Signed Update Package with Embedded Compatibility Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software update methods often fail to ensure compatibility due to asynchronous software releases and lack of access to central databases, leading system administrators to guess compatibility, which can result in system instability or failure.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product and method that includes identifying a software update payload and its compatibility data, forming an update package with the payload and data, digitally signing the package, and providing it to computing devices over a network, allowing devices to determine compatibility without an active online connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compatibility data is stored in a central database, then compatibility information can be centrally managed and updated, but access to the central database cannot be guaranteed at any particular time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts compatibility data from the central database and embeds it directly into the update package. This allows the computing device to access compatibility information locally without needing to connect to the central database, resolving the contradiction between centralized management and guaranteed access availability
Solution Approach 2:
The compatibility data is prepared and included in the update package in advance, before the update is installed. This preliminary action ensures that when the update package is received, the compatibility information is already available locally, eliminating the need for real-time database access
2Productivity
If system administrators guess compatibility without access to central database, then updates can be applied quickly, but system stability and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The update package contains all necessary compatibility information, allowing the computing device to autonomously determine compatibility without requiring administrator guessing or external database queries. This self-service approach maintains both speed (no manual checking) and reliability (accurate compatibility data)
3Measurement precision
If compatibility checking is performed online, then accurate compatibility information can be obtained, but network dependency increases and offline updates become impossible
Solution Approach 1:
Compatibility data is prepared and embedded in the update package before distribution. This preliminary action enables the device to perform accurate compatibility checking offline, achieving both precision and offline capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The update package acts as an intermediary that carries compatibility data from the central system to the computing device. This intermediary enables accurate compatibility checking without requiring continuous network connection, bridging the gap between centralized accuracy and offline accessibility
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product and computer-implemented method include operations including identifying a software update payload that is available for distribution and identifying compatibility data for the software update payload, wherein the compatibility data identifies configurations of a computing device that are compatible with the software update payload. The operations further include forming an update package that includes the software update payload and the compatibility data, digitally signing the update package, and providing the signed update package to one or more computing devices over a network. A computing device receiving the signed update package may authenticate the signed update package, verify the package has not experienced an unauthorized modification, access the compatibility data, determine whether the compatibility data indicates that the software update payload is compatible with the configuration of the computing device, and use the software update payload to update the computing device in response to a determination of compatibility.