Policy-Based Resource Allocation in Cloud Services
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of configuration options for resource allocation in cloud computing environments, such as virtual computing services, can overwhelm users and providers, leading to difficulties in selecting appropriate settings and managing resource usage effectively, especially with the increasing number of features and versions of hardware and software.
Innovation Solution
Implementing parameter selection policies (PSPs) that allow clients and providers to define conditions and parameter values for resource requests, enabling the generation of effective parameter value lists to simplify resource allocation and manage resource usage according to business goals and objectives, while allowing for flexibility and automatic updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple configuration options and features are added to virtual computing services, then service functionality and capabilities are improved, but user complexity and difficulty in selecting appropriate settings increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex configuration process into two distinct layers: policy definition (by administrators) and policy execution (by the virtual computing service). This segmentation separates the complexity of managing multiple configuration options from the user experience, allowing administrators to define comprehensive policies while users interact with simplified interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces policy definitions as an intermediary layer between administrators and users. These policies act as mediators that automatically translate user resource requests into appropriately configured virtual computing instances, eliminating the need for users to directly navigate complex configuration options while still enabling comprehensive service functionality.
2Productivity
If administrators enforce rules or goals with respect to resource allocations, then resource management control is improved, but user flexibility in configuring resources decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic policy application where the same resource request can be subject to different policies based on the user's organization or context. Policies can be selectively applied to different user groups, allowing administrators to enforce rules where needed while preserving user flexibility for other cases. The system dynamically determines which policies apply to each request rather than applying a static set of constraints to all users.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hardware and software versions are upgraded frequently, then service capabilities and performance are improved, but complexity in maintaining compatibility and managing updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining policies that specify desired configuration states for virtual computing instances. When hardware or software is upgraded, the system automatically applies these pre-defined policies to ensure instances are configured appropriately for the new infrastructure, eliminating the need for manual compatibility management and allowing frequent upgrades without increasing operational complexity.
4Ease of operation
If comprehensive configuration options are provided for all users, then user autonomy and customization are improved, but system complexity and overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of configuration access to different user groups. Organizational administrators receive full access to define comprehensive policies with all configuration options, while standard users interact with simplified interfaces that present only the configuration options relevant to their needs. This localized approach to configuration complexity allows comprehensive options where needed while maintaining simplicity for the majority of users.
Data Source
AI summary
A control-plane component of a network-accessible service receives an indication that a resource request has been submitted by a client. The component determines, based at least in part on metadata associated with the client, that a first parameter selection policy (PSP) of one or more PSPs created for the service is applicable. The first PSP includes a condition set to determine applicability, and a value set indicating parameter values to be used to fulfill resource requests to which the PSP applies. Using the value set, an effective parameter value list for one or more operations to be performed to allocate the requested resource is generated, and the allocation operations are initiated.