Configurable Software Image Pricing via Execution Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in managing and executing software programs remotely, particularly in data centers using virtualization technologies, making it difficult for users to create and manage software programs that provide desired functionality.
Innovation Solution
The Configurable Shared Software Image Usage Facility (CSSIUF) system enables creators to configure fees for sharing executable software images, allowing users to select services and set pricing models for execution, with features like usage tracking and fee allocation between creators and service providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If virtualization technologies are used to share computing resources among multiple customers, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but system management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a software image execution service as an intermediary layer between users and the virtualized computing infrastructure. This service manages software image packaging, deployment, and execution across virtual machines, thereby reducing the complexity of directly managing virtualized resources while maintaining high utilization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software images as replicable copies of software environments that can be deployed across multiple virtual machines. Instead of managing individual software installations on each virtual machine, the system creates and manages copies of standardized software images, simplifying the management of distributed software environments while maximizing resource utilization.
2Productivity
If software images are shared among multiple users, then software distribution efficiency is improved, but fee management and revenue splitting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the software image execution service tracks usage metrics (number of executions, duration, resources consumed) and automatically calculates fees based on predetermined pricing models. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual fee management while enabling flexible pricing strategies including pay-per-use, subscription, and creator-revenue-sharing models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic fee structures that can adapt to different usage patterns and user agreements. The system supports multiple pricing models (fixed fees, usage-based fees, revenue sharing percentages) that can be dynamically configured for different software images and users, allowing flexible fee management without increasing operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If configurable pricing models are implemented for software image execution, then user control over fees is improved, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements configurable pricing by allowing users to modify key parameters such as fee amount, pricing model type (fixed, usage-based, revenue share), and usage thresholds. These parameter changes are made through a standardized configuration interface that automatically updates the fee management system, providing user control without requiring complex system reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for facilitating sharing of executable software images between users in a configurable manner. In at least some situations, the executable software images are virtual machine images, and while executing may access and use remote network-accessible services (e.g., Web services). In addition, some or all shared executable software images may be made available in a fee-based manner by creator users, such that execution of such a fee-based software image by a software image execution service on behalf of a user other than the creator user is performed in exchange for fees from the other user as specified by the creator user. The creator user may further receive at least some of the specified fees paid by the other user, such as at least some of a difference between the specified fees and fees charged by the software image execution service for the execution.