Virtual Server Usage Reporting and Billing Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for providing virtual computing services lack efficient monitoring and customizable reporting mechanisms for usage and expenses across multiple accounts, particularly for services like VoIP, making it difficult for users to manage and track usage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A set of computing servers configured to provide virtual servers for each account, with a processing circuit that offers a graphical user interface (GUI) for authorized users to select reporting options, monitor usage, and generate invoices based on these options, allowing for customizable reporting and expense tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current systems for providing virtual computing services are used, then basic service delivery is maintained, but efficient monitoring and customizable reporting mechanisms for usage and expenses are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the virtual computing service delivery by providing separate virtual servers for each account, with individualized reporting mechanisms. Each account receives customized reporting based on their specific usage patterns and billing requirements, enabling precise tracking without information loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through automated monitoring that continuously tracks usage of virtual servers and generates real-time or periodic reports. This feedback loop provides account holders with actionable information about their resource consumption and expenses, improving both monitoring ease and tracking accuracy.
2Productivity
If manual tracking methods are used for virtual server usage, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but user effectiveness in managing and tracking usage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service capabilities where account holders can automatically access their usage data and billing information through provided interfaces. The automated monitoring and reporting system serves users without requiring manual intervention, significantly improving management efficiency while keeping the underlying complexity hidden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the virtual server infrastructure and users - an automated reporting system that mediates usage data collection, processing, and presentation. This intermediary handles the complexity of tracking and reporting, presenting simplified information to users while maintaining high productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized reporting is used for all accounts, then system simplicity is maintained, but user-specific customization needs are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The reporting mechanism is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing each account to receive customized reports based on their specific needs. The system can adjust reporting parameters, frequency, and format dynamically for different accounts, providing versatility while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing customized reporting solutions tailored to each account's specific requirements rather than using a uniform approach. Each account can have different reporting parameters, metrics, and formats optimized for their particular usage patterns and business needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Various example implementations are directed to systems, circuits, apparatuses, and methods for providing virtual computing services. According to an example embodiment, a system includes a set of computing servers configured to provide a respective set of virtual servers for each of a plurality of accounts. The system also includes a processing circuit communicatively coupled to the set of computing servers. For each of the plurality of accounts, the processing circuit provides a mechanism for an authorized user of the account to select options for reporting usage of the respective set of virtual servers. The processing circuit also monitors use of the respective set of virtual servers for the account and generates invoices for use of the respective set of virtual servers according to the selected options.