Network Broker for Cloud IT Infrastructure Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The transfer of IT infrastructure between entities is complex, costly, and time-consuming due to the need for setting up specific hardware and multiple network connections, which lacks technology and manpower efficiencies, especially in mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.

Innovation Solution

A network broker facilitates the transfer of IT infrastructure by establishing a single network connection to multiple cloud resources, allowing entities to connect and disconnect securely, and transfer resources between parties, using a network intermediary to manage access and provisioning of cloud computer resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific hardware and multiple network connections are set up for each transaction, then IT infrastructure transfer can be completed, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIT infrastructure transfer completionVSAvoidtransaction setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The network broker is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple transactions and serve multiple entities simultaneously. Instead of setting up dedicated hardware and network connections for each transaction, the broker provides a shared infrastructure that accommodates various IT asset transfers, thereby reducing setup time and costs while maintaining reliable transfer capabilities

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

Solution Approach 2:

The network broker acts as an intermediary entity between transferring and acquiring entities. It mediates the IT infrastructure transfer process by providing centralized access points and network connections, eliminating the need for direct peer-to-peer hardware setup between parties. This intermediary approach streamlines the transfer process and reduces the time required for transaction setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If specific hardware and multiple network connections are set up for each transaction, then IT infrastructure transfer can be completed, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIT infrastructure transfer completionVSAvoidtransaction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The network broker provides a universal infrastructure that serves multiple transactions and entities. By consolidating hardware resources and network connections into a shared platform, the system eliminates redundant hardware purchases and setup costs for each transaction, thereby reducing overall transaction costs while ensuring reliable IT infrastructure transfers

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple transaction-specific hardware requirements into a single shared broker infrastructure. Instead of each transaction requiring separate hardware and network setups, the broker combines these resources into a unified system that handles multiple transfers, thereby reducing costs through resource consolidation and shared infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If project teams are mobilised afresh for each transaction, then implementation activities can be performed, but technology and manpower efficiencies are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimplementation activity completionVSAvoidresource reusability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The network broker is designed as a universal platform that can handle various types of IT asset transfers across different transactions. This multi-functional capability allows the same infrastructure and team expertise to be reused across diverse transfer scenarios, improving resource reusability and efficiency while maintaining high productivity in implementing transfer activities

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

Solution Approach 2:

The broker enables continuous utilization of the same infrastructure and expertise across multiple transactions. Instead of mobilizing teams afresh for each transaction, the broker maintains an ongoing operational framework where experienced teams can continuously perform implementation activities using the same standardized platform, thereby preserving both productivity and resource reusability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple network connections to cloud providers are established, then access to cloud resources is enabled, but connection management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecloud resource accessVSAvoidnetwork connection management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network broker serves as an intermediary between entities and cloud providers, consolidating multiple cloud provider connections into a single access point. Instead of managing direct connections to multiple cloud providers, entities connect to the broker, which then manages the complex relationships with various cloud providers, thereby simplifying connection management while maintaining access to diverse cloud resources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The broker provides a universal access point that handles connections to multiple cloud providers through a single interface. This multi-functional capability allows entities to access various cloud resources without managing multiple separate connections, thereby reducing connection management complexity while maintaining versatility in cloud resource access

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

Data Source

PatentEP2778917B1Network broker
Publication Date: 2018.12.19 ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES LTD
  • EP2778917B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2778917B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2778917B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Network broker (300) which divides IP address space into subnets (340) for a client (330) to conduct IT infrastructure transfers using a cloud computing environment. A link (332) is established between the client (330) and the network broker (300), to allow transfer of data and provide connectivity between the client (330) and cloud providers through the network broker. IT infrastructure to be divested is provisioned onto one or more subnets (340) in a cloud environment. A second link (338) is established via the network broker (300) between the entity being divested and the provisioned IT infrastructure. Client access to the provisioned IT infrastructure is cut by rerouting, at the network broker (300), traffic destined to the subnet(s) hosting the provisioned IT infrastructure from the link (332) to the second link (338). Upon assimilation of the divested IT infrastructure by a new owner using the second link (338), network broker routing rules are adjusted to sever access of the new owner to the subnet(s) hosting the divested IT infrastructure and to return access to the subnet(s) to the client.