Virtual Disk Utility for Cross-Platform Software Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current file distribution methods across diverse network, hardware, and software platforms are complex, time-consuming, and lack automation, making it difficult for systems administration professionals to deploy licensed software and systems efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A virtual disk system is created by virtualizing a portion of a physical disk system, allowing data to be stored in a database and providing a unified interface and platform-dependent drivers for cross-platform compatibility, enabling secure and portable data storage and execution across different platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional file distribution methods are used across diverse platforms, then compatibility is achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the file distribution process into distinct components: a universal package format that can be created on one platform and consumed on multiple platforms. The package is divided into metadata (describing the package) and payload (the actual files), allowing platform-independent distribution while maintaining compatibility across diverse systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal package format that serves multiple functions across different platforms. A single package can be distributed, installed, and executed on various operating systems and hardware architectures without requiring platform-specific variations, thereby achieving cross-platform compatibility through a unified approach.
2Productivity
If manual file distribution processes are used, then control over deployment is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the package manager automatically handles extraction, installation, and configuration of distributed files. The system autonomously manages the deployment process without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining controlled deployment through predefined package metadata and installation scripts.
3Ease of operation
If platform-specific file systems are used, then native operations are supported, but portability across platforms is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a package manager as an intermediary layer between the universal package format and platform-specific file systems. The package manager translates and adapts the platform-independent package structure to the specific requirements of each target platform, enabling both native operations support and cross-platform portability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
In particular embodiments, a method comprising, by one or more computing devices, installing an application on a portion of a physical disk system of a first platform, virtualizing the portion of the physical disk system into a virtual disk system, comprising, storing data in the portion of the physical disk system in a database of the virtual disk system, providing an interface to access the data stored in the database, and providing a plurality sets of drivers for a plurality of platforms, wherein each set of drivers supports native operations with respect to the portion of the physical disk system on a different one of the plurality of platforms, mounting the virtual disk system on a second platform, and executing the application on the second platform, wherein all operations in connection with executing the application are contained within the virtual disk system mounted on the second platform.