Rule-Based Configuration Service for Dynamic User Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems require modifying and updating application code to manage configuration data for different users, which is inefficient and costly, especially in environments where changes need approval from third parties.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a rule-based configuration system using a blob network service that dynamically selects and provides customized configuration data to clients based on user-specific criteria, allowing for real-time updates without altering the application code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If application code is modified to manage configuration data for different users, then configuration management capability is improved, but development time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts configuration management logic from the application code and places it in an external configuration service. The configuration data and user-specific rules are separated from the core application, allowing independent modification of configuration without requiring application code changes or recompilation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary configuration service that acts as a mediator between the application and configuration data. This service handles all configuration management, user-specific logic, and data retrieval, allowing the application to remain unchanged while providing sophisticated configuration management capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If application code is updated to modify configuration logic, then configuration flexibility is improved, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration logic is extracted from the application and deployed as a separate service. This allows configuration flexibility to be improved through service updates without requiring application redeployment, simplifying the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration service is pre-configured with user-specific rules and logic before the application runs. Configuration data is prepared in advance with all necessary user segmentation and selection criteria, eliminating the need for complex deployment-time configuration activities.
3Reliability
If third-party approval is required for application changes, then system control is improved, but update speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Configuration management is extracted from the controlled application code environment and placed in an external service that can be updated independently. This allows configuration changes to be made and deployed without requiring third-party approval processes, dramatically increasing update speed while maintaining system control through the configured rules.
4Device complexity
If configuration data is hardcoded in application, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary configuration service is introduced that maintains system simplicity from the application's perspective while providing sophisticated user-specific configuration capabilities. The application simply queries the service, which handles all the complexity of user-specific rule evaluation and configuration data retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide rule-based application configuration using a network service. A configuration parameter associated with an application includes a rule that specifies configuration data based on one or more criteria, such as by selecting a configuration value from a plurality of available configuration values. A request for configuration data corresponding to the configuration parameter is received from a client. The request includes one or more criteria describing a user associated with the client. Customized configuration data is determined based on the rule and the criteria of the request, and the customized configuration data is provided to the client. The client executes the application (e.g., a game) based on the customized configuration data.