Usage-Based Licensing in Hypervisor Virtual Execution Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current licensing models for virtualized environments, such as per-CPU or per-core licensing, are inadequate due to the dynamic nature of server virtualization, where end-users may execute multiple copies of middleware or applications exceeding physical resources, leading to over-licensing and inefficient resource usage.
Innovation Solution
A usage-based licensing system that aggregates resource usage statistics by hypervisor for each virtual machine image, reporting them to a management framework to ensure adequate licensing, allowing for dynamic allocation or shutdown of usage units, and enabling 'pay-as-you-go' models without modifying the middleware or guest OS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If per-CPU or per-core licensing is used, then licensing is simple and straightforward, but end-users must license more copies than they actually use, leading to over-licensing and wasted resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the licensing parameter from fixed (per-CPU/core) to dynamic (per-usage-unit). The system monitors actual resource consumption metrics such as CPU cycles, memory bandwidth, and I/O operations, and adjusts licensing charges based on these varying parameters. This allows end-users to pay only for what they actually consume rather than licensing excess capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the hypervisor continuously monitors resource usage by each virtual machine instance and reports back to the licensing management framework. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustment of licensing charges based on actual consumption patterns, preventing over-licensing while ensuring adequate coverage.
2Productivity
If multiple copies of middleware or application are executed in virtual environment, then resource utilization increases, but vendors require licensing for each copy which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic licensing that adapts to the virtualized environment's flexible resource allocation. Instead of static per-copy licensing, the system dynamically adjusts licensing based on actual resource consumption at any given time. This allows multiple copies to run efficiently while licensing charges fluctuate according to real usage patterns rather than maximum potential usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal licensing framework that works across multiple virtual machine instances and different resource types simultaneously. The hypervisor aggregates usage statistics from multiple copies of middleware or applications, and the licensing system treats them as a unified pool of resource consumption rather than separate licensed entities, enabling efficient multi-tenancy.
3Measurement precision
If usage statistics are aggregated and monitored continuously, then accurate licensing is achieved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the hypervisor as an intermediary layer between the physical resources and the licensing management framework. The hypervisor performs the complex task of aggregating usage statistics from multiple virtual machine instances and presenting consolidated data to the licensing system. This intermediary simplifies the overall architecture by centralizing measurement functions in the hypervisor rather than requiring complex instrumentation in each licensed application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service licensing where the hypervisor automatically monitors, aggregates, and reports usage statistics without requiring manual intervention or complex external monitoring systems. The licensing management framework receives ready-to-use aggregated data and automatically calculates appropriate charges, eliminating the need for manual tracking or complex external audit systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for usage-based application licensing in a hypervisor virtual execution environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system comprises one or more computers, each with a hypervisor operating thereon and forming a hypervisor environment, together with one or more virtual machine images executing within that hypervisor environment. Each hypervisor aggregates usage statistics by each image instance for physical resources, and reports the statistics to a management framework. The management framework uses the statistics to ensure the system is adequately licensed with usage units. An initial allocation of usage units is recorded in the image and accessed during execution by the hypervisor. As the usage units near expiration, the hypervisor can signal that a particular image is about to become unlicensed. The management framework can then either allocate more usage units, shut down the image, or audit the unlicensed usage for later compensation.