Model-Driven Software Deployment Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current software deployment methods for large, multi-layered systems are manual and error-prone, lacking formalization and automation, especially in complex topologies and distributed environments, leading to inefficiencies and challenges in scalability and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A model-driven software development and deployment scheme that captures component interactions and hardware topology, enabling automated deployment through Java Management Extensions (JMX) and business component modeling for optimal deployment across various hardware configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual deployment methods are used for large multi-layered systems, then deployment can be performed with existing tools and processes, but deployment becomes error-prone, inefficient, and difficult to scale

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoiddeployment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical deployment processes with an automated model-driven system. Deployment models in XML format automatically translate into deployment configurations, eliminating manual intervention and reducing human error while improving efficiency and scalability of software deployment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms deployment parameters from manual specifications to automated model-driven parameters. By defining deployment characteristics in XML models (such as target systems, components, and configurations), the system automatically determines deployment parameters, improving both efficiency and accuracy simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Extent of automation

If automated model-driven deployment is implemented, then deployment efficiency and accuracy improve, but system complexity and implementation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment automationVSAvoiddeployment system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces XML deployment models as an intermediary layer between manual deployment processes and automated execution. These models serve as a standardized intermediate representation that simplifies the automation process while maintaining manageability, allowing complex deployment logic to be expressed in a structured, tool-friendly format without directly increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal deployment model framework that can handle multiple deployment scenarios (different target systems, components, and configurations) through a single standardized XML-based approach. This universal model structure reduces the need for multiple specialized tools and processes, thereby managing complexity while enabling broad automation capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If manual deployment documentation is used, then existing tools can be leveraged, but deployment maps become cumbersome and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment process simplicityVSAvoiddeployment information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual deployment documentation with automated model-driven documentation. XML deployment models automatically generate and maintain deployment information, eliminating the need for separate manual documentation processes while ensuring complete and accurate deployment information is captured and preserved throughout the deployment lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7665085B2Flexible deployment of software applications
Publication Date: 2010.02.16 RAMCO SYSTEMS
  • US7665085B2 patent drawing
  • US7665085B2 patent drawing
  • US7665085B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for deploying software is disclosed. In one embodiment, information regarding software components and their interactions, deliverables and deployment descriptors, hardware topology, layer information, and database information are all captured in a model. The model in then used to install the software on a particular machine. In another embodiment, an organizational structure is used to create an access map, and access rights to the installed software are generated and enforced.