Automated IT Services Management via Machine Avatars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for remote IT services management are inflexible, costly, and insecure, requiring physical access and manual configuration, and are not compatible with cloud computing environments, leading to inefficiencies and security risks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated IT services management using machine avatars that establish network tunnels between the IT services provider and customer networks, enabling remote monitoring and management without physical access, and allowing for scalable, secure, and flexible deployment of services across cloud environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access is required for IT service management, then security control is improved, but service delivery flexibility and customer convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an avatar as an intermediary entity that bridges the customer's computing environment and the IT service provider. The avatar runs locally on the customer's device and enables secure remote access without requiring physical presence. This intermediary approach maintains security controls while eliminating the need for physical access, thereby resolving the contradiction between security and service delivery flexibility.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is used for each customer, then customization and security are improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-configured avatar templates that contain predetermined security settings, authentication mechanisms, and service access parameters. These templates are prepared in advance and can be rapidly deployed to multiple customers without manual configuration. This preliminary preparation maintains security and customization requirements while dramatically reducing provisioning time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables replication of avatar configurations across multiple customers through template copying. Once an avatar is configured with appropriate security and customization settings, it can be copied and deployed to numerous customers with consistent configurations. This copying approach maintains security standards and customization while eliminating repetitive manual configuration work.
3Productivity
If proprietary code and data are included in pre-configured machines, then service functionality is improved, but security vulnerabilities and intellectual property risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts proprietary code and data from physical machines and relocates them to a secure remote environment controlled by the IT service provider. The avatar serves as a lightweight client that connects to this remote environment, allowing service functionality to be delivered without embedding vulnerable proprietary code in customer-facing devices. This extraction eliminates security vulnerabilities and intellectual property risks while maintaining full service functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sample physical servers are shipped to customers, then service demonstration and customization are improved, but cost and logistics complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical sample servers with virtual avatar copies that can be digitally delivered and deployed. These avatar copies provide the same service demonstration and customization capabilities as physical servers but without the associated hardware costs, shipping logistics, and physical resource consumption. The virtual nature of avatars enables instant deployment and elimination of hardware-related overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method includes receiving a selection of an information technology service; initializing a machine avatar; establishing a network tunnel; and receiving network traffic. A computing system comprising: one or more processors; and memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the computing system to: receive a selection of an information technology service; initialize a machine avatar; establish a network tunnel; and receive network traffic. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing program instructions that when executed, cause a computer to: receive a selection of an information technology service; initialize a machine avatar; establish a network tunnel; and receive network traffic.