Application Platform Version Update via Parallel API Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Updating an application platform in a medical data processing system is complex and time-consuming due to compatibility issues with existing applications, often resulting in significant downtime and increased workload, as changes to the platform's API specifications or behavior can render previous versions incompatible.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an update module that checks the compatibility of new and old API versions, allowing for parallel installation of multiple versions and ensuring that applications can access compatible APIs, thereby reducing the need for immediate migration and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the application platform is updated to a new version, then the platform provides improved functions and performance, but the compatibility with existing applications is compromised due to changes in API specifications and behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the application platform into multiple co-existing versions (old version and new version) that can run simultaneously. Each version maintains its own API implementation, allowing applications to be assigned to specific versions based on compatibility requirements. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling platform updates while preserving compatibility for existing applications through version-specific API bindings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer (the version management mechanism) that sits between the applications and the API implementations. This intermediary automatically selects which version of the API to bind to based on the application's requirements, eliminating the need for applications to directly depend on specific API versions. This mediator resolves the compatibility conflict by transparently managing version assignments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all applications are migrated to the new platform version to ensure compatibility, then the new platform version can be fully utilized, but the workload and time required for migration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete migration of all applications to the new platform version, the system enables partial action where only select applications are migrated while others continue running on the old version. The version management mechanism handles the coexistence and routing automatically, allowing organizations to migrate at their own pace without forcing full migration, thus reducing the time and effort burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service functionality where the version management mechanism automatically assigns applications to appropriate API versions without requiring manual intervention or complex migration scripts. The system autonomously handles version compatibility detection and binding, significantly reducing the manual workload associated with migration activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the application platform is updated, then newer features and improvements are available, but the system experiences significant downtime during the update process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by installing and preparing the new platform version in parallel with the existing version before any switching occurs. The new version is pre-configured and validated while the old version continues to serve applications. This preliminary preparation eliminates downtime because the transition to the new version becomes a simple binding change rather than a disruptive reinstall or replacement operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuity of useful action by ensuring that applications continue to run on the old version while the new version is being prepared and installed. The version management mechanism ensures uninterrupted service by keeping the old version active throughout the update process, allowing the new version to be deployed without causing system downtime or service interruption.
Data Source
AI summary
An application platform is disclosed together with a method for operating a data processing arrangement on which the application platform is implemented along with at least one application which is executable on the application platform by accessing at least one programming interface of the application platform. In at least one embodiment, in the course of a change of version of the application platform or of a part of the platform, a check is carried out by way of an update module to determine whether a newly-to-be-installed more recent version of the application platform or of the part of the platform is consistent with the existing older version of the application platform or of the part of the platform in terms of the interface specification and/or the behavior of the or each programming interface. If necessary, the update module overwrites the older version with the more recent version. Otherwise the update module installs the more recent version or at least its programming interface in parallel with the existing version or its programming interface.