Hierarchical Software Resource Templates for Automated Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center software management is complex due to the difficulty in configuring and managing software products with varying locales and operating system specifics, leading to time-consuming and error-prone post-installation adjustments, and lacks flexibility in handling dependencies and automated compliance monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A software model that separates metadata from binaries, using hierarchical software resource templates to abstract configurations and manage desired states, and comparing installed patches against defined templates to determine differences and apply necessary updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If response files are used to predefine configuration settings, then automated deployment is enabled, but flexibility for change is limited and post-installation adjustments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where software products can adapt their installation parameters based on target system characteristics. The system allows runtime adjustment of configuration settings without requiring complete redesign of the deployment approach, enabling both automation and flexibility to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments configuration settings into multiple levels: default configurations, optional overrides, and mandatory parameters. This segmentation allows automated deployment using default values while permitting flexible adjustments for specific scenarios, resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed configuration parameters are specified at installation time, then installation accuracy is improved, but complexity of specifying all parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by predefining default configuration values and validation rules before installation. The system automatically determines appropriate parameters based on target system profiles, eliminating the need for administrators to manually specify every detail while maintaining installation accuracy through automated parameter resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service configuration where the installation system automatically resolves configuration parameters by analyzing target system characteristics and selecting appropriate defaults. This reduces the complexity of parameter specification while maintaining precision through automated, intelligent parameter determination rather than manual configuration.
3Measurement precision
If manual inventory process is used to monitor software state, then detailed monitoring is achieved, but time and effort required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service monitoring where the system automatically inventories software states, compares them against desired states defined in templates, and generates compliance reports without human intervention. This maintains detailed monitoring capabilities while eliminating the time-consuming manual inventory process through automated system scanning and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors software installation states, compares them against desired states, and provides automated compliance feedback. This enables detailed monitoring of software configuration compliance while reducing time investment through automated comparison and reporting rather than manual inventory processes.
4Manufacturing precision
If post-installation adjustments are performed to fix configuration issues, then configuration accuracy is improved, but time consumption and error risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing configuration validation and compliance checking before installation completes. The system identifies and corrects configuration issues during the installation process itself rather than requiring post-installation adjustments, thereby achieving high configuration accuracy while eliminating the time consumption associated with post-installation fixes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms during installation that immediately identify configuration errors and allow corrective actions to be taken within the same installation process. This eliminates the need for separate post-installation adjustment phases, maintaining configuration accuracy while reducing overall time consumption through integrated validation and correction capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus enhancing software catalog manageability, providing abstract software configuration, and desired state management. A first mechanism enhances software catalog manageability. The first mechanism includes a software model that separates metadata of software from actual binaries of the software. A second mechanism abstracts software configuration for automation. The second mechanism includes a hierarchical software resource template structure that specifies parameters, dependencies between parameters, features, options, and parameters that cannot be predefined. A third mechanism provides for desired state management and patch compliance assessments. The third mechanism checks against a server template or software resource in a data center model against what is installed on actual machines to determine compliance.