Model-Based IT Resource Management Layer for Heterogeneous Environments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing computer-based IT resources lack a unified and consistent approach, especially in heterogeneous environments, failing to effectively link business applications to IT infrastructure and complicating resource management in data storage environments.
Innovation Solution
A model-based management layer with extension models, profiles, and a service interface is introduced, enabling seamless management of resources across heterogeneous environments through monitoring, analysis, strategizing, and execution modules, and a mediation layer for non-compliant service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If domain-specific solutions are used to bridge business applications and IT resource management, then integration capability is improved, but system complexity and fragmentation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management layer that can manage multiple types of IT resources (storage, computing, networking) through a single unified interface. This layer provides domain-specific management capabilities while maintaining a consistent object model, allowing the same management mechanisms to work across different resource types and vendor-specific implementations, thereby reducing fragmentation while preserving integration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a management layer as an intermediary between business applications and IT infrastructure resources. This layer translates business-level management requests into resource-specific operations, and conversely translates resource events into business-relevant information. The intermediary handles vendor-specific protocols and formats, shielding upper-level applications from underlying complexity and fragmentation
2Reliability
If existing resource management standards are applied, then management foundation is improved, but end-to-end management consistency across heterogeneous environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the management layer to adapt its behavior and interface characteristics to local vendor-specific requirements while maintaining a consistent global object model. Different resource types and vendor implementations can have customized local management approaches, yet all are unified under the same framework, enabling consistent end-to-end management across heterogeneous environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes by allowing the management system to dynamically adjust management parameters, object properties, and interface behaviors based on the specific resource type and vendor implementation. The system can change management modes, data formats, and communication protocols as needed while maintaining a consistent management approach, thus preserving both reliability and adaptability
3Ease of manufacture
If data storage environment complexities are addressed with specialized solutions, then storage management capability is improved, but interoperability with other IT resources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to storage management by introducing a virtualization layer that abstracts physical storage resources into logical storage objects. This additional dimensional layer enables specialized storage management capabilities while maintaining standard interoperability interfaces, allowing storage to be managed both with domain-specific expertise and through unified IT resource management mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and apparatus for software and resource management with a model-based architecture.