Server Provisioning via Bootstrap Code Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current provisioning methods in data centers lack mechanisms for self-configuration of operating environments and self-scrubbing procedures, making it difficult to efficiently accommodate multiple tenants and applications, leading to slow and error-prone server provisioning processes.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that sends a server identifier to a management server to identify a designated operating environment, receives bootstrap code, and compares the local operating environment to the designated one, initiating a final boot sequence based on the comparison, enabling quick and automated provisioning and re-provisioning of servers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional provisioning methods are used, then user control and flexibility are maintained, but provisioning speed and automation are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning speedVSAvoidmanual intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The server is equipped with a self-scrubbing mechanism that automatically detects provisioning failures and re-executes the provisioning process without manual intervention. The system monitors its own state and autonomously corrects errors, enabling rapid re-provisioning while maintaining high automation levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The provisioning system pre-configures scrubbing procedures and failure detection mechanisms before provisioning occurs. Bootstrap code and provisioning scripts are prepared in advance with embedded error handling, allowing the system to quickly recover from failures without requiring manual troubleshooting or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual provisioning procedures are used, then error detection is possible, but provisioning time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprovisioning accuracyVSAvoidprovisioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where the server monitors provisioning status, detects failures through self-scrubbing mechanisms, and automatically re-executes provisioning steps. This closed-loop control ensures high reliability by detecting and correcting errors while maintaining rapid provisioning through automated retry logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Manual error detection and correction procedures are replaced with automated software-based self-scrubbing mechanisms. The system uses bootstrap code and automated monitoring scripts to detect provisioning failures and trigger re-provisioning, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining or improving error detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If servers are re-assigned from low-demand to high-demand applications, then resource utilization improves, but provisioning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveserver utilizationVSAvoidprovisioning process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The self-scrubbing provisioning mechanism is designed as a universal solution that works across different application types and server configurations. The same automated error detection and re-provisioning logic handles re-assignment from any low-demand application to any high-demand application, reducing provisioning complexity through standardization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Provisioning scripts and bootstrap code are pre-configured with embedded error handling and recovery logic. When servers are re-assigned, the pre-prepared self-scrubbing mechanisms automatically detect and correct provisioning issues without requiring complex manual reconfiguration, simplifying the re-assignment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8332496B2Provisioning of operating environments on a server in a networked environment

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

The illustrative embodiments disclose a process for provisioning a server on a network. In one embodiment, the process sends a server identifier to a management server in response to receiving a boot command. The management server uses the server identifier for identifying a designated operating environment for the server to form a designated operating environment identifier. The process then receives, from the management server, the designated operating environment identifier and a first bootstrap code. The process uses the first bootstrap code to extract information for identifying a local operating environment on the server. Thereafter, the process compares the local operating environment to the designated operating environment and initiates a final boot sequence of the server based on the comparison of the local operating environment and the designated operating environment.