Patch Analysis Computer for Enterprise System Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of patches in enterprise systems can lead to unforeseen problems due to the diverse nature of hardware and software, causing critical functionality issues and requiring time-consuming restoration, with potential conflicts between patches in different software tiers.
Innovation Solution
A patch analysis computer is programmed to retrieve metadata related to patches and perform analyses based on patch and configuration metadata to determine the suitability and potential issues before applying patches, displaying a report with recommended remedial operations and awaiting human approval for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If patches are deployed directly to production systems, then productivity is improved by avoiding testing delays, but reliability deteriorates due to unforeseen problems and critical functionality issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs change impact analysis before patch deployment by comparing patch metadata with system configuration metadata to identify potential conflicts and issues in advance. This preliminary analysis includes checking patch prerequisites, compatibility, and potential conflicts with existing patches, allowing the system to prepare remedial operations before actual deployment occurs.
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed on test deployments, then reliability is improved by identifying issues before production, but productivity deteriorates due to system downtime and deployment delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated change impact analysis that performs comprehensive patch validation without requiring manual testing. The system automatically retrieves patch metadata, analyzes compatibility with system configuration, identifies potential conflicts, and generates remedial operations autonomously, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual test deployments while maintaining high reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual patch deployment is performed, then adaptability is improved by human decision-making, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback loop where the change impact analysis results are used to guide patch deployment decisions. The system automatically identifies potential issues, generates remedial operations, and can execute deployments based on predefined criteria, reducing reliance on manual human intervention while maintaining adaptability through automated decision-making rules.
4Ease of operation
If patches are applied without prior analysis, then ease of operation is improved by simplifying the deployment process, but reliability deteriorates due to patch conflicts and catastrophic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes patch metadata separately from the actual patch deployment process. By retrieving and examining patch prerequisites, compatibility information, and potential conflicts before deployment, the system identifies issues without requiring complex manual analysis, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring system integrity through automated validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer (“patch analysis computer”) retrieves from a website, metadata describing one or more patch files to be used to change software in one or more computers (“target computers”). Prior to installation of the patch files in a target computer, the patch analysis computer performs analysis on the patch files and on the target computer and on application of the patch files to the target computer. The analysis is based on the retrieved metadata and based on configuration data of the target computer. Subsequent to performing the analysis, the management computer displays a report resulting from the analysis including one or more operations to fix issues found during analysis, and receives input from a human on specific patch files and operations. In response to receipt of human input, the patch analysis computer performs operations approved by the human and applies the patch files to the target computer.