License Controller Redundancy via Backup Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license distribution systems are inflexible and prone to disruptions when a license controller fails, leading to loss of access for users and complications in redistributing licenses within an organization.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where each license controller maintains data on initial and maximum license counts, as well as backup relationships, allowing for redistribution of licenses to backup controllers in case of failure, with multi-level plans to ensure continuous access and efficient redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all licenses are loaded on one controller or licensing server, then license management is simplified and centralized, but system reliability deteriorates because all users lose access if the controller fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the license management system into multiple independent controllers, each managing a portion of the total licenses. This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized management capabilities while distributing risk, so that failure of one controller does not affect the entire system's availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements backup controllers that are prepared in advance to take over license management if a primary controller fails. This prior cushioning ensures that redundancy is already in place before failure occurs, maintaining system availability without requiring complex real-time decision-making during failure events.
2Reliability
If multiple controllers are employed with separate license pools, then system reliability improves through redundancy, but license utilization efficiency deteriorates because a subset of licenses is lost when a controller becomes unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license allocation where controllers can assume licenses from failed controllers. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt to failure conditions in real-time, redistributing licenses to maintain both high availability and efficient utilization without permanent loss of license capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of controllers dynamically - a controller can transition from its initial license pool configuration to an expanded configuration by assuming licenses from failed controllers. This parameter change enables the system to optimize both reliability and productivity based on current operational conditions.
3Reliability
If licenses are statically assigned to specific devices, then license portability is restricted for security reasons, but flexibility deteriorates when employees migrate or equipment is replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal license management system where licenses are not bound to specific devices but are managed centrally and can be allocated to any authorized user or device. This multi-functionality allows the same license infrastructure to serve multiple purposes - maintaining security through centralized control while providing flexibility for user migration and equipment replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are provided for distributing or redistributing licenses from a failed or unavailable license controller to one or more backup license controllers. Each controller has an initial count of licenses it can serve or allocate to clients desiring access to licensed electronic content. Each controller maintains a set of data that identifies the initial license counts and that also identifies backup relationships between controllers. Each such relationship for a given controller identifies which controllers will inherit licenses if the given controller becomes unavailable, and how many (e.g., a percentage) of the given controller's license that will be inherited. A redistribution plan for a given controller may have multiple levels, wherein a subsequent level may be applied only if all controllers designated as backups in the preceding level are also unavailable.