Hybrid Feature Server Cloud Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small and medium-sized businesses face high costs for communication system features due to expensive feature servers and difficulties in determining needed features, leading to unused subscriptions and server failures.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid computing model that splits features between an enterprise server and cloud computing, allowing on-demand activation through a portal that instantiates virtual machines for feature execution, eliminating the need for expensive equipment and subscriptions, and ensuring data privacy with encryption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feature server is purchased to activate communication features, then the features can be used, but the cost becomes extremely expensive for small and medium size companies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feature server that acts as an intermediary between the enterprise communication system and the features. This feature server can be remotely located and accessed via network, eliminating the need for companies to purchase expensive on-premises equipment while still providing reliable feature activation and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the feature server environment through virtualization technology. Instead of requiring physical hardware ownership, companies can access feature capabilities through virtual instances that are replicated and delivered over the network, significantly reducing costs while maintaining functionality.
2Quantity of substance
If remote servers are used for feature activation, then the cost is reduced, but enterprises have difficulty determining what features are needed leading to unused subscriptions
Solution Approach 1:
The feature server includes monitoring and analytics capabilities that provide feedback to enterprises about feature usage patterns, performance metrics, and optimization opportunities. This enables data-driven decision-making for feature selection and subscription management, ensuring companies pay for features they actually use and need.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capabilities that allow enterprises to automatically discover, select, and activate features based on their own requirements without extensive vendor consultation. The feature server presents available features with clear descriptions and usage scenarios, enabling businesses to make informed decisions independently.
3Quantity of substance
If remote servers are used for features, then subscription costs are reduced, but the servers often fail leaving the enterprise with no ability to use the features
Solution Approach 1:
The feature server implementation includes built-in redundancy, failover mechanisms, and disaster recovery capabilities that cushion against server failures. Multiple instance deployments and automated backup systems ensure that if one server fails, another can take over, maintaining continuous feature availability for enterprises.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as server allocation, resource distribution, and failover thresholds based on real-time conditions. This adaptive approach optimizes reliability while managing costs, ensuring high availability during critical periods and cost-effective operation during normal conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a cost-effective, on-demand service activation feature that allows businesses to use communication features like call logging, conferencing, and analytics without the need for expensive equipment or subscriptions, while ensuring data privacy through encryption.
Implementation Method 1
an encryption module (206) operable to encrypt data stored in the cloud database (226) and decrypt data for secure transmission to the enterprise server (102)
Data Source
AI summary
A feature activation system provides a mixed computing environment that includes a server and cloud computing. The hybrid model splits the execution of a communication feature between the cloud and the enterprise server installed at or with the enterprise. Service activation is linked to a portal that can communicate with either an intermediary system or directly with an entity executing computer programs in the cloud. When the customer desires to use a feature, the customer accesses the portal and activates the feature the enterprise desires. In the background, the portal instantiates a virtual machine, on any cloud platform, and then installs the feature with virtual machine on that cloud server. To execute feature, the enterprise server and the virtual machine exchange information between the server and the cloud and allow the feature to access the enterprise server or enterprise data. When the user has completed feature execution, the instance of the feature may be stopped and discarded and any data may be saved either at the enterprise or within the cloud.