Logical Partition Deployment Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying and un-deploying fully functioning instances of operating systems on computer servers is a labor-intensive process, requiring significant administrative time and effort, with existing solutions taking over 50 hours to complete.
Innovation Solution
A method for automatically deploying and un-deploying a logical partition on a computer server by receiving storage addresses, creating volume serials with a predetermined naming structure, copying and customizing operating system files, and activating the partition using a base control program internal interface, facilitating quick deployment and un-deployment of multiple fully functional operating system partitions in under a day with minimal administrative input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual deployment methods are used to install operating systems on servers, then system administrators can ensure proper configuration and functionality, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming, taking over 50 hours to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring operating system images with all necessary software, patches, and configuration settings before deployment. The unattended installation mode pre-prepares the deployment environment with automated scripts and configuration files, so that when deployment occurs, everything is already ready to be automatically applied without manual intervention during the actual installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating standardized operating system images that can be replicated and deployed across multiple servers. The unattended installation mode copies pre-configured system images to target servers, ensuring consistency and correctness across all deployments while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual installation on each server individually.
2Loss of time
If automated deployment tools are used to reduce manual intervention, then deployment time is reduced, but ensuring all systems are at the same operating system level and configuration type becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional deployment system that handles multiple operating system types, versions, and configuration scenarios through a single unattended installation platform. The system can deploy different OS images, apply various software packages, and enforce configuration standards across diverse server types while maintaining automated control, ensuring all systems meet the required consistency standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms in the automated deployment process that monitor and verify configuration consistency across deployed systems. The system tracks deployment status, validates that all systems are at the correct operating system level and configuration type, and can report or correct deviations automatically, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained throughout the deployment process.
3Productivity
If unattended installation mode is implemented to automate operating system deployment, then administrative time and effort are significantly reduced, but the complexity of setting up and maintaining the automated deployment infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the unattended installation system to be largely self-configuring and self-maintaining. The deployment infrastructure automatically manages its own configuration files, installation scripts, and deployment parameters, reducing the need for complex manual setup and ongoing maintenance. The system can automatically update its own deployment templates and adapt to new server types without requiring proportionally increased administrative complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatically deploying a logical partition in a computer server is described. Deploying the logical partition includes receiving, by a processor, an address of storage associated with the logical partition. The method of deployment can further include creating, by the processor, on the storage, volume serials with a predetermined naming structure. Further, the method includes copying files associated with an operating system to the storage according to the volume serials created. The method further includes customizing configuration settings associated with the operating system according to predetermined values. The method further includes activating the logical partition and operating system using a base control program internal interface.