Asynchronous IIS Logging for Client Version Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collecting version information for application programs on client devices within an organization is time-consuming, inefficient, and often inaccurate, especially when determining compatibility for network-wide upgrades, as existing methods require user intervention or manual scripting, leading to potential compatibility errors.
Innovation Solution
A desktop readiness tool that collects version information asynchronously by generating a link to access a webpage, appending query strings with version data to IIS logs, allowing for secure and efficient storage, sorting, and retrieval, and comparing this data to minimum version requirements to determine compatibility and update needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If administrators send email communications or scripts to collect version information, then version data can be obtained, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having client devices automatically collect and report their own version information without requiring user intervention. The readiness tool runs autonomously on each client device, gathering version data from installed applications and transmitting it to the server, thereby eliminating the need for administrators to manually send emails or scripts and for users to respond.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of email communication and script execution with an automated electronic system. The readiness tool uses automated data collection mechanisms on client devices and electronic transmission over the network to substitute the manual mechanical actions of users copying and pasting version information or running scripts.
2Loss of information
If manual methods are used to collect version information, then some data can be gathered, but the process becomes complicated and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The readiness tool serves multiple functions within a single system: it automatically collects version information from various applications, transmits data over the network, stores information on the server, and generates compatibility reports. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate manual processes into one unified automated solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary readiness tool that acts as a mediator between client devices and the administrator. This tool automatically bridges the gap by collecting data from multiple sources on client devices, formatting it appropriately, and transmitting it to the server, thereby simplifying the overall process and reducing complexity for both users and administrators.
3Productivity
If scripts are used to collect version information, then automated data gathering is possible, but compatibility errors may occur and decisions should be left to program sources
Solution Approach 1:
The readiness tool on each client device performs self-service by automatically collecting version information from installed applications using their own native interfaces and registration systems. This ensures that the data collection process respects the original program's data structures and access methods, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the server receives version information from multiple client devices, processes it against compatibility requirements, and can provide feedback to administrators about which devices meet the criteria for new application deployment. This feedback loop ensures that compatibility decisions are based on accurate, systematically collected data while maintaining the authority of program source compatibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for collecting information about client devices utilizing IIS logging in a secure and asynchronous manner are described. A method may comprise collecting information associated with one or more programs resident on a client device. A request is generated to access a webpage associated with one or more of the client devices where a query string, including at least a portion of the collected information, is attached to the request to access the webpage. The request to access the webpage along with the query string is sent to a server supporting the webpage for storage within an IIS log.