Lendable Computing Resources for Multi-Tenant Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center service agreements do not allow for the transfer of computing resources between entities, limiting flexibility in resource allocation during surges in demand or for charitable purposes, such as handling unexpected traffic or providing computing resources to charity organizations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a new lease type, referred to as a 'loan' or 'lease', which enables customers to transfer control of allocated computing resources to another entity, with options to define the loan period and coverage of usage and up-front costs, using a resource lease manager to facilitate this transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If computing resources are allocated to customers through fixed service agreements, then resource allocation stability is improved, but resource flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic resource allocation system where computing resources can be transferred between customers through a loan mechanism. The resource allocation changes from static to dynamic, allowing resources to be lent and returned based on fluctuating demands while maintaining stable service agreements. This resolves the contradiction by enabling adaptability without sacrificing the stability of the underlying service framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter of resource allocation from fixed ownership to temporary lending relationships. By introducing loan duration parameters and transfer conditions, the system allows resource flexibility while maintaining the stability of the service agreement framework. The resource can be transferred back after the loan period, restoring the original allocation stability.
2Productivity
If computing resources are transferred between entities, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but service agreement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource lending mechanism as an intermediary layer between the service provider and customers. This intermediary handles the complexity of resource transfers, loans, and returns, allowing direct resource utilization efficiency improvements while shielding customers from service agreement complexity. The lending mechanism acts as a buffer that simplifies the interaction model.
3Manufacturing precision
If computing resources are made available in discrete units, then resource management precision is improved, but resource allocation flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments computing resources into discrete transferable units that can be individually lent and returned. This segmentation enables precise resource management at the unit level while allowing flexible combinations of units to be transferred based on varying demands. The discrete units maintain management precision but gain allocation flexibility through the lending mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-tenant web services platform, a request is received from a first customer requesting that a second customer be allowed to use a computing resource associated with the first customer. Control of the computing resource is transferred to the second customer based on a constraint selected by the first customer. A first portion of a cost associated with the computing resource is billed to the first customer. The control of the computing resource by the second customer is terminated in accordance with the constraint selected by the first customer.