Operating System Image Classification for Data Center Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center imaging technologies are complex, platform-specific, and fail to support most operating system image types, leading to inconsistent and non-scalable management of operating system images across different platforms.
Innovation Solution
A method and software model that classify operating system images into golden master, scripted, and snapshot images, abstracting operating system and platform details to provide a consistent and scalable management approach, allowing for the abstraction of OS and platform details between different boot server technologies and platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple platform-specific imaging technologies are used to support different operating system image types, then coverage of image types is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal imaging architecture where a single boot server can handle multiple operating system image types (Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc.) through a common framework. The boot server is designed to be platform-agnostic, supporting golden master images, scripted images, and snapshots across different operating systems without requiring separate specialized tools for each platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an abstraction layer between the boot server and various imaging technologies. This intermediary layer provides standardized interfaces that allow the boot server to work with different image types and platforms uniformly, eliminating the need for administrators to directly manage multiple complex platform-specific tools.
2Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific imaging technologies are used, then support for specific platforms is improved, but consistency across platforms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boot server is designed as a universal platform that provides consistent image management functionality across Windows, Linux, Solaris, and other operating systems. The same boot server infrastructure handles all platform types uniformly, ensuring consistent management practices regardless of the target operating system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enforces homogeneous management procedures by requiring all operating system images to go through the same boot server workflow. Whether deploying a Windows golden master image, a Linux scripted image, or a Solaris snapshot, the process follows uniform steps: image upload, registration, deployment, and management through the centralized boot server interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized imaging tools are deployed for different platforms, then image type coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boot server consolidates multiple imaging functionalities into a single tool that can create, store, register, and deploy various image types (golden master, scripted, snapshots) for different operating systems. Administrators interact with one unified interface rather than switching between multiple specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate imaging tools and processes into a single integrated boot server system. Functions that were distributed across different platform-specific tools (image creation, storage, registration, deployment) are combined into one cohesive system, simplifying the administrator workflow.
4Adaptability or versatility
If platform-specific imaging approaches are used, then platform optimization is improved, but scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boot server provides optimized support for multiple platforms through a single scalable architecture. As new operating systems or image types need to be supported, they can be added to the existing boot server framework without requiring separate tool deployments, enabling linear scaling of image management capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions are provided for classifying and modeling operating system images for data center management. An operating system image may be classified as a golden master image, a snapshot image, or a scripted operating system image. A software model is provided to abstract operating system and platform detail, and provide a consistent and scalable way of dealing with operating system images. An installation mechanism is provided to install images based on priorities. Software installables are attached with a software definition that may either be a software stack or a software module. A software stack comprises at least one software module.