Host Repurposing via Configuration Overlay Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repurposing of datacenter hosts requires disruptive full system resets to adjust BIOS configuration settings, which is inefficient and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A non-disruptive host repurposing method using host repurposing packages and a host repurposing service that allows for the installation and uninstallation of configuration overlays, enabling modular interchange of infrastructure and workload deployments without full system resets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If full system reset is performed to adjust BIOS configuration settings, then the host can be repurposed for different deployments, but the system operation is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the BIOS configuration into modular components by introducing configuration profiles that can be independently loaded and applied. Instead of resetting the entire system, only specific configuration segments are modified through package installation, allowing selective adaptation without full system disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-configuring BIOS settings into reusable configuration profiles stored as packages. These profiles are prepared in advance and can be quickly installed when repurposing is needed, eliminating the time-consuming process of manual reconfiguration and avoiding system resets.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full system reset is performed to change BIOS configuration, then the configuration can be adjusted for new deployments, but the complexity of the repurposing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating configuration profiles that are replicated packages containing BIOS settings. Instead of manually reconfiguring the system, the desired configuration is copied from a pre-prepared profile package and applied automatically, simplifying the repurposing process while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying specific BIOS configuration parameters through package installation rather than resetting the entire system. The configuration profiles contain specific parameter settings that can be selectively applied, allowing flexible adaptation with reduced process complexity.
3Productivity
If configuration overlays are installed to repurpose hosts, then repurposing becomes efficient and reset-free, but the system requires a modular package management mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration management into independent packages that can be installed and removed without affecting the entire system. This modular approach enables efficient repurposing through simple package operations while managing complexity through structured organization of configuration elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal package management system that can handle multiple configuration scenarios through a common interface. The overlay package mechanism provides multi-functional capability to support various repurposing needs while maintaining a consistent, simplified operation model that improves productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for non-disruptive host repurposing. Specifically, the method and system disclosed herein entail the re-optimization of datacenter hosts (e.g., servers) for any infrastructure and/or workload deployment. Different infrastructure and/or workload deployments may require the tuning of various memory parameters (or attributes) in the basic input-output system (BIOS) configuration. Presently, the repurposing of any given host demands the full reset of the system configuration—i.e., a disruptive process—prior to implementing the necessary BIOS configuration changes. In contrast, the method and system disclosed herein facilitate the repurposing of a host through the installation and/or uninstallation of configuration overlays—a modular approach to interchanging infrastructure and/or workload deployments—without the disruption of full system resets.