Dynamic Server License Transfer for Resource Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server software licensing models often lead to over-provisioning due to fixed resource allocations, resulting in wasteful resource usage and increased costs, as they do not efficiently manage resource reallocation between partitions and servers.
Innovation Solution
A server workload management system that enables software-controlled reallocation of hardware resources between partitions within a server and inter-server transfers of software license rights, using workload managers to monitor conditions, request resources, and manage licenses dynamically, ensuring compliance and optimizing resource utilization across multiple servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software licenses are based on maximum hardware resources that can be allocated to a partition, then license compliance is ensured, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates due to over-provisioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license management where license rights are not fixed to specific partitions but can be transferred between partitions based on real-time resource allocation. The system continuously monitors hardware resource assignments and automatically adjusts license assignments to match current partition configurations, transforming the static license model into a dynamic one that adapts to changing resource distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of license assignment from being tied to maximum possible resources to being tied to actual allocated resources. By monitoring the current state of partition resource allocation and adjusting license rights accordingly, the system ensures compliance based on actual usage rather than potential usage, eliminating the need to provision for maximum scenarios.
2Device complexity
If hardware resources are fixed to partitions, then license management is simplified, but adaptability deteriorates as resources cannot be reallocated dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors hardware resource allocation states and uses this information to automatically adjust license assignments. The workload manager or licensing system detects changes in partition resource assignments and triggers corresponding license transfers, creating a closed-loop system that maintains compliance without manual intervention while adapting to dynamic resource reallocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-service license management where the licensing infrastructure autonomously handles license transfers between partitions based on monitored resource allocation changes. Rather than requiring manual license reassignment when resources are reallocated, the system automatically detects the need for license transfers and executes them, reducing operational complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If manual intervention is used to change partition hardware resources, then control precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated resource allocation systems that self-manage partition resource assignments and corresponding license transfers. The system automatically detects when resource reallocation is needed, determines the appropriate license transfers required, and executes both operations without manual intervention, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precise control through automated compliance verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback monitoring of partition resource states to trigger automated reallocation operations. When monitoring detects conditions warranting resource changes, the system automatically initiates the reallocation process and corresponding license transfers, maintaining precise control through rule-based decision-making while eliminating manual operation delays.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for intra-server transfer of hardware resources involving inter-server transfers of software license rights.