Pre-configured Machine Image Deployment

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of setting up and configuring computing instances in a service provider environment using virtualization technology is complex and time-consuming, requiring hours or days, and involves learning and implementing best practices for security and other features, which can be a deterrent for customers due to increased complexity, time, and cost.

Innovation Solution

A method for rapid deployment of computing instances involves instantiating a base computing instance, building an application layer, creating a machine image, and applying customer-defined configurations, allowing customers to quickly set up enterprise software using pre-built machine images and snapshots, reducing the need for manual installation and configuration processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If computing instances are set up using traditional virtualization technology with manual installation and configuration, then security and availability features can be implemented, but the process consumes hours or days and increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity and availabilityVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring computing instances with desired software applications, security settings, and configurations before customer deployment. Machine images are prepared in advance with applications installed and configured, so when a customer deploys an instance, it is already ready to use without requiring hours or days of manual setup. This resolves the contradiction by performing the time-consuming configuration work beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating machine images that can be replicated and deployed multiple times. Instead of manually installing and configuring applications each time a new computing instance is created, the pre-configured machine image is copied to new instances, instantly providing security and availability features without repeated manual setup. This eliminates the time loss while maintaining reliable security configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If computing instances are set up with full manual installation and configuration processes, then complete control over security and features is achieved, but the complexity and time consumption deter customers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration controlVSAvoidsetup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring computing instances with desired software applications, security settings, and configurations before customer deployment. Machine images are prepared in advance with applications installed and configured, so when a customer deploys an instance, it is already ready to use without requiring hours or days of manual setup. This resolves the contradiction by performing the time-consuming configuration work beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing customers to automatically deploy pre-configured machine images through a simplified interface. Customers can select from available machine images and deploy them without needing to manually install applications or configure security settings. The system automatically handles the deployment process, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability through customizable machine image selections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If traditional manual setup processes are used for computing instances, then comprehensive software installation is possible, but the process requires hours or days completing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware installationVSAvoiddeployment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring computing instances with desired software applications, security settings, and configurations before customer deployment. Machine images are prepared in advance with applications installed and configured, so when a customer deploys an instance, it is already ready to use without requiring hours or days of manual setup. This resolves the contradiction by performing the time-consuming configuration work beforehand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses copying by creating machine images that can be replicated and deployed multiple times. Instead of manually installing and configuring applications each time a new computing instance is created, the pre-configured machine image is copied to new instances, instantly providing security and availability features without repeated manual setup. This eliminates the time loss while maintaining reliable security configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS10324701B1Rapid deployment of computing instances

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Technology for rapid deployment of computing instances from images is provided. In one example, a method may include instantiating a base computing instance and building an application layer on the base computing instance to create a modified computing instance. A machine image of the modified computing instance may be saved. The modified computing instance may be instantiated based on the machine image and a customer-defined configuration may be applied to the modified computing instance to obtain a configured computing instance.