Automated Service Component Categorization via Hierarchical Metadata
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardized data and structure for exchanging information between vendors and service brokerages in the data processing services industry leads to inconsistent and inaccurate data transmission, hindering automated processes and systems for managing and tracking assets, and traditional catalogs fail to provide a service-view perspective for software components.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that enables component providers to submit components with associated metadata to a service brokerage system, allowing for automatic categorization and assembly of components into services, using a hierarchical metadata structure for categorization and a utility-based subscription model for service management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional catalogs are used for software components, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but a service-view perspective cannot be provided and automated service order management is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the catalog structure into multiple hierarchical levels including service category, service, service component, and software component. This segmentation enables a service-view perspective by organizing components according to service functionality rather than traditional software categorization, allowing automated service order management while maintaining manageable complexity through structured hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the catalog structure by adding service-level metadata attributes that traditional software catalogs lack. This includes service category classifications, service component relationships, and provisioning metadata that enable service-oriented views without completely replacing the existing software component structure.
2Productivity
If automated categorization is implemented, then service order management efficiency is improved, but standardized data exchange frameworks are required which increase implementation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal metadata framework that serves multiple functions: it enables automated categorization, supports service composition, facilitates data exchange between vendors and brokerages, and provides a common structure for service order management. This multi-functional framework improves productivity across various operations while consolidating complexity into a single standardized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a brokerage system with standardized metadata schemas that acts as an intermediary between component providers and service consumers. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of data exchange and categorization, enabling automated service order management without requiring direct complex integrations between all participants in the ecosystem.
3Extent of automation
If metadata standards are established for component submission, then automated processing and categorization are enabled, but the initial setup and standardization process increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes metadata standards and categorization schemas in advance before actual service ordering and component provisioning occurs. By pre-defining service categories, component attributes, and data exchange formats, the system enables automated processing from the outset without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thereby reducing operational complexity despite initial standardization efforts.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product to enable component providers to submit components, along with associated metadata for the component, to a service brokerage system. This allows the brokerage to automatically categorize the component and enables the assembly of the components into services.