Software Health Impact Evaluation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of computing devices face uncertainty regarding the impact of software patches or upgrades on the health of their systems, as testing is often incomplete, and they must choose between addressing known issues or risking latent defects, with limited resources for extensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the health impact of software changes by identifying the change, performing baseline and post-change health evaluations, and comparing results to assess the impact, using a network to gather data from multiple systems for guidance on potential health effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software patches or upgrades are installed to address known problems, then the known issues are resolved, but latent defects in the patch or upgrade may cause new problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs health evaluations and comparisons before and after software changes to predict and prevent latent defects. By conducting baseline health assessments and post-change evaluations, the system proactively identifies potential issues before they manifest as system failures, resolving the contradiction between applying fixes and introducing new problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops through health monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. By comparing pre and post software-change health metrics, the system provides feedback on the actual impact of patches and upgrades, enabling administrators to make informed decisions about software updates and prevent latent defects from causing harm.
2Reliability
If extensive testing is performed before deploying software patches or upgrades, then latent defects are detected, but computing devices remain vulnerable to known problems until testing is complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a risk-based approach where the extent of testing is adjusted based on the criticality of the software change and the severity of known problems. For high-priority security patches, minimal testing may be performed to quickly address critical issues, while less critical updates undergo more extensive evaluation. This partial action approach balances the need for stability with the time cost of testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary health assessments and risk evaluations before full deployment testing. By conducting initial screenings and baseline comparisons, the system can quickly identify high-risk changes that require extensive testing while allowing low-risk updates to be deployed with minimal validation, reducing overall testing time while maintaining stability.
3Productivity
If software changes are installed immediately upon release, then the response to known problems is rapid, but the system may be exposed to damaging latent defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs rapid baseline health assessments and automated comparisons before and after software changes to enable quick identification of problematic updates. This preliminary action allows the system to maintain high update speed while simultaneously protecting against latent defects through automated health monitoring and anomaly detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service health monitoring and automated evaluation mechanisms that continuously assess system health without requiring extensive manual intervention. This enables rapid software updates to be deployed while the system autonomously monitors for latent defects and alerts administrators to potential issues, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
4Reliability
If administrators rigorously test software patches and upgrades before deployment, then latent defects are identified, but devices remain exposed to known problems during the testing period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective testing strategies where the depth and duration of testing are adjusted based on the criticality of known problems and the risk profile of the software change. For critical security vulnerabilities, rapid minimal testing is performed to quickly address severe issues, while less critical updates undergo more thorough evaluation. This partial action approach balances quality assurance with the need to address known problems promptly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary risk assessments and health baseline comparisons before initiating full testing protocols. By evaluating the severity of known problems and the potential impact of latent defects, the system can determine the appropriate testing intensity, allowing critical issues to be addressed with minimal delay while maintaining software quality through targeted testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for determining the impact of a software change on the health of a computing system or an application installed on the computing system may comprise identifying the software change, performing a first health evaluation, allowing the software change to occur, performing a second health evaluation, and then determining the impact of the new application by comparing the results of the second health evaluation with the results of the first health evaluation. Exemplary methods for providing guidance on the potential impact of a software change and for determining the health impact of a software change based on information obtained from a plurality of computing systems are also disclosed. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.