IT Service Management with Dual-State Model Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IT systems lack advanced modeling capabilities to manage IT services effectively, with Configuration Management Databases (CMDBs) typically storing either the current state or desired state of IT services, but not both simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies in change management and inconsistency detection.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-state model instance representation, where both desired and observed states are maintained, allowing for continuous monitoring and comparison to detect inconsistencies, with a closed-loop system that includes a Configuration Management System, Watchdog Service, and Repair Service to rectify discrepancies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-state model instance representation is used in the CMDB, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect and manage inconsistencies between desired and observed states is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the model instance representation into two distinct states: desired state and observed state. This segmentation allows the system to independently track what the IT service should be versus what it actually is, enabling inconsistency detection while maintaining manageable complexity through structured separation of concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal/dimensional dimension to the model instance by maintaining both desired and observed states simultaneously. This dimensional expansion transforms a static single-state representation into a dynamic multi-state representation, enabling the system to detect drift and inconsistencies without fundamentally increasing operational complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual changes are used for IT service configuration, then implementation flexibility is maintained, but repeatability, execution speed, and cost efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring that compares the observed state against the desired state, providing real-time feedback on configuration drift. This feedback mechanism enables automated detection and correction of inconsistencies, replacing manual change processes with systematic, repeatable operations that maintain flexibility while dramatically improving execution speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service through automated monitoring and correction mechanisms that continuously compare desired and observed states. The Configuration Management System automatically detects inconsistencies and triggers corrective actions without manual intervention, allowing the system to self-correct configuration drift while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements.
3Device complexity
If the CMDB stores only the current state or only the desired state, then storage simplicity is maintained, but the ability to perform continuous monitoring and comparison deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage structure into distinct desired state and observed state components within the model instance. This segmentation allows both states to be stored and maintained independently, enabling precise comparison while keeping the overall data structure organized and manageable through clear separation of intended versus actual configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A desired instance of a service model is stored, and an observed instance of the service model is provided. Inconsistencies between the desired instance and the observed instance may be detected based on a comparison between the desired instance and the observed instance.