Virtual Data Center Control System with RBAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data center management systems lack automation, requiring manual intervention for customers to manage and configure their outsourced IT services, and do not provide direct control over network management services, especially with the advent of cloud computing which demands greater flexibility and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A virtual data center control system with a 'single pane of glass' GUI view and Roles-Based Access Control (RBAC) that allows customers to remotely manage virtual data centers, including virtual machines, network services, and storage, through a web server and application server that transform user commands into hypervisor layer commands, enabling synchronous and asynchronous task management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is required for customers to manage and configure outsourced IT services, then data center management can be performed with simple processes, but productivity is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service portal that enables customers to autonomously manage their virtual data centers without requiring manual intervention from data center personnel. Users can create, configure, and manage virtual machines, storage, and network services directly through the portal, transforming the system from manual service delivery to automated self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes with automated software-based systems. The control system automatically translates user interface commands into hypervisor layer commands, executes tasks asynchronously, and manages resource allocation without human intervention, substituting manual operations with computational automation.
2Ease of operation
If direct customer control over network management services is provided, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary layer between customers and the hypervisor. This intermediary translates simple user interface commands into complex hypervisor layer commands, shielding customers from underlying system complexity while providing them with direct control capabilities through an simplified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular components including a user interface layer, task management layer, and hypervisor interface layer. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific functions independently, making the overall system more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining customer control capabilities.
3Productivity
If asynchronous task processing is implemented, then productivity increases and manual intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases due to task management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control system breaks down complex tasks into smaller sub-tasks and prepares them in advance for asynchronous execution. Tasks are queued and managed before execution, allowing the system to process multiple operations concurrently without blocking user interface responses, thereby improving productivity through preliminary task preparation and queuing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide techniques for customers to easily, quickly and remotely manage their virtual data centers. Using, for example, a “single pane of glass” GUI view which shows all of the components (including e.g., machines (cpu and RAM), network services (load balancers, firewalls, network address translation, IP management) and storage) of their virtual data centers, provides a complete overview and a starting point for system or component management. According to embodiments, a Roles Based Access Control (RBAC) system is provided which simulates the organizational structure and workflow of a typical IT department to enable workflow management via the GUI for any component or function of a customer's virtual data center.