Offline Software Resource Template Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating template copies of operating systems or applications are inefficient and complex, requiring multiple reboots and manual configuration, which can lead to errors and increased administrative costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows creating template copies of offline resources, such as operating systems or virtual machines, by identifying and removing specific indicia using a preparation program and preparation agent, enabling efficient and customizable template creation without requiring the resource to be online.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional preparation software is used to create template copies of operating systems, then template copies can be created, but the process requires multiple reboots and takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs all necessary customization and indicia removal operations while the operating system is offline, before the template creation process begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for multiple reboots during the preparation process, as all modifications are completed in advance on the offline system image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the offline operating system image and performs all template preparation operations on the copy rather than the live system. This allows modifications to be made to the copied image without affecting the running system, eliminating the need for reboots and enabling faster template creation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional preparation software is used to remove unique indicia from operating system copies, then template copies can be created, but the software is complex and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables system administrators to create their own template copies using a simplified interface that guides them through the process. The system automatically handles the complex operations of removing unique indicia and customizing the template, making the process self-service oriented and reducing dependency on complex preparation software.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the complex template creation process. This intermediary interface simplifies user interactions by providing a user-friendly workflow that automatically manages the complex operations of indicia removal and template generation, shielding users from the underlying complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional preparation software is used to convert operating systems to generic copies, then template copies can be created, but configuration errors can render the system inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that guide the system administrator through the template creation process, providing status information and confirming operations. This feedback loop ensures that configuration steps are performed correctly and allows the administrator to verify the state of the template being created, reducing the risk of errors that could render the system inoperable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs validation and configuration checks in advance during the offline preparation phase, before the template is finalized. This preliminary verification ensures that all necessary steps are completed correctly and that the template will be functional, preventing configuration errors that could occur with conventional software.
4Productivity
If system administrators manually customize virtual machines with unique indicia, then each virtual machine can be properly distinguished, but the process is time-consuming and administratively costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables system administrators to create master template copies of virtual machines that contain all necessary customizations except for unique identifying indicia. These templates can then be rapidly copied and deployed to multiple virtual machines, automatically assigning unique indicia to each instance. This eliminates the need for manual customization of each individual virtual machine, dramatically improving deployment speed and reducing administrative effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs all routine virtual machine customizations in advance during the template creation phase, while the system is offline. This preliminary customization includes installing software patches, configuring system settings, and applying updates. When virtual machines are deployed from these templates, they inherit all these pre-configured elements, eliminating the need for repetitive manual customization and significantly reducing administrative costs.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 1C
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention allow software resources to be duplicated efficiently and effectively while offline. In one implementation, a preparation program receives an identification of a software resource, such as a virtual machine installed on a different volume, an offline operating system, or an application program. The preparation program also receives an indication of customized indicia that are to be removed from the software resource. These indicia can include personalized information as well as the level of software updates, security settings, user settings or the like. Upon execution, the preparation program redirects the function calls of the preparation program to the software resource at the different volume (or even the same volume) while the software resource is not running. The preparation program thus can thus creates a template of the software resource in a safe manner without necessarily affecting the volume at which the preparation program runs.