Reversible Software Update Activation via Switch Framework
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current enhancement package systems in multi-client computer systems often cause disruption and lack the ability to reverse changes effectively, as new functionality may overwrite or alter existing configuration data, making it difficult to assess and undo installations in a cost- and time-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reversible activation method using a switch framework that allows for the creation of a test client with isolated logical values and user data, enabling non-disruptive testing and easy reversal of updates, while maintaining productive system integrity by separating test and productive client environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If enhancement packages are installed to provide new functionality, then software capabilities are improved, but system disruption increases and reversibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the enhancement package installation process into distinct phases: a reversible test phase where changes can be undone, and a final deployment phase. This segmentation allows new functionality to be tested in isolation from the productive system, reducing overall system disruption while maintaining capability improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary testing of enhancement packages in a separate test client before deploying to the productive system. This preliminary action allows identification and resolution of issues before they affect the productive system, reducing disruption while enabling capability improvements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If enhancement packages overwrite existing configuration data, then new functionality is implemented, but ability to reverse changes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the configuration data and system state from the productive client before testing enhancement packages. By taking out the data and creating a separate test environment, the system can experiment with new functionality without permanently overwriting productive system configurations, maintaining reversibility through the ability to discard test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state parameter of enhancement packages from permanently applied to temporarily applicable during testing. By modifying how enhancement packages are applied (reversibly in test mode vs. permanently in productive mode), the system enables new functionality exploration without losing the ability to revert changes.
3Reliability
If testing is performed in the productive system, then integration is ensured, but operational disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the productive client's configuration data and system state in a separate test client. This copying enables testing of enhancement packages with integrated data relationships without disrupting the actual productive system operations, maintaining integration verification while eliminating operational disruption.
4Stability of the object's composition
If configuration data is shared across clients, then consistency is maintained, but testing isolation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data access architecture by introducing client-specific data isolation layers. While configuration data remains consistent across clients through the enhancement package framework, test clients are segmented to operate on isolated data copies, enabling both data consistency maintenance and testing isolation simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention may provide “undo” (e.g., rollback) features, along with data management simplification features, to an update package model of software suite development/evolution. New functions, which may have disruption effects for customers, may be installed into the core configuration data with inactive switches. Upon activation, a switch status may change, and a query filter may use the activated function (e.g., as associated with the switch ID). Original functions may be maintained, giving the user the ability to deactivate an activated function, and thereby reverting the system back to the prior configuration status.