Network Application Discovery via Multicast Link-and-Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing environments, system administrators face difficulties in discovering and managing applications due to the complexity of networked systems, where existing tools require manual intervention and lack effective discovery and link-and-launch capabilities, especially when applications manage multiple devices or services.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a communication protocol like SLP to request and organize application data, including launch points and task information, allowing administrators to discover applications and their related devices, and generate link-and-launch lists for efficient management and task execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing management products are used to discover applications and devices, then application discovery capability is provided, but manual intervention is required and link-and-launch capabilities are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automatic application discovery where the management product autonomously queries the network for applications and devices, automatically maps relationships between them, and generates contextualized launch information without requiring administrator intervention for each discovery operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that acts as a bridge between discovered applications and the administrator interface. This intermediary automatically collects application metadata, determines contextual relationships, and provides structured link-and-launch capabilities, eliminating the need for manual configuration and intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single application is sought to manage all discovered hardware and data services, then simplified management is achieved, but the approach becomes increasingly less likely as applications become more complex and overlap in functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal management product that can handle multiple applications and devices simultaneously. Rather than requiring separate management tools for each application, the system provides a unified interface that adapts to manage diverse hardware and software services, with the capability to work with any number of applications regardless of their functional overlaps
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the management approach by discovering and organizing applications, devices, and their relationships into distinct, structured components. Each application and device is individually identified and mapped, allowing the management product to handle complexity through systematic organization rather than requiring a single monolithic management application
3Ease of operation
If administrators manually type in application locations (URLs) to enable link and launch capabilities, then application linking is achieved, but the process requires significant administrator time and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically discovering applications and pre-collecting their metadata, including URLs and launch information, before the administrator needs to use link-and-launch capabilities. This pre-discovery and pre-organization of information eliminates the need for administrators to manually type in application locations when creating links
4Loss of information
If discovery tools are used to find applications, then application location information is obtained, but the tools require administrators to already know what to look for and how to use the discovery tools
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery mechanism operates as a self-service system that automatically queries the network, discovers applications and devices, and organizes the information without requiring administrators to know how to use discovery tools. The system independently performs the discovery process and presents results in a user-friendly format
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing application and task discovery in a network of computer devices. The method includes broadcasting a request for application data, such as a multicast request, over a communications network. Responses are received from agents on the computer devices and include application data such as an application name or identifier and an application launch point. A list of tasks that each application can run is also typically included in the application data, and associated with each task is a task entry point and a list of elements the task can be run against. Additional element information may be provided for each application including a list of elements managed by each application. The method continues with generating link and launch lists for the network such as a list that includes task identifiers with task entry points or a list that provides application names with launch points.