Software Installation Template Using Variable Substitution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing software applications on multiple computing systems are inefficient and prone to delays due to the need for manual installation from portable media, which can lead to hardware and software incompatibilities, lengthy installation times, and human errors, especially when dealing with large and complex applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that create an installation template from a single 'golden' installation of a software application, allowing for rapid production of additional installations by replacing host-specific references with temporary variables, enabling the template to be stored on a server and uploaded to other systems for quick installation without relying on portable media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual installation from portable media is performed on each computing system, then the software application can be installed on multiple systems, but the installation time becomes excessively long and human errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a template installation from a single correct or 'golden' installation of the software application and uses this template to produce additional installations on multiple computing systems. This copying approach eliminates the need to manually install from portable media on each system, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining accuracy through the validated template
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by creating a validated 'golden' installation template in advance that contains all necessary software components and configurations. This pre-prepared template is then replicated across multiple systems, eliminating the need to perform lengthy manual installation procedures on each individual system
2Ease of manufacture
If manual installation procedures are used by technical support personnel, then software applications can be deployed to computing systems, but hardware and software incompatibilities may arise and installation delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
By copying a validated template installation that has been pre-tested for compatibility, the patent ensures that the same proven configuration is deployed across multiple systems. This eliminates the variability and errors associated with manual installation while maintaining hardware and software compatibility through the use of the verified template
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter substitution to replace temporary variables with system-specific references during template replication. This allows the generic template to be adapted to specific computing systems while maintaining the proven compatibility configuration, resolving the contradiction between ease of deployment and system compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If software applications become more sophisticated and feature-rich, then functionality and benefits improve, but installation and maintenance become correspondingly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the increased complexity of sophisticated software applications by creating a single validated template that encapsulates the entire complex installation. This template can then be copied and deployed across multiple systems without requiring technical support personnel to manually manage the complexity of each installation, thereby maintaining high functionality while reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal template installation that can be used across multiple computing systems regardless of their specific configurations. This single template serves multiple functions by being replicated and adapted to various systems, eliminating the need for separate manual installation procedures for each system and reducing the overall complexity of deploying sophisticated software
4Ease of operation
If installations are performed from portable media such as floppy disks or CD-ROMs, then the software application can be installed, but the process is lengthy and prone to human errors such as inserting the wrong disk or clicking the wrong button
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual portable media installation process with automated template copying. The template is programmatically copied and deployed to computing systems, eliminating the need for technicians to manually handle portable media, insert disks in sequence, and navigate installation prompts. This automation dramatically reduces both the time required and the potential for human errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service automation where the installation template automatically deploys itself to computing systems without requiring manual intervention. The system performs the installation process autonomously by programmatically copying the template and replacing variables, eliminating the need for human operators to perform repetitive manual installation tasks
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system are disclosed for providing multiple installations of a software application. The method/system creates an installation template from a single correct or “golden” installation of the software application and uses the installation template to produce additional installations of the software application. In one embodiment, any references to a specific host or computing system in the files or directories of the installed software application are replaced with a temporary variable in the installation template. The installation template may then be stored on a designated server and uploaded to any computing system needing a new installation of the software application. Once uploaded, the variable is replaced with system-specific references to complete the new installations. Since the installations are produced from the installation template and not from floppy disks or CD-ROMs, the process takes significantly less time.