Load Balancer Self-Provisioning via Workflow Engine Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
System developers face challenges in efficiently provisioning and managing computing resources, particularly load balancers and firewalls, as existing methods require manual intervention and are not user-friendly, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables user-directed provisioning of virtual and physical resources through a web portal, utilizing a workflow engine to automate the allocation and configuration of load balancers and firewalls, allowing users to manage resource pools, add or remove servers, and configure security settings without manual administrator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual provisioning methods are used, then system developers can configure devices with full control, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures load balancers and firewalls with default settings and templates before deployment. When a resource is requested, the provisioning system automatically applies pre-defined configurations rather than requiring manual setup, significantly reducing provisioning time while maintaining configuration quality
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system enables automated self-service capabilities where resources can be provisioned and configured automatically based on user requests and predefined policies. The system handles device staging, OS installation, application deployment, and configuration without requiring manual developer intervention for routine tasks
2Extent of automation
If automated provisioning is implemented, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a provisioning system as an intermediary layer between users and the underlying infrastructure. This intermediary handles the complexity of automated provisioning, resource orchestration, and device management, shielding users from complexity while enabling high-level automation through standardized interfaces and workflows
3Manufacturing precision
If manual device staging is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses configuration templates and blueprints that capture proven, accurate device configurations. These templates are copied and applied automatically during provisioning, ensuring configuration accuracy is replicated consistently across multiple devices without requiring manual verification for each device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system may receive a request to configure a computing resource, such as a load balancer or firewall based on configuration information received from a user via a web portal. The configuration information may be stored and a subsequent request to commit the stored configuration information may be received. One or more jobs may be queued in a jobs database based on the request to commit the configuration information. The one or more jobs may be dequeued by a workflow engine and executed to configure the computing resource.