Platform-Independent Application Descriptor for Automated Lifecycle Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems face challenges in automating the development, delivery, deployment, and operation of applications due to distributed information and lack of machine-readable formats, making it difficult to manage resources and configurations across various stages of the application lifecycle.
Innovation Solution
A platform-independent application descriptor is used to collect and store information in a structured, machine-readable format, enabling automated data retrieval and configuration across different stages and platforms, with an API for dynamic updates and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If information is distributed across multiple formats and locations, then the application can be accessed by various users and stages, but it becomes challenging to manage resources and configurations automatically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines scattered application information into a single machine-readable descriptor file that consolidates metadata, configuration parameters, and resource information. This merging enables automated access and management while maintaining versatility for different users and stages through structured data organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The descriptor file acts as an intermediary between various application stages and resources. It provides a standardized interface that enables automated tools to retrieve and manage configuration information without direct access to distributed sources, thereby enabling automation while preserving multi-user accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If information is stored in non-machine-readable formats, then human readability is maintained, but automated retrieval and configuration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms information from non-machine-readable formats into a machine-readable descriptor file with structured parameters. The descriptor uses standardized data formats (such as JSON, XML, or YAML) that maintain human readability while enabling automated parsing and retrieval by tools and systems.
3Device complexity
If a single descriptor file is used across multiple platforms, then deployment complexity is reduced, but platform-specific configurations may be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The descriptor file is segmented into platform-independent core configuration and platform-specific configuration sections. This segmentation allows a single descriptor to serve multiple platforms by providing common settings while enabling platform-specific overrides or extensions without increasing overall deployment complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for development, deliver, deployment and operation of an application includes at least one memory including instructions on a computing device and at least one processor on the computing device. The processor is operably coupled to the at least one memory and is arranged and configured to execute the instructions that, when executed, cause the processor to implement an application within a platform associated with a namespace for the platform, where the platform is one platform of a plurality of platforms. The processor implements a descriptor having an identifier that uniquely associates the descriptor with the application, where the descriptor comprises a single file that is platform independent and that includes a plurality of namespaces and application-specific attributes for each of the namespaces to enable the application to operate on multiple different platforms using the same descriptor.