Unified OS Provisioning Framework for Heterogeneous Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Provisioning multiple heterogeneous operating systems across a data center is challenging due to the need for administrators to be knowledgeable about different input parameters, configuration file formats, and configuration steps for various operating systems and hardware types.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an operating system profile model and a deployment service framework that determines the selected OS and provisions it on target hosts, using pluggable hardware services and a resource abstraction layer to provide a unified method for provisioning across diverse operating systems and hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate provisioning programs are used for each operating system, then each OS can be provisioned with its specific configuration parameters and steps, but the administrator must be knowledgeable about multiple different input parameters, configuration file formats, and configuration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal provisioning framework that can handle multiple operating systems (Solaris, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux, Windows) through a single unified interface. The framework uses an abstract machine model and configuration language that translates into OS-specific provisioning commands, eliminating the need for separate provisioning programs for each OS while maintaining OS-specific configuration capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the administrator and the operating system provisioning processes. This intermediary is the provisioning framework that translates high-level abstract configurations into OS-specific commands. The framework acts as a mediator that understands both the unified configuration language and the specific requirements of each operating system, thereby simplifying the administrator's task.
2Productivity
If manual provisioning methods are used for each host, then precise control over installation parameters is maintained, but the process is time-consuming and does not scale well in large data centers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining machine models and configuration templates before provisioning occurs. Administrators can create and store configuration templates that specify installation parameters, hardware configurations, and software settings in advance. When provisioning a new host, the system retrieves the appropriate pre-defined template and automatically executes the provisioning sequence, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning framework enables self-service provisioning where the system automatically executes provisioning tasks based on abstract machine models and configuration languages. The framework handles the translation, execution, and monitoring of provisioning processes without requiring continuous administrator intervention. This automated self-service capability allows large-scale provisioning operations to be performed efficiently and consistently.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for provisioning a plurality of heterogeneous operating systems on a plurality of target hosts that includes for each of the plurality of target hosts, obtaining a type of operating system (OS) to be provisioned on the target host, populating an OS profile model based on the type of operating system obtained, activating a deployment service based on the type of operating system, and provisioning the target host using a deployment service and the OS profile model.