Software Feature Access Control via Parameter-Based Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing software systems for data storage lack flexibility in controlling access to software features, leading to inefficient and costly re-release of components in multiple combinations and unnecessary provision of free features, which complicates qualification, distribution, and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows selective enabling or disabling of software component features, distinguishing between user and array enabling, enabling features without requiring separate engine packages and allowing for platform variation, thereby simplifying access control and re-use of software components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If software components are released in multiple combinations to support different feature sets, then customer flexibility to purchase individual features is improved, but device complexity and qualification costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer flexibility to purchase individual featuresVSAvoidsoftware component combinations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments software functionality into distinct features that can be independently licensed. Each feature is identified by a unique feature identifier, allowing customers to purchase and activate only the specific features they need rather than requiring multiple complete software packages. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling feature-level granularity without requiring multiple software component combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by implementing a feature identifier parameter that can be dynamically set to enable or disable specific features. This parameter-based control allows the same software binary to support multiple feature configurations, eliminating the need to release software in multiple combinations while maintaining customer flexibility to select individual features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If software components are released in multiple combinations to support different feature sets, then customer flexibility to purchase individual features is improved, but qualification and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer flexibility to purchase individual featuresVSAvoidqualification and maintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the approach from releasing multiple software combinations to using parameter-based feature control within a single software release. The feature identifier parameter allows dynamic enabling/disabling of features without requiring separate qualification processes for each combination, significantly reducing qualification and maintenance costs while preserving customer flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal feature control mechanism that works across all software releases and platforms. The feature identifier system provides a single unified approach to feature management that replaces the need for multiple specialized software packages, reducing both qualification complexity and maintenance burden while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If software components are released in multiple combinations to support different feature sets, then feature access control is improved, but distribution complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeature access controlVSAvoiddistribution procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses parameter changes to control feature access through the feature identifier parameter. This single parameter mechanism replaces complex distribution procedures for multiple software combinations, allowing feature access control to be implemented through simple parameter setting rather than distributing different software packages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the feature control functionality from the software distribution process itself. By separating feature identification and control into a distinct parameter system, the patent eliminates the need for complex distribution procedures while maintaining robust feature access control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS7818735B1System and method for enabling access and use of software installed on a data storage system

Publication Date: 2010.10.19 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

A method, system, or computer program product for controlling access to software component features is disclosed. There are three available states for selectable component features. The three available states, of which one is selected, are: (i) enabled access to the selected software component features for users and other software component features on a data storage system, (ii) enabled access to the selected software component features by other software component features on a data storage system, or (iii) disabled access to the software component features.