Centralized Server Configuration Management Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current system management procedures for large-scale data processing systems are inefficient and error-prone, particularly when configuring multiple similar but not identical servers for redundancy and high availability, as they lack a systematic method to update configurations across all systems without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A configuration management tool that compares and reports differences in system configurations, allows for the creation of locally adapted configurations, and enables attribute-based management to control interactions between data processing systems and clients, using XML as a common format for consolidation and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a generic configuration is customized and deployed to multiple servers, then each server can be configured efficiently, but updating a common parameter across all servers requires manual connection to each machine which is time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges configuration management across multiple servers by maintaining a centralized repository of configuration files. The system consolidates configuration data from multiple servers into a single master configuration file, allowing administrators to update all servers simultaneously through a single centralized update operation rather than manually connecting to each server individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management system provides universal functionality by implementing a centralized configuration repository that serves multiple servers simultaneously. A single configuration file can be applied across numerous servers, and a single update operation can propagate changes system-wide, making the system multi-functional in managing configurations for an arbitrary number of servers.
2Reliability
If servers are configured to provide redundancy and high availability with consistent configurations, then system reliability improves, but configuration drift and errors may occur due to manual updates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by periodically comparing configuration files across multiple servers to detect drift. The configuration management tool automatically identifies discrepancies between servers and alerts administrators, enabling corrective action to restore consistency. This continuous monitoring and feedback loop prevents configuration drift from compromising system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a master configuration file that defines the desired state before deployment. Configuration changes are prepared and validated in advance against the master configuration before being applied to servers. This preliminary validation prevents erroneous configurations from being deployed, maintaining configuration consistency and system reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration management is used for diverse geographical locations, then local adaptations can be made, but the complexity of managing similar systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system segments configuration parameters into hierarchical categories: global parameters in the master configuration file that apply to all servers, and local parameters that can be customized per server or location. This segmentation allows local adaptations at specific segments while maintaining centralized control over global parameters, reducing management complexity through structured organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements local quality by allowing specific configuration parameters to be customized for local conditions while maintaining consistency for critical parameters across all servers. The configuration management tool enables administrators to override specific parameters at local locations while inheriting the majority of configuration from the master file, providing targeted local adaptation without increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of obtaining and comparing data processing system configurations, and producing reports of differences between the configurations, where the configurations include elements to control access from a remote client to a storage facility of a data processing system, are described. Systems to receive and alter a configuration based on local conditions, and to use the altered configuration to control data exchange logic are also described. Software to display configuration elements, identify differences between configurations, and attach attributes to configuration elements is also described.