Server Migration via Application State Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional server migration methods require significant downtime as they involve stopping applications, shutting down operating systems, and physically replacing components, which is undesirable for critical applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize an agent to capture and transfer application state information from one processing server to another while both servers are operational, allowing seamless migration with minimal downtime by recreating the application state on the target server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional server migration methods are used (stopping applications, shutting down operating systems, physically replacing components), then component replacement can be completed, but significant downtime occurs and application availability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing application state information (memory contents, register states, program counters) from the source processing server before migration occurs. This pre-captured state information is then transferred to the target processing server, allowing the application to resume execution seamlessly without requiring full system shutdown or lengthy reinitialization procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs copying by creating a replica of the application state information from the source processing server and transferring it to the target processing server. Instead of physically moving components or performing complex reconfiguration, the system copies the essential execution state (memory contents, processor registers, program counter values) enabling the target server to continue application execution as if no migration occurred.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical component replacement is performed in conventional servers, then hardware can be upgraded or replaced, but the system must be shut down and applications stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical/physical component replacement with an information-based migration process. Instead of physically disconnecting and reconnecting processing servers, disks, or network interfaces, the system transfers application state information through the control server's communication fabric. This eliminates the need for physical hot-swapping operations and associated system shutdowns while maintaining the ability to replace components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control server acts as an intermediary that facilitates the migration process. It captures application state information from the source processing server, stores it temporarily, and transfers it to the target processing server. This intermediary role eliminates the need for direct physical connection changes between components, allowing seamless migration without system shutdown.
3Ease of operation
If virtualization is implemented to improve flexibility, then components can be replaced without physical intervention, but complex software management is required to track and control component connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential application state information from the complex virtualized environment and transfers it directly between processing servers through the control server. By focusing only on the critical execution state (memory contents, register values, program counters) rather than managing entire virtual machine configurations or component connection mappings, the system simplifies the migration process while maintaining virtualization benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for migration of an application between processing servers in a virtual server. The system includes a first processing server, a second processing server, at least one disk for storage, at least one network interface, a control server and an agent. The control server is operable to combine the first processing server with the network interface and disk into the virtual server to operate an application. The agent is coupled to the control server to promote capture from the first processing server of application state information related to execution of the application by the first processing server. The agent further promotes transfer of at least some of the captured application state information to the second processing server to enable the second processing server to execute the application using the at least some of the captured application state information.