Automated Server Update Coordination via Segmented Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distributed computing environments, maintaining scalability, availability, and performance while managing heterogeneous computing resources that require software updates is complex, especially due to differences in devices and the need to minimize customer impact during deployments.
Innovation Solution
A deployment subsystem coordinates software updates across server computer systems, using update scripts to manage operations such as generating redundant data copies and scheduling updates to minimize downtime, and maintains a wait list for systems that fail initial updates to retry without affecting overall service availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If software updates are deployed to all server computer systems simultaneously, then update speed is improved, but service availability deteriorates due to potential failures and downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fleet of server computer systems into multiple groups or cohorts, deploying updates to each segment sequentially rather than simultaneously. This allows the update process to progress through the fleet in controlled waves, maintaining service availability while achieving comprehensive updates over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary testing and validation steps before full-scale deployment. Update scripts are tested on subset systems first, and only after successful validation are they propagated to the broader fleet. This preliminary action prevents widespread failures and maintains service availability.
2Reliability
If software updates are deployed to ensure high availability, then service continuity is improved, but update completion time worsens due to systematic failure handling and retries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-healing mechanisms where the update system automatically detects failures, retries updates on affected systems, and recovers from errors without manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains service continuity while systematically addressing update failures, reducing the overall time loss compared to manual recovery processes.
3Ease of operation
If heterogeneous computing resources are managed with uniform update procedures, then deployment simplicity is improved, but update effectiveness worsens due to device differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by tailoring update procedures to specific device characteristics. Update scripts are customized or configured based on the heterogeneous nature of individual server systems, addressing device-specific requirements while maintaining overall deployment manageability. This ensures update effectiveness across diverse hardware and software environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployment subsystem provides updates to an application and/or software executed by server computer systems. The update is included in an update script. Execution of the update script by a server computer system causes the server computer system to execute a set of checks. After completing the set of checks the server computer system may execute the update to the application and/or software executed by server computer systems.