Software Appliance Detachment and Cloud Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing software appliances on different hardware systems are time-consuming and require manual reconfiguration, as they involve repeating configuration tasks, making it difficult to migrate applications from one environment to another without significant human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for installing software appliances through a computer network, which detaches the appliance from an existing operating system, stores its information, establishes compatibility with a virtual server in a cloud computer system, configures network settings, activates virtual hostnames, and attaches the appliance to the cloud system's operating system, allowing for rapid deployment without full reinstallation and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional installation methods are used to install software appliances on different hardware systems, then the software appliance can be installed and run, but the installation process is time-consuming and requires manual reconfiguration of each configuration task

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidtime for manual reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the software appliance from the source computing device and transfers it to the target virtual server. The appliance information including configuration data is copied and stored in files, allowing the target system to inherit the source system's configuration without manual reconfiguration. This copying approach enables rapid deployment while preserving all original settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detachment of the software appliance from the source operating system and stores its information in files before transfer. This preliminary action prepares the appliance for rapid installation on the target system, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual configuration during the actual installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual customization is performed for each installation, then the software appliance can be properly configured for the target system, but the process becomes human time intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the software appliance to self-configure on the target system by automatically detecting compatibility and applying stored configuration information. The system performs self-service installation by attaching the appliance to the target operating system and automatically configuring network settings and interfaces based on the stored appliance information, eliminating the need for manual customization while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system determines compatibility between the software appliance and the target virtual server based on stored appliance information. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust and configure the appliance appropriately for the target environment without manual intervention, balancing adaptability with installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If the software appliance is detached from the source operating system and transferred to a cloud virtual server, then rapid deployment is enabled, but compatibility determination and network configuration are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of installation processVSAvoidcomplexity of compatibility checking and network configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the compatibility determination and network configuration processes into a unified automated installation workflow. The system combines appliance information storage, compatibility checking, network settings configuration, and interface setup into a single integrated process that executes automatically during the attachment phase, reducing the perceived complexity while maintaining comprehensive functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses stored appliance information files as an intermediary between the source and target systems. These files contain all necessary configuration data and serve as a mediator that enables automatic compatibility determination and network configuration on the target system, simplifying the overall process while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2722754B1Software appliance installation systems and methods
Publication Date: 2016.09.14 SAP SE
  • EP2722754B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2722754B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2722754B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Systems and methods of installing a software appliance via a computer network are shown and described. Such a method may include detaching, by at least one processing circuit, the software appliance from an operating system of a computing device. The method may further include establishing a network connection with a virtual server in a cloud computer system. The method may also include attaching the software appliance to an operating system of the virtual server of the cloud computer system.