Multi-tenant SaaS Connector Deployment via Virtual Machine Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SaaS platforms face inefficiencies and security concerns due to the need for separate device installations for each tenant, which complicates the provision of cloud services and limits the quality of service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tenant SaaS platform and method for automated deployment of a connector application that uses a service connector package to deploy virtual machines, eliminating the need for separate device installations and enabling secure, efficient cloud service delivery by connecting tenants and service providers directly through virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices (appliances) are installed for each tenant to provide specialized services, then service customization and tenant-specific functionality are improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual machine images as copyable templates that can be rapidly deployed to multiple tenants. Instead of installing separate physical devices, the system creates virtual copies of standardized appliance images, each configured for specific services. This allows service customization through image selection and configuration parameters while maintaining a standardized deployment process, thus improving adaptability without increasing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal appliance image that can serve multiple tenants with different service requirements. The virtual machine image is designed to be multi-functional, supporting various cloud services (storage, computing, networking) through software configuration rather than hardware differentiation. This universal image can be deployed across different tenant environments, providing service customization through software while simplifying the deployment infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are installed for each tenant, then tenant-specific services are improved, but security risks and stability concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud service broker as an intermediary layer between tenants and service providers. The broker manages the deployment and configuration of virtual appliance images, ensuring that each tenant receives appropriately configured services through a controlled intermediary process. This intermediary layer enforces security policies, validates configurations, and manages the connection between tenants and service providers, thereby improving security stability while maintaining tenant-specific service capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By using standardized virtual machine images as copies, the system ensures that each tenant receives a security-tested, pre-configured appliance image. These copied images undergo centralized security validation before deployment, reducing the risk of configuration errors and security vulnerabilities. The copy mechanism ensures consistency and reliability across multiple tenant deployments while allowing customization through controlled configuration parameters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual device installation is performed for each tenant, then service deployment flexibility is improved, but deployment time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated self-service deployment mechanisms where the cloud service broker automatically provisions, configures, and deploys virtual appliance images to tenants without manual intervention. The system uses automated configuration management to adapt services to tenant requirements based on service level agreements and tenant specifications. This self-service automation maintains deployment flexibility through configurable parameters while dramatically improving deployment efficiency by eliminating manual installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration and validation of appliance images before actual deployment. Service templates and configuration parameters are pre-configured and validated in advance, allowing rapid deployment when tenants subscribe to services. This preliminary action ensures that deployment flexibility is maintained through pre-configured options while improving efficiency by eliminating on-the-spot configuration work during the actual deployment process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SaaS providers serve respective tenants independently, then service provider autonomy is improved, but service integration and tenant experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cloud service broker acts as an intermediary that connects multiple SaaS providers with their respective tenants through a unified platform. The broker manages service orchestration, ensuring that each provider maintains autonomy over their service logic while the broker handles integration, authentication, and coordination. This intermediary layer enables service providers to operate independently with full autonomy while the broker ensures seamless integration and consistent tenant experience across multiple providers.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-tenant software as a service (SaaS) platform for automatic deployment of a connector application, and a method for automatic deployment of a connector application in a multi-tenant software as a service (SaaS) platform, the method including: deploying a tenant service connector package to a tenant among a plurality of tenants, the tenant service connector package being a package configured to cause a tenant virtual machine to be created in order to provide a service to at least one tenant of the plurality of tenants in a virtual machine form; activating the tenant virtual machine through execution of the tenant service connector package in the tenant that receives the tenant service connector package; forming a connection channel between a virtual machine of the SaaS platform and the tenant virtual machine; and providing the service between the SaaS platform and the at least one tenant through the formed connection channel.