Run-Time Network Management Application Customization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management applications are inflexible and require lengthy development cycles for customization, making it difficult for administrators to meet specific requirements and adapt to changing network conditions without incurring significant costs and maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for run-time customization of network management applications, allowing administrators to create and modify applications using definition files and user-defined scripts, enabling customization without downtime or long lead times, and leveraging an application creation framework for flexibility in data retrieval, presentation, and command execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network management applications are predefined by developers to manage common network elements, then the applications can be deployed quickly with standard functionality, but they cannot satisfy specific network administrator requirements without lengthy customization cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The network management application is segmented into modular components including data retrieval modules, presentation modules, and command execution modules. Each module can be independently configured through definition files, allowing administrators to assemble customized applications from predefined building blocks without requiring full application redevelopment.
Solution Approach 2:
The application framework enables dynamic configuration where definition files can be modified at runtime to adapt application behavior. This allows the system to transition from static predefined applications to dynamically adjustable applications that respond to specific administrator requirements without redeployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If developers customize network management applications to meet specific network administrator requirements, then the applications can satisfy unique needs, but the process is slow and expensive with long delivery cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by providing a comprehensive framework with pre-built modules and definition file templates that administrators can configure immediately. This eliminates the need to start customization from scratch, dramatically reducing delivery cycles from months to hours or days.
Solution Approach 2:
Administrators can copy and reuse definition file templates and module configurations across different applications and networks. This copying mechanism allows rapid replication of successful customizations without requiring developers to recreate solutions, reducing both time and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customized network management applications are developed to fulfill unique requirements, then specific needs are met, but ongoing maintenance and bug fixing by developers become necessary expenses
Solution Approach 1:
The framework enables self-service customization where administrators can independently modify definition files and reconfigure applications without developer intervention. This transfers maintenance capability from developers to administrators, eliminating ongoing developer expenses for bug fixes and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework provides universal tools and modules that can be applied across multiple applications and scenarios. A single set of framework components serves multiple customization needs, reducing the overall complexity and maintenance burden compared to maintaining separate customized applications.
4Productivity
If developers create multiple predefined applications to cover different network administrator needs, then some requirements may be met, but it is not possible to fulfill all unique requirements with a single or multiple predefined applications
Solution Approach 1:
The framework achieves universality by providing a core set of reusable modules and configuration mechanisms that can be combined to address diverse requirements. A single framework installation can generate multiple customized applications, each tailored to specific needs while sharing common infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static predefined applications to dynamic configuration where the same framework can adapt to different requirements through definition file modifications. This dynamic capability allows one framework to serve multiple purposes that previously required separate applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an application-building tool for creating and customizing a network management application in a network defined by a plurality of network elements are provided. The customization of the network management application includes providing a customized definition file Further, the customized definition file is associated with the network management application at run time. Thereafter, the network management application is executed within a framework.