Server Environment Conversion to Container-Based Implementations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional server environments require separate servers for different functions, leading to complex management and maintenance, and are inefficient in resource usage compared to container-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A system converts existing server environments into container-based modules that can be deployed locally or in the cloud, using an archive of configuration data to translate settings and select appropriate container modules, allowing for dynamic resource allocation and efficient management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate servers are used for different functions, then reliability and isolation are improved, but device complexity and resource efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic server into multiple isolated containers, each handling specific functions (web server, database, application server). This segmentation maintains functional isolation and reliability while organizing services into manageable units that can be independently configured, deployed, and maintained, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal container platform that can host multiple different server functions simultaneously. The containerization infrastructure provides a common foundation for running diverse applications (web servers, databases, mail servers, etc.) on shared hardware, enabling multi-functionality while simplifying management through unified control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If separate servers are used for different functions, then functional isolation is improved, but resource efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate server functions into a single consolidated system using containerization. Different applications (web server, database, mail server) are combined into one physical or virtual server infrastructure, allowing shared use of hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, network) while maintaining functional isolation through container boundaries, thereby significantly improving resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where containerized applications can dynamically request and release resources as needed. The container platform dynamically manages resource distribution among different applications based on current workload demands, enabling efficient resource utilization while maintaining functional isolation through dynamic container orchestration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional server environments are used, then compatibility with existing applications is improved, but adaptability to new deployment models deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces containerization technology as an intermediary layer between existing applications and the underlying infrastructure. This intermediary approach allows legacy applications to run in isolated containers without modification, while providing a standardized interface for deployment, management, and migration to new environments (cloud, hybrid, on-premises), thereby improving deployment flexibility without requiring application rewriting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software images as copyable templates that encapsulate application configurations, dependencies, and runtime environments. These images can be copied and deployed consistently across different platforms and environments, enabling rapid replication of server configurations and facilitating easy migration between traditional and modern deployment models without manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for conversion and restoration of computer environments to container-based implementations. In some implementations, an archive of configuration data for a server system is obtained, where the server system includes at least one application. A set of multiple software images is generated, where the multiple software images are generated such that they divide the functionality of at least one application among the respective containers. In generating the set of multiple software images, settings of the at least one application are identified based on the configuration data in the archive, a subset of the settings is selected for each of the software images, and the selected subsets of settings are converted into converted subsets of settings for the respective software images.