Software Distribution Policy Framework for Network Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for software distribution in computer systems are inefficient, often requiring substantial time and risking errors that can disrupt productivity, as they lack flexible and adaptive strategies for managing software updates across networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing software distribution policies that allow for push and pull logic, staggered distribution, and multicasting, enabling administrators to create customizable policies for managing software deployment across computer systems, thereby simplifying the process and reducing network impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If software is manually installed on computer systems, then installation accuracy can be ensured, but installation time and labor costs increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disk imaging technology to create a copy of the desired software state and replicate it across multiple computer systems. This copying approach allows rapid deployment of software configurations without manual installation, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining consistency and accuracy across systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares software installation packages and imaging data in advance before actual deployment. By pre-configuring software images and preparing distribution packages beforehand, the system enables rapid installation when needed, reducing on-site installation time while ensuring accuracy through pre-tested configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If software is rapidly deployed across computer networks, then productivity improvements are achieved, but errors and system disruptions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic software distribution policies that can adapt deployment speed and methods based on system conditions. The system can switch between different distribution strategies (such as staged rollouts versus simultaneous deployment) and adjust parameters like compression levels and distribution channels to balance speed and reliability according to real-time requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs error detection and validation checks before software deployment, and includes rollback capabilities prepared in advance. By cushioning against potential errors through pre-deployment validation and having recovery mechanisms ready, the system enables rapid deployment while minimizing the risk and impact of installation errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software distribution policies are made highly customizable, then adaptability to different business needs improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolicy flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal policy framework where a single software distribution system can handle multiple distribution scenarios and requirements through configurable policies. The same core infrastructure supports various distribution methods (push, pull, staged, simultaneous), compression techniques, and target system selections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability through policy configuration rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive software distribution control is implemented, then deployment accuracy improves, but network bandwidth consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment accuracyVSAvoidnetwork bandwidth

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes parameters such as compression levels, distribution channel selection, and image segmentation based on network conditions and deployment requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system can maintain deployment accuracy through appropriate validation and verification while optimizing network bandwidth consumption through techniques like compression and selective distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides software distribution into segmented images or packages that can be distributed selectively and efficiently. This segmentation allows the system to transmit only necessary portions of software data, validate them independently for accuracy, and reduce overall network bandwidth consumption compared to transmitting complete uncompressed software sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7624423B1Systems and methods for software distribution using distribution policies

Publication Date: 2009.11.24 IVANTI INC

AI summary

A method for using a policy for software distribution to computer systems on a computer network is disclosed. A first policy for software distribution is created. Software is provided on a first computer system to be distributed to a second computer system. The first policy to be used in distributing the software is identified. The software to be distributed is identified. The software to computer systems or groups is distributed.