MID Server Flow Execution Across Cloud and Private Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cloud computing platforms face challenges in dynamically balancing execution between cloud-based and private network infrastructure, particularly in managing complex automated processes due to security constraints and varying execution capabilities, leading to inefficiencies in resource allocation and task flow management.

Innovation Solution

A cloud-based computer system that dynamically allocates task flows across multiple environments by determining the optimal execution environment for each operation, utilizing a memory partition and network interface to manage interactions between customer instance and MID server environments, and facilitating seamless transitions between execution environments based on capability sets and requirement attributes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cloud-based platforms are used to execute automated processes, then accessibility and flexibility are improved, but security constraints and execution capability limitations worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution environment flexibilityVSAvoidsecurity constraint compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces MID servers as intermediary components that bridge the cloud-based customer instance and private network infrastructure. These MID servers execute operations that require direct network access or specific capabilities not available in the cloud environment, thereby resolving the contradiction by allowing cloud-based orchestration while maintaining security constraints through a trusted intermediary layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the automated process execution into two distinct environments: cloud-based customer instance for orchestration and management, and private network MID servers for specific operation execution. This segmentation allows each environment to operate within its security and capability boundaries while achieving overall system flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If task flows are executed entirely in cloud environment, then management simplicity is improved, but execution capability for private network operations worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask flow management simplicityVSAvoidprivate network operation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

MID servers act as intermediaries that enable cloud-based task flow definitions to execute operations requiring private network access. The cloud customer instance maintains simple task flow management while MID servers handle the complexity of private network interactions, resolving the contradiction between management simplicity and execution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If custom scripts are used to build automated processes, then execution flexibility is improved, but code reuse and standardization worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated process execution flexibilityVSAvoidcode reuse capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic operation routing where the execution environment (cloud customer instance or private network MID server) is selected based on the specific operation's requirements. This dynamic approach allows standardized task flow definitions to adapt to different execution contexts without requiring custom scripts, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If operations are dynamically allocated between cloud and private network, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidhybrid infrastructure management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service operation routing where each operation automatically determines its own execution environment based on capability requirements. The cloud customer instance and MID servers autonomously evaluate operation requirements and select appropriate execution locations without external intervention, resolving the contradiction between resource efficiency and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12554554B2Management instrumentation and discovery (MID) server support for executing automated flows within a cloud based system

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SERVICENOW INC

AI summary

Executing and managing flow plans by performing at least the following: receiving an indication to initiate a task flow including a plurality of discrete but related operations at a customer instance environment of a cloud-based computing platform; obtaining a definition of the task flow identifying run-time requirements for each of the plurality of operations; determining a first execution environment for the first of the plurality of operations; initiating execution of the first operation in the first execution environment; and determining the proper execution environment for subsequent operations of the task flow until all operations of the task flow are complete. Factors, such as look-ahead optimization, environmental operational capabilities, access and security requirements, current load, future load, etc. may be considered when determining the proper execution environment for a given operation. Operations may be executed in environments hosted in the public cloud or in environments present in a dedicated private network.