Resource Group Configuration via Automatic Discovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for managing resource groups in computer systems face challenges such as inability to modify or delete existing resource groups, requirement for administrators to log on to each node, manual input for resource identification, lack of validation for resource groups, inflexibility in resource configuration, and limited user interfaces for monitoring and creation.

Innovation Solution

The system provides tools for automatic discovery and creation of resource groups, allows configuration without logging onto each node, enables modification and deletion of resource groups, performs validation at creation time, and offers customizable graphical user interfaces for monitoring and creation, facilitating flexible resource configuration and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If administrators manually configure resource groups by logging onto each node, then resource identification can be performed, but administrative time and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource identification accuracyVSAvoidadministrative time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic discovery of resources and their configurations without requiring administrator intervention on each node. The resource group configuration system autonomously identifies resources, retrieves their configurations, and populates the resource group definition, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual administrator input for each resource.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual logging onto each node with an automated electronic discovery mechanism. The system uses automated protocols to discover resources, retrieve their configurations remotely, and populate the resource group definition without physical or manual intervention, substituting automated software mechanisms for manual administrative actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If resource groups are created without validation, then creation process is faster, but errors and invalid configurations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource group creation speedVSAvoidconfiguration validity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs validation checks on the resource group definition before final creation occurs. The validation process checks whether specified resources exist, whether configurations are syntactically correct, and whether the resource group definition is complete. This preliminary validation prevents invalid configurations from being created, ensuring reliability before the creation is finalized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If resource group configurations are fixed after creation, then system stability is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration stabilityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows resource group configurations to be modified after creation. Administrators can add or remove resources from existing resource groups, update configuration parameters, and revalidate the changes. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to changing requirements while maintaining stability through controlled modification processes and validation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If detailed manual input is required for each resource, then configuration precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoidadministrative ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically discovers resources and retrieves their configurations without requiring manual input from administrators. The automatic discovery mechanism identifies available resources, and the system remotely retrieves configuration details from each resource, populating the resource group definition automatically. This self-service approach maintains configuration precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual administrative input mechanisms with automated electronic discovery and configuration retrieval. Instead of administrators manually specifying each resource and its parameters, the system uses automated protocols to discover resources and extract their configurations, substituting electronic automation for manual data entry while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7483968B1System and method for configuring resource groups

Publication Date: 2009.01.27 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A system and method for managing resource groups in a computer system having automatic availability capability is shown. In one embodiment, a method is provided which may be performed in a computer system comprising a plurality of resources, a monitor for monitoring the plurality of resources, a first computer comprising at least one of the plurality of resources, and a second computer connected to the first computer by at least one communication medium. The method, performed by an administrator, comprises configuring a resource group that comprises the at least one of the plurality of resources via the second computer, without the administrator logging into the first computer.