IT Automation Filtering Engine for Enterprise Network Task Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current IT systems in enterprise environments require manual, time-consuming, and often inaccurate processes for deploying and managing IT tasks across multiple machines, leading to increased costs and resource burdens due to the lack of interoperability between different software products and the need for extensive training and certification for IT professionals.

Innovation Solution

A computer program product and system that utilize a filtering engine to automatically assign labels to entities in an enterprise network based on filter definitions, enabling the execution of IT tasks on labeled entities, thereby streamlining IT management and deployment processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual processes are used for deploying IT tasks across multiple machines, then IT professionals can perform tasks with direct control, but the process becomes time-consuming and increases administrative burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control of IT tasksVSAvoidtime-consuming deployment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automation where IT tasks are automatically deployed and executed across multiple machines based on predefined filter definitions and labels, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining control through automated decision-making rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Filter definitions and labeling rules are pre-configured before IT task deployment, allowing the system to automatically evaluate entities and execute tasks without real-time manual intervention, thus reducing deployment time while maintaining control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete software products are used for different IT services, then specialized functionality is provided for each service, but interoperability between products becomes impossible and training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecialized functionality for IT servicesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple products

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides a universal platform that handles multiple IT services (helpdesk, anti-virus, inventory management, patch deployment) through a single integrated architecture using filter definitions and labels, eliminating the need for multiple discrete products while maintaining specialized functionality for each service type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate IT management functions into a unified system where filter definitions and labels serve as a common language across all IT services, merging helpdesk, security, inventory, and deployment functions into one interoperable platform

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If manual selection of devices for IT task deployment is performed, then precise control over target entities is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and prone to inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision in selecting target entitiesVSAvoidspeed of device selection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical selection processes with automated computational evaluation using filter definitions and labels, where the filtering engine automatically evaluates entities against predefined criteria and assigns labels accordingly, eliminating human error while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Filter definitions and labels serve as intermediaries between IT professionals and target entities, allowing precise control over task deployment without manual device selection, as the filtering engine automatically matches entities to the appropriate filter criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If IT tasks are performed manually on a piecemeal basis, then tasks can be customized for each individual need, but the overall cost of maintaining and managing the enterprise network increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization of IT tasksVSAvoidcost of maintaining enterprise network

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments IT tasks into reusable components that can be independently configured with specific filter definitions and labels, allowing customization for individual needs while enabling automated batch execution that reduces overall management costs through efficiency gains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7814190B2IT automation filtering and labeling system and appliance

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 QUEST SOFTWARE INC

AI summary

A method of managing information technology (IT) tasks within an enterprise network is described. The method comprises receiving a user input specifying a filter definition, associating a table with the filter definition, and automatically evaluating entities of the network to determine which entities meet the filter definition. A label is assigned to any entity that meets the filter definition, and an IT task is caused to be executed with respect to an entity having the label assigned to it.