Location-Aware Virtual Machine Provisioning via Hostname Association
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face challenges in managing multiple virtual machine configurations across different locations and devices, requiring them to remember and select specific hostnames for each location, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method for location-aware virtual machine provisioning, where a user can associate a single hostname with multiple virtual machines, and the system uses location information to automatically select the appropriate virtual machine type based on the user's current location, simplifying the provisioning and access process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually manage multiple virtual machine configurations across different locations, then they can access location-specific virtual machines, but they must remember and select specific hostnames for each location which is cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the user's current location using GPS coordinates from their mobile device and autonomously selects the appropriate virtual machine configuration without requiring manual user input. The system serves itself by comparing current location data with stored location associations to provision the correct virtual machine, eliminating the need for users to manually manage or remember multiple hostnames.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a provisioning server as an intermediary between the user's mobile device and the virtual machine infrastructure. This server receives location data, manages the associations between locations and virtual machine configurations, and automatically provisions the appropriate virtual machine. The intermediary handles the complexity of location-based selection, freeing users from direct management of multiple hostnames while enabling seamless location-specific access.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users setup different virtual machine configurations for different devices and locations, then they can optimize for each specific device type, but the provisioning process becomes more complex requiring multiple hostnames and configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal provisioning system that handles multiple device types, locations, and virtual machine configurations through a single unified interface. The provisioning server manages all location- and device-specific associations in a centralized database, allowing one system to serve multiple functions: storing location data, managing virtual machine configurations, determining current location, and provisioning appropriate machines. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate provisioning processes for each device or location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the provisioning parameters based on the user's current location and device type. Instead of requiring users to manually configure different parameters for each scenario, the system automatically adjusts the virtual machine provisioning parameters by comparing current GPS coordinates and device information against stored associations. This parameter-based automation allows the system to adapt to different devices and locations while maintaining a simple user interface.
3Reliability
If users manually select virtual machines based on location, then they can ensure they are using the correct configuration, but the process is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing associations between geographic locations and appropriate virtual machine configurations during system setup. Location data, device type information, and virtual machine specifications are all pre-configured and stored in the provisioning server's database. When a user needs a virtual machine, the system simply retrieves the pre-determined configuration based on current location, eliminating the need for real-time decision-making or manual selection processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the user's current location through GPS coordinates and automatically adjusting the virtual machine provisioning based on this real-time data. The provisioning server receives location feedback, compares it with stored associations, and provisions the appropriate virtual machine configuration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high accuracy in virtual machine selection while automating the process to minimize user time investment and eliminate manual errors.
Data Source
AI summary
Provisioning virtual machines can include receiving a first request from an administrator or a first client device associated with a user, the request comprising information related to provisioning one of a plurality of virtual machines, and wherein the first request comprises a first location of the first client device. In response a first association is created between a first virtual machine, from among the plurality of virtual machines, and the first location and the user; and a second association is created between a hostname and the first virtual machine. The first and second associations can then be stored.