Enterprise Migration Tool Customization via Control Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a comprehensive and integrated set of processes and tools to manage large-scale enterprise-wide information technology or telecommunications migrations, which are complex, costly, and difficult due to the diverse nature of equipment and complex relationships between them.
Innovation Solution
A configurable, integrated end-to-end set of processes and toolsuite is provided, including a method for customizing an inventory data collection tool using a common control file stored on a server, allowing each logical group of users to customize the tool for their specific needs, and enabling data collection and migration planning across the enterprise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate tool is developed for each logical group of clients to meet custom requirements, then the tool can be customized for specific user needs, but the development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single inventory data collection tool that serves multiple logical groups of clients through configuration files. The tool is designed to be universal, accommodating different client requirements (such as RIT connectors, mailing preferences, and custom fields) without requiring separate tool instances. Configuration files allow the same tool to adapt its behavior and data collection parameters for each logical group, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining a unified codebase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files to change parameters of the inventory tool dynamically based on the logical group being serviced. By modifying data collection parameters, output formats, and processing rules through configuration files rather than code changes, the tool can be rapidly adapted to different client requirements. This parameter-based approach allows the same tool structure to serve multiple purposes with minimal reconfiguration effort.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single configurable tool is used for all logical groups of users, then development time is reduced and the tool is easier to maintain, but the tool must be highly flexible to accommodate diverse custom requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the customization requirements into separate configuration files for each logical group rather than hardcoding different behaviors into the tool itself. The configuration files act as independent segments that can be created, modified, and maintained separately from the core tool logic. This segmentation allows the single tool to handle diverse requirements by loading appropriate configuration segments based on the target logical group.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration files as an intermediary layer between the single inventory tool and the diverse requirements of different logical groups. These configuration files serve as mediators that translate specific client requirements into tool parameters and processing rules. The intermediary approach allows the tool to remain simple and maintainable while still accommodating complex custom requirements through the configuration layer.
3Measurement precision
If inventory data is collected during the migration window when users are available, then data accuracy is improved, but users on vacation or unavailable during the migration window cannot have their data collected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables inventory data collection to occur before the actual migration execution, allowing users to provide their information in advance during normal business hours when they are available. The collected data is stored and then used during the migration window, eliminating the need for user presence during migration. This preliminary data collection approach ensures both data accuracy (users can provide accurate information when available) and migration productivity (migration can proceed without waiting for user availability).
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for collecting inventory data about a group of machines at an office. This method comprises the steps of running an inventory tool on each of the machines, and the tool presenting dialog displays on each of the machines, filling in or changing data in the dialogs presented by the tool, and submitting the collected information to a server. Also disclosed are a method, system and computer program for customizing an inventory data collection tool for a plurality of logical groups of users. Each of the logical groups of users is provided with a copy of the inventory data collection tool and with a first copy of a common control file. Each of the groups of users uses the first copy of the common control file to customize the tool for the group of users.