Virtual Server Cloning via Parallel Image Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual server cloning methods are labor-intensive, error-prone, and resource-consuming, especially when propagating changes to multiple servers, as they require sequential deployment of large data sets, which is expensive and complex, and can pose security risks in secured environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for virtual server cloning that involves preparing a reference system for image creation using a system preparation application, creating a compressed image, and automatically deploying it to target storage devices, allowing for parallel deployment and dynamic customization, reducing human intervention and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual cloning method is used, then customization can be made, but labor cost is high and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses automated copying of system images between storage devices, replacing manual cloning operations. The system automatically copies OS images, application images, and data images from source to target storage devices, eliminating manual intervention and reducing errors while maintaining customization through automated configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service through automated image deployment and configuration. The virtualization management module automatically manages the cloning process, including copying images, configuring virtual servers, and customizing targets, without requiring manual operator intervention for each cloning operation.
2Reliability
If sequential image deployment is used, then data integrity is maintained, but deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image deployment process into multiple independent parallel operations. Instead of deploying one complete image sequentially, the system divides the deployment into concurrent copy operations across multiple storage devices, allowing simultaneous data transfer while maintaining integrity through structured image formats and validation protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple deployment operations by simultaneously copying images to multiple target storage devices in parallel. The virtualization management module coordinates concurrent copy operations, combining resources to achieve faster overall deployment while maintaining data integrity through unified management of all parallel operations.
3Quantity of substance
If image compression is applied, then storage efficiency improves, but decompression time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary compression of system images before storage, preparing them in advance for efficient storage and transmission. The images are compressed and stored in a standardized format, so that when deployment is needed, the decompression process is already optimized and can proceed in parallel with other deployment tasks, reducing the perceived decompression time.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a system preparation application may be executed on a source storage device to prepare a reference system for image creation. The reference system may include at least one application for customization. The image of the prepared reference may be automatically deployed to a target storage device. The target storage device may be associated with a virtual server. Customization data may be written to the target storage device.