Installation Broker for Dynamic Resource Negotiation and Caching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software installation processes rely on conventional methods that limit flexibility and efficiency in sourcing and managing installation resources, as they typically involve direct retrieval from known locations without the ability to negotiate or cache resources effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an installation broker system that receives requests for resources, negotiates with multiple service providers to obtain and bundle necessary resources, and caches them for future use, allowing for dynamic and centralized management of installation resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional direct retrieval methods are used, then installation resources can be obtained from known locations, but flexibility and efficiency in sourcing and managing resources are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An installation broker is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between installers and resource providers. The broker receives installation resource requests from installers, negotiates with multiple service providers to obtain resources, and delivers them to installers. This intermediary approach enables flexible sourcing from multiple providers while centralizing management complexity in the broker, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If installers directly retrieve resources from providers, then the process is simple, but centralized control over validation, accounting, and monitoring is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The installation broker serves as an automated intermediary that maintains simplicity for installers while enabling centralized control. Installers continue to simply request and receive resources, while the broker automatically performs validation, accounting, and monitoring functions by negotiating with service providers and managing resource delivery, thus achieving both ease of operation and extent of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The broker implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring installation resource requests, negotiations, and deliveries. It tracks resource usage, validates requests against policies, and maintains accounting records, enabling centralized control while keeping the installation process simple for end users through automated feedback loops.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resources are obtained from multiple service providers, then selection flexibility increases, but negotiation and coordination complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The broker combines multiple negotiation and coordination functions into a single centralized component. It consolidates interactions with multiple service providers, managing all negotiations, selections, and coordinations through one interface. This merging approach maintains selection flexibility from multiple providers while reducing overall system complexity by centralizing the complex negotiation processes in the broker.
4Productivity
If resources are cached for future use, then delivery efficiency improves, but storage requirements and cache management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The broker performs preliminary actions by caching installation resources after obtaining them from service providers and before they are needed by installers. Resources are pre-negotiated, obtained, and stored in advance, enabling efficient rapid delivery when installers request them. This preliminary action improves productivity while the broker manages cache complexity centrally through automated storage and retrieval processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for delivering resources for installation on a machine involves receiving a first request from one or more installer components requesting one or more requested installation resources. A second request is sent, in response to the first request, for the one or more requested installation resources to multiple service providers. One or more installation resources are obtained from the service providers. The obtained installation resources correspond to the requested installation resources and are obtained as a result of the second request. The obtained installation resources are delivered to the installer components.