Pluggable Management Console UI Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Developing a browser-based, unified user interface for multi-chassis management of information handling systems is challenging due to the absence of a common platform for disparate development teams to integrate their solutions.

Innovation Solution

An information handling system that includes a processor and memory with program instructions to read plug-in configuration data, call pluggable modules, and integrate user interface features into the management console application, allowing for seamless user interface modifications and enhancements without modifying the existing software stack.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a unified user interface is developed for multi-chassis management, then system management capability is improved, but development complexity increases due to disparate development teams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified user interface capabilityVSAvoiddevelopment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user interface is segmented into modular components that can be independently developed and assembled. Different development teams can work on separate UI modules (chassis management, device management, monitoring functions) which are then integrated through a common framework, reducing overall development complexity while maintaining unified interface capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A universal base platform is created that provides common functionality for all chassis and devices. This platform includes standardized communication protocols, shared configuration management, and common UI frameworks that multiple development teams can leverage, allowing each team to focus on specific features rather than rebuilding foundational elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pluggable modules are integrated into the management console, then user interface functionality is extended, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interface functionalityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a nested architecture where pluggable modules are contained within the management console framework. Each module is a self-contained unit with defined interfaces that nest into the broader console structure, allowing functionality to be extended without exposing the underlying system complexity to users or other modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary layer is introduced between the pluggable modules and the core management console. This intermediary handles module registration, configuration, and communication routing, shielding the core system from the complexity of managing multiple disparate modules while enabling extended functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10579575B2Systems and methods of management console user interface pluggability

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by the processor, cause the processor to (i) read plug-in configuration data setting forth data regarding user interface modifications to be made to a user interface of a management console application; (ii) based on the plug-in configuration data, call one or more pluggable modules; and (iii) integrate user interface features defined by the plug-in configuration data and the one or more pluggable modules into the user interface of the management console application.