Automated Identifier Management System for Cloud Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IT systems, such as cloud computing, face inefficiencies in managing identifiers like license keys and IP addresses, as their lifecycle (creation, deletion, allocation, and re-use) is not automated, leading to human intervention-dependent provisioning that is error-prone and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
An automated identifier management system that tracks and manages the lifecycle of identifiers, integrating with workflow systems to provide automated provisioning, ensuring unique identifiers and reducing human error through an identifier database and reservation manager.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking of identifiers by system engineers is used, then identifier allocation can be monitored, but provisioning is time-consuming and error-prone due to human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier management system performs self-service by automatically tracking identifier allocation, monitoring usage, and managing reclamation without requiring system engineer intervention. The system autonomously provisions identifiers to devices and automatically reclaims them when no longer needed, eliminating human error and reducing provisioning time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of engineer tracking and provisioning with an automated electronic system. The identifier management system uses software-based tracking, database management, and automated communication protocols to substitute human operations, thereby improving accuracy and reducing time loss.
2Productivity
If identifiers are manually managed without automation, then system control is maintained, but the process introduces delays and human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier management system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring identifier usage status and automatically responding to changes. When an identifier is released or becomes available, the system receives feedback and automatically reclaims or reallocates identifiers, ensuring both high productivity and reliability through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary identifier management system that sits between devices and the identifier pool. This intermediary automatically manages the provisioning process, mediating between device requests and identifier allocation, thereby improving both efficiency and accuracy by eliminating direct human intervention while maintaining system control.
3Loss of time
If automated identifier management is implemented, then provisioning speed increases, but system complexity increases due to additional tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier management system is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple identifier types (IP addresses, domain names, license keys) and performs multiple functions (allocation, tracking, reclamation, monitoring) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate manual processes for each identifier type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses data structures and database records as digital copies to track identifier usage and device information. Instead of complex physical tracking mechanisms, the system maintains simplified digital representations of identifier states, allocation status, and device associations, thereby reducing management complexity while enabling automated provisioning.
4Extent of automation
If human intervention is required for identifier provisioning, then control and oversight are maintained, but the process becomes dependent on human availability and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The identifier management system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring tracking databases, establishing allocation rules, and preparing reclamation protocols before actual provisioning occurs. This preliminary setup enables fully automated operation without human intervention during execution, achieving high automation while managing complexity through advance preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identifier management system into distinct functional modules: identifier pool management, device tracking, allocation logic, and reclamation processes. This segmentation allows each component to be independently developed and maintained, reducing overall system architecture complexity while enabling comprehensive automation of the provisioning process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing identifiers can include receiving, in an identifier management system, a request for an identifier in a computing system. The method can also include verifying availability of the identifier. The method can further include returning an affirmative response to a requesting party.