Live Production Testing Architecture for Reduced Service Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software testing methods struggle to automate live testing in complex cloud environments due to challenges such as diverse test case sources, differing runtime environments, dynamic system states, and non-determinism, leading to manual and error-prone orchestration.
Innovation Solution
An architecture comprising a Test Planner and Test Execution Framework decouples testing activities from platform dependencies, using UML Testing Profile (UTP) for platform-independent representation, and automates test planning, execution, and orchestration to minimize disruption in live systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If testing is performed in lab environments attempting to re-create production environment, then testing can be isolated from live traffic, but it becomes extremely difficult or unfeasible to re-create complex cloud-based architectures in lab context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing framework that acts as a mediator between lab environments and complex production cloud architectures. This framework enables testing activities to be conducted in controlled lab settings while maintaining compatibility with production environments through standardized interfaces and abstractions, thus avoiding the need to fully recreate complex cloud architectures in the lab.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified copies or representations of production cloud architectures that can be deployed in lab environments. These copies capture the essential characteristics and behaviors of the production system while being sufficiently simplified to be manageable and reproducible in testing contexts, resolving the contradiction between isolation and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If testing activities are performed in production environment, then realistic testing can be achieved, but service level agreements constraints must be considered which poses challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different testing strategies in different regions or contexts of the production environment. Critical services maintain strict service level agreements with minimal testing interference, while non-critical services can undergo more aggressive testing. This localized approach allows realistic testing where appropriate while preserving service availability where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial testing actions in production environments, where only specific, non-intrusive test cases are executed during live operations. Rather than进行全面 testing that would disrupt services, the system performs selective testing that provides realistic validation while maintaining service level agreements, thus balancing testing realism with service availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual orchestration of testing activities is performed, then flexibility in handling diverse test cases can be maintained, but the process becomes error-prone and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal testing framework that can handle diverse test cases through standardized interfaces and common orchestration mechanisms. This framework provides multi-functionality by supporting various testing types (functional, performance, security, etc.) and diverse test case sources while maintaining consistent orchestration, thus achieving both flexibility and ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms that monitor testing activities, detect errors, and adjust orchestration decisions in real-time. This feedback-driven approach enables the system to handle diverse test cases flexibly while reducing manual intervention and errors through automated error detection, correction, and adaptive orchestration based on system state feedback.
4Quantity of substance
If test cases from diverse sources are integrated, then comprehensive testing coverage can be achieved, but differing runtime environments create integration challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by standardizing the runtime environment parameters across diverse test case sources. The framework adjusts and normalizes parameters such as execution context, resource allocation, and system interfaces to ensure compatibility among test cases from different sources, thus achieving comprehensive coverage while reducing integration complexity through parameter harmonization.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an architecture, methods and a system for live testing in a production environment. The architecture comprises a platform independent Test Planner for generating a test package in response to receiving an event. Generating a test package comprises selecting test goals, generating a test suite and generating a test plan. The architecture comprises a platform dependent Test Execution Framework (TEF) for executing the test package in an environment serving live traffic. Executing the test package comprises initializing the test plan, starting the test plan and reporting the successful completion of the test plan, reporting the suspension of the test plan and waiting for further instructions, or reporting a failure of the test plan and executing a corresponding contingency plan.