Virtual Assembly Patching via Disk Image Swapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud computing environments lack efficient methods for patching virtual assemblies, which are critical for maintaining software components and ensuring system stability and security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for virtual assembly patching in a cloud environment using a virtual assembly builder that captures configuration and binaries of software components, groups them into software assembly artifacts, and deploys these components into a destination environment by creating replacement disk images and swapping them with patched versions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional patching methods are used in cloud environments, then system security and stability can be maintained, but the patching process disrupts existing operations and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates patch artifacts and prepares replacement virtual disk images before the actual patching operation. The patched components are staged in advance in a repository, allowing the swap operation to be performed quickly without disrupting ongoing operations. This preliminary preparation enables maintenance of system stability while minimizing operational disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual disk image copies of the patched assembly artifacts and stores them in a repository. These copied disk images serve as replacement versions that can be swapped with the running instance's disks without directly modifying the live system. This copying approach maintains reliability while enabling seamless updates that preserve productivity.
2Reliability
If manual patching processes are used for virtual assemblies, then system security can be maintained, but the complexity of managing and deploying patches increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated processes where the system itself manages the patching workflow. The virtual assembly builder automatically creates patched artifacts, the repository stores and manages versions, and the system performs self-updating by swapping disk images. This automation reduces the complexity of manual patch management while maintaining security through systematic validation and version control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal patching system that handles multiple assembly artifacts through a unified process. The same mechanism (creating virtual disk images, storing in repository, swapping instances) works for different types of software components and assemblies. This multi-functional approach simplifies patch management complexity by providing a single standardized method for securing diverse systems.
3Reliability
If assembly artifacts are updated to include patches, then software security and functionality are improved, but the time required to capture, group, and deploy components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual assembly builder captures and groups software components into assembly artifacts in advance, before patches are needed. These pre-prepared artifacts can be quickly patched and deployed when security updates are required. This preliminary creation of assembly structures reduces the time needed for patch deployment while maintaining security improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual disk image copies of patched assemblies and stores them in a repository for rapid deployment. Instead of performing complex patching operations on live systems, the system copies patched disk images and performs quick swaps. This copying mechanism significantly reduces deployment time while ensuring security updates are applied effectively.
4Productivity
If virtual disk swapping is performed to apply patches, then system operations can continue without disruption, but the process requires complex coordination and validation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the patching process into distinct segments: creating patch artifacts, storing in repository, validating, and swapping. By segmenting the complex virtual disk swapping process into manageable steps with clear validation points, the system maintains operational continuity through controlled, incremental changes rather than attempting complex monolithic updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements validation steps that provide feedback before and during the disk swapping process. The system validates patch artifacts before creating virtual disk images, and performs validation during the swap process to ensure operational continuity. This feedback mechanism manages complexity by providing controlled checkpoints that prevent errors while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a system and method for virtual assembly patching in a cloud environment. In accordance with an embodiment, a virtual assembly builder can be used to virtualize installed components in a reference environment, and then deploy those components into another destination environment. A user can capture the configuration and binaries of software components into software appliance artifacts, which can be grouped and their relationships defined as software assembly artifacts. In accordance with an embodiment, assemblies stored as disk images in a repository can be patched by creating replacement images, importing the replacement images into the virtualization environment, and then performing a replacement or swap of an instance's existing virtual disks, with patched versions of those disks.