Platform-Agnostic Software Installation via Knowledge Package Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of determining and obtaining correct software subcomponents for installation is complex due to dependencies and incompatibilities, requiring significant technical expertise and knowledge, especially when subcomponents are distributed across different platforms and sources.
Innovation Solution
A platform-agnostic software installation method that uses a knowledge package and profile to guide the installation of software deliverables on managed hosts with different operating systems, filtering and updating each host to a desired system state while accounting for dependencies and incompatibilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual process is used to determine and obtain correct software subcomponents, then installation accuracy can be maintained, but the complexity and expertise required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an automated installation service as an intermediary between the user and the software subcomponents. This service automatically determines dependencies, obtains required subcomponents, and manages the installation process, eliminating the need for users to manually navigate complex dependency relationships while maintaining installation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically analyzing software dependencies and obtaining required subcomponents before the actual installation. The installation service pre-determines the correct combination of subcomponents and prepares them for installation, reducing the complexity of the manual process
2Ease of operation
If automated installation service is used, then the complexity and expertise required is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The installation service is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple software packages, different operating systems, and various dependency scenarios through a single automated interface. This multi-functional approach simplifies the user experience while consolidating system complexity into a unified service
Solution Approach 2:
The automated installation service performs self-service by automatically determining dependencies, obtaining subcomponents, and managing the installation process without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by having the installation service handle all complex tasks autonomously
3Ease of manufacture
If all subcomponents are obtained from a single source, then the obtaining process is simplified, but the adaptability to different platforms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to different operating system platforms by having the installation service detect the target platform and automatically select or transform subcomponents accordingly. The service can obtain subcomponents from various sources and adapt them to the specific platform requirements, maintaining both ease of obtaining and platform versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing platform-specific adaptations of subcomponents. Different operating systems receive customized versions or configurations of subcomponents tailored to their specific requirements, while the overall system maintains a unified approach to obtaining and managing these components
Data Source
AI summary
A method for platform-agnostic software installation involves obtaining a knowledge package, where the knowledge package includes guidelines for obtaining and installing software deliverables. The method further involves obtaining a profile, where the profile includes platform-agnostic data indicating a desired system state. The method further involves distributing the knowledge package and the profile to a first managed host and a second managed host, where the first managed host has a first operating system platform, and where the second managed host has a second operating system platform. The method further involves filtering the profile based on the knowledge package to obtain a first platform-specific profile for the first managed host and a second platform-specific profile for the second managed host, updating the first managed host to the desired system state using the first platform-specific profile, and updating the second managed host to the desired system state using the second platform-specific profile.