Virtual Disk Image Metadata Storage for Offline VM Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual disk image file formats lack mechanisms to store detailed information about the data within the image, such as patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, and usage policies, making it difficult to manage and distribute virtual machines efficiently without starting the VM.
Innovation Solution
The virtual disk image file format is expanded to include additional fields for storing information like patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, and usage policies, allowing these details to be accessed without executing the VM, and enabling features like offline patching, secure distribution, and improved VM migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the virtual disk image file format is expanded to include fields for storing detailed information (patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, usage policies), then information storage capability is improved, but file format complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual disk image file format is segmented into distinct fields, each dedicated to storing specific types of information (patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, usage policies). This segmentation allows for organized storage of detailed information while maintaining clear structure and readability of the file format.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the virtual disk image file format by incorporating metadata fields that store descriptive information about the virtual machine contents. This transforms the file format from a purely data-storage structure to one that also carries informational attributes, enabling access to detailed information without executing the VM.
2Ease of operation
If detailed information about VM contents is stored in the virtual disk image file, then accessibility of information is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by storing all necessary information about the virtual machine (patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, usage policies) directly in the virtual disk image file during the VM creation or configuration phase. This allows the information to be readily accessible when needed, eliminating the requirement to start the VM for data access and simplifying operations such as validation, migration, and distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple files (VHD and VM CONFIG) are required to launch a virtual machine, then data separation is improved, but migration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the virtual disk image file (VHD) and the virtual machine configuration file (VM CONFIG) into a single unified file structure. By integrating the configuration information directly into the VHD file format, the system eliminates the need to manage and migrate multiple separate files, thereby simplifying the migration process while maintaining all necessary data separation through structured field organization.
4Device complexity
If conventional VHD file formats are used without additional information fields, then file format simplicity is maintained, but information accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of metadata fields within the virtual disk image file format that bridges the gap between the simple file structure and the need for detailed information storage. These intermediary fields store descriptive information about the virtual machine contents, enabling access to patch state, hardware compatibility, DRM status, and usage policies without complicating the overall file format structure or requiring VM execution.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism is provided for making information about the virtual disk image file and/or its associated virtual image configuration file more readily available to a user. The virtual disk image file format is expanded to include fields in which information about the data in the file can be stored. Extensible information on file content, compatible HW configurations, compatible host OSes, timeout status, DRM status, patch state, and network topology, tag data for indexing, configuration files, saved state files, operation history data, and the like is stored in a location within a virtual disk image file that can be read without executing the virtual machine. This information can then be used to search the contents of the virtual disk image, to enforce usage policies, to provide extensibility for vendors, and the like.