Network Broker Cloud Infrastructure Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transfer of IT infrastructure between entities is complex, costly, and time-consuming, especially in mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, due to the need for setting up new hardware and network connections, which lacks technology and manpower efficiencies, and existing cloud resource transfer methods are impractical as they require multiple network connections and do not allow for seamless disconnection or transfer of resources.
Innovation Solution
A network broker system that enables connection to multiple cloud resources through a single network connection, allowing for the transfer and separation of specific cloud resources between entities by using an intermediary entity to manage and control access, provisioning, and firewall configurations, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the need for multiple network connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific hardware is provided and set up in a location that can be separated from the divesting company's network, then the IT infrastructure can be replicated and transferred, but the procurement and setup of such hardware is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network broker as an intermediary entity that mediates between the divesting company and the acquiring company. The broker provisions cloud computer resources and manages network connections, eliminating the need for the divesting company to set up dedicated hardware infrastructure. This intermediary approach accelerates the transfer process while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses cloud computer resources to create virtual copies of the IT infrastructure rather than physical hardware copies. The broker provisions cloud resources that replicate the necessary computing, storage, and networking capabilities, enabling rapid infrastructure transfer without the time-consuming process of procuring and configuring physical hardware.
2Ease of operation
If new network connections are authorised and set up for third party access, then continued access to and control of the IT infrastructure copy is enabled, but the process is expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The network broker acts as an intermediary that manages all network connections between the cloud resources and both the divesting and acquiring companies. The broker provisions and controls network access dynamically, eliminating the need for complex network setup procedures. This centralized management simplifies operations and dramatically reduces network setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The network broker provides universal network access management capabilities that serve multiple functions: provisioning cloud resources, managing network connections for both divesting and acquiring companies, controlling access permissions, and enabling seamless infrastructure transfer. This multi-functional approach consolidates multiple complex processes into a single streamlined system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If specific hardware is provided for IT infrastructure transfer, then the infrastructure can be replicated, but the entities inherit system and infrastructure assets which are not needed or are unsuitable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical hardware with virtualized cloud computer resources that are provisioned by the network broker. These cloud resources replicate the necessary IT infrastructure capabilities without requiring physical hardware assets. The acquiring company receives access to the functional equivalent of the infrastructure without inheriting unnecessary physical assets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the infrastructure from fixed physical hardware with immutable characteristics to flexible cloud resources whose parameters (computing power, storage capacity, networking) can be dynamically adjusted. This enables the infrastructure to adapt to the acquiring company's specific needs without being constrained by pre-configured hardware specifications.
4Productivity
If project teams are mobilised afresh for each transaction, then implementation activities can be performed, but there is no re-use of resources or technical solutions between different transactions
Solution Approach 1:
The network broker serves as a reusable intermediary platform that can be deployed across multiple transactions without needing to be rebuilt for each deal. The broker's infrastructure, processes, and technical solutions are designed to be reused, eliminating the need to mobilize project teams afresh for every transaction and significantly improving implementation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The network broker provides universal capabilities that can handle multiple different transactions and infrastructure transfer scenarios. The same broker platform and technical solutions are reused across diverse transactions, eliminating the need for specialized project teams for each deal and reducing resource mobilization time while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A network broker divides IP address space into subnets to allow IT infrastructure transfers using a cloud computing environment. A link established between a client and network broker allows transfer of data and provides connectivity between the client and cloud providers. IT infrastructure to be divested is provisioned onto subnets in a cloud environment. A second link is established via the network broker between the entity being divested and the provisioned IT infrastructure. Client access to provisioned IT infrastructure is cut by rerouting, at the network broker, traffic destined to the subnet(s) hosting the provisioned IT infrastructure from the link to the second link. After a new owner assimilates the divested IT infrastructure using the second link, network broker routing rules are adjusted to sever access of the new owner to the subnet(s) hosting the divested IT infrastructure and return access to the subnet(s) to the client.