining automated high-speed deployment. The system continuously verifies that hardware meets certification standards before proceeding with installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile database serves as an intermediary between the automated build process and certification standards. Rather than hardcoding certification rules throughout the system, the database acts as a centralized mediator storing certified hardware profiles, operating system images, application packages, and configuration parameters. This intermediary layer ensures consistent application of certification standards while enabling flexible automated deployment across different hardware configurations.
3Reliability
If comprehensive hardware certification is performed, then system reliability and compatibility are improved, but time and complexity of the build process increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hardware certification by pre-populating the profile database with certified hardware components, operating system images, application packages, and configuration parameters before deployment. Hardware components are certified against the database in advance, and their compatibility is verified beforehand, enabling rapid automated deployment without time-consuming manual certification during the actual build process.
Solution Approach 2:
The build system implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting the certification process based on the specific hardware discovered during deployment. Rather than performing static comprehensive certification on all possible hardware configurations, the system dynamically discovers the actual hardware present, compares it against the profile database, and performs certification only for the relevant components, significantly reducing build time while maintaining reliability.
4Productivity
If manual system maintenance and updates are performed, then control and quality assurance are maintained, but operational efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service maintenance by automatically detecting hardware components, comparing them against the profile database, and applying updates or reconfigurations without manual intervention. The runtime automatically manages system maintenance tasks including operating system updates, application patches, and configuration changes based on profiles stored in the database, significantly improving maintenance efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of building a host computer system. The methods may comprise the steps of discovering hardware components present at the host and determining whether the hardware components are certified. The methods may also comprise the step of determining whether a build of the host is requested. According to various embodiments, a profile may also be downloaded to the host. The profile may comprise an indication of an operating system, an indication of an application, and an indication of a configuration parameter. The methods may also comprise the steps of installing the operating system to the host; installing the application to the host; and configuring the host according to the configuration parameter.