Hypervisor Optimizer Controller for Application Performance Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computer system optimization techniques, such as those employed by hypervisors, can negatively impact the operation of software applications, particularly big data applications, by applying optimization features that inadvertently cause performance issues.

Innovation Solution

An optimizer controller is introduced to monitor applications and application performance, dynamically controlling specific optimization features within a hypervisor optimizer using optimization rules that can be updated based on observed performance trends, thereby preventing negative impacts on application operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the hypervisor optimizer applies optimization features to improve server performance, then server resource utilization is improved, but application operation reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver resource utilizationVSAvoidapplication operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optimizer controller implements a feedback mechanism by monitoring application performance metrics and using this information to dynamically control the optimizer. The controller receives performance data from applications, evaluates whether optimization is having a negative impact, and adjusts optimizer activation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to maintain high resource utilization while automatically preventing reliability degradation when optimization adversely affects applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static optimization approach to a dynamic one by enabling the optimizer controller to adjust optimization settings in real-time based on application performance. The controller can dynamically enable or disable specific optimization features for specific applications based on observed performance trends, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and resolve the contradiction between improving server performance and maintaining application reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the optimizer applies aggressive optimization techniques to enhance server performance, then processing speed is improved, but application performance stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidapplication performance stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The optimizer controller applies local quality by enabling optimization features selectively for specific applications rather than universally. The controller evaluates each application's performance characteristics and applies optimization only where it benefits performance without causing instability. This selective approach allows aggressive optimization techniques to be used where safe, while maintaining stability for applications that are sensitive to optimization, thus resolving the contradiction between processing speed and performance stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system resolves the contradiction by dynamically changing optimization parameters based on application performance monitoring. The controller adjusts optimization intensity, enables or disables specific optimization techniques, and modifies optimization settings in response to observed performance trends. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain high processing speeds while preventing performance instability by adapting optimization levels to each application's needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the optimizer is activated for all applications to maximize resource efficiency, then overall system efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of application-specific control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverall system efficiencyVSAvoidapplication-specific optimization control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optimizer controller implements self-service by automatically monitoring application performance and making intelligent decisions about optimization activation without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously evaluates performance metrics, determines which applications would benefit from optimization, and configures optimization settings automatically. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high overall system efficiency through selective optimization while eliminating the operational complexity that would arise from manual application-specific control configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10671417B2Server optimization control

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

An optimizer controller controls a hypervisor optimizer to regulate operation of the optimizer to insure the optimizer does not negatively impact operation of software applications. The optimizer controller monitors applications and application performance to determine whether to turn on or off specific optimization features for specific applications. The optimizer may also notify a user of potential problems. The optimizer controller may utilize optimization rules for specific applications that set the conditions for controlling the optimizer. The rules may be dynamically changed based on observed performance and trends of the applications.