Overlaying Application Volumes for Dynamic Software Updates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Software updates can be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially in virtual machine environments, leading to frustration and delayed maintenance due to the need for application downtime during the update process, exacerbated by the increasing frequency of updates.
Innovation Solution
The method involves attaching an update to the application by mounting an application volume containing the updated version, allowing the updated components to be overlaid within the file system, thereby reducing the need for traditional download, extraction, and writing processes, and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional update process is used (download, extract, write files to disk), then application is updated to latest version, but application must be halted for substantial time period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the application into separate components stored in different volumes. The update mechanism segments the update process into volume attachment and overlay operations, allowing updates to be applied without halting the entire application. This segmentation enables partial updates and continuous operation of non-updated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by preparing update volumes in advance and mounting them before the actual update is needed. The overlay mechanism is pre-configured to redirect file access to updated components, so when an update is initiated, the system has already been prepared to switch to updated files without interruption to the running application.
2Reliability
If update frequency is increased to provide latest features and patches, then application remains current and secure, but update management becomes more arduous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal update mechanism that works across different application types and deployment scenarios (virtual machines, physical devices, enterprise environments). The volume attachment and overlay approach provides a multi-functional solution that handles various update scenarios including security patches, feature updates, and maintenance releases through a single standardized process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary update volume mechanism that mediates between the update source and the running application. This intermediary layer handles all update operations including downloading, extracting, and deploying updates, shielding the application and users from the complexity of the update process while enabling frequent updates.
3Reliability
If application files are copied and written to disk during update, then updated version is installed permanently, but substantial processing time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating overlay copies of updated application files in the update volume rather than permanently replacing original files. The overlay mechanism copies updated files to a separate layer that sits on top of the original application, allowing rapid updates without extensive file writing operations to the main application directory.
Solution Approach 2:
The update volume acts as an intermediary storage layer between the update source and the application's primary storage. This intermediary volume handles all file operations including copying, extracting, and managing updated files, reducing the processing burden on the main system and enabling faster update deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and software to attach updated applications to computing devices. In one instance, a method of attaching updated applications to a computing device includes identifying an application update for an application stored on the computing device, and determining an updated application volume containing an updated version of the application. The method further includes mounting the updated application volume to the computing device, and overlaying the updated version of the application with the application stored on the computing device.