Targeted Software Update Deployment via Device Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software updates often introduce unexpected side-effects on diverse devices due to varying hardware, software, and network conditions, requiring extensive validation across a wide range of devices without clear information on impacted devices, leading to unnecessary risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for selectively communicating software updates to a subset of devices based on collected information about device characteristics and usage patterns, using agents to gather data and an analysis center to determine which devices should receive updates, simulating updates to identify beneficial deployments and avoid detrimental effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If all application updates are published to all targeted devices, then the update coverage is maximized, but the risk of introducing side-effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the target device population into distinct groups based on device characteristics, usage patterns, and performance metrics. By dividing the update deployment into targeted segments rather than universal distribution, the system can control the spread of updates to minimize side-effects while maintaining deployment efficiency. Each segment receives updates based on its specific profile, allowing controlled rollout strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of update deployment by introducing device-specific criteria such as device type, operating system version, hardware configuration, and usage patterns. Instead of using a single universal update parameter, the system adjusts update distribution based on multiple device parameters, enabling selective deployment that balances speed and stability.
2Reliability
If updates are validated across a huge range of devices, then the reliability of updates improves, but the time and resources required for validation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial validation by focusing testing efforts on representative device profiles and critical update components rather than exhaustively testing every possible device configuration. By validating updates on a strategically selected subset of devices that represent the broader population, the system achieves sufficient reliability without the prohibitive time cost of complete validation across all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary validation by pre-testing updates on device profiles that are predicted to be most susceptible to side-effects based on historical data and device characteristics. This preliminary action identifies potential issues before full deployment, allowing the system to maintain high reliability while reducing the overall validation time through targeted early testing.
3Ease of operation
If updates are deployed to devices without specific targeting, then the deployment process is simplified, but unnecessary risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling devices to automatically report their characteristics, performance metrics, and update responses to a central system. This self-reported data allows the system to automatically segment and target devices for updates without manual intervention, maintaining deployment simplicity while introducing intelligent targeting to prevent side-effects on unsuitable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback mechanisms where device performance data and update response information are continuously collected and used to refine targeting criteria. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from past update deployments and improve its targeting accuracy over time, reducing side-effects while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, computer program, and method are provided for communicating an update to a subset of devices. In operation, information is received in association with a plurality of devices that have at least one application installed thereon. Further, an update for the at least one application is identified. Still yet, a subset of the plurality of devices is determined, based on the information. Such update for the at least one application is communicated to the subset of the plurality of devices.