Automated Patch Sequencing for Server Dependency Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing software patch installation across multiple server devices with varying software configurations and operating systems is challenging due to differences in installed software, patches, and dependencies, leading to inefficiencies and potential installation of unnecessary patches.
Innovation Solution
A patch management device that obtains a master list of available patches, identifies dependencies and obsolescence, and determines a list of patches to install for each server device, ensuring efficient installation by sequencing patches and preventing unnecessary downloads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual patch installation is used across multiple server devices, then flexibility and control over individual installations is maintained, but time consumption and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The server device autonomously determines which patches to install by comparing its current software state against the master list, automatically sequencing patches based on dependencies, and executing installations without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach dramatically increases productivity while maintaining appropriate automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by obtaining the master list of patches in advance, pre-determining the installation sequence based on dependency relationships, and preparing the patch list before actual installation begins. This preliminary processing enables rapid, automated execution without manual intervention during the installation process.
2Reliability
If all available patches are downloaded and installed on every server device, then comprehensive software updates are ensured, but unnecessary patches increase device complexity and installation time
Solution Approach 1:
Each server device receives a customized patch list tailored to its specific software configuration, installed patches, and dependency relationships. The patch management device filters the master list to identify only the patches actually needed for each individual server, eliminating unnecessary patches while maintaining comprehensive coverage where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts only the necessary patches from the comprehensive master list by analyzing dependency relationships and current software states. Patches that are already installed, obsolete, or not applicable to a particular server configuration are extracted and removed from the installation list, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If patches are installed without considering dependencies, then installation speed increases, but system stability and patch validity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Before installation begins, the system performs preliminary analysis of the master list to identify and establish the correct sequencing of patches based on dependency relationships. This preliminary ordering ensures that all dependencies are satisfied before installing dependent patches, maintaining reliability while enabling efficient batch processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the patch management device receives information about installed patches from each server device and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the patch list and installation sequence. This feedback loop ensures dependency satisfaction while maintaining high installation speeds through optimized sequencing.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive information that identifies available patches that have been released by a software provider. The information may further identify dependencies between available patches. The device may receive information that identifies installed patches that have been installed on a particular device. The device may determine a set of patches to be installed on the particular device based on the available patches and the installed patches. The device may determine an installation order for installing the set of patches on the particular device. The installation order may be based on a dependency between at least two patches included in the set of patches to be installed. The device may cause installation of the set of patches on the particular device, in an order identified by the installation order, after determining the set of patches to be installed.