Virtual Server Manager Dynamic Scaling Policies

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hosted virtual server services lack efficient mechanisms for users to dynamically manage and scale virtual server configurations in response to changing demands, requiring manual monitoring and configuration, which is impractical.

Innovation Solution

A web interface that allows users to select virtual server configurations and set policies for dynamic instantiation and termination based on conditions, using a virtual server manager to transmit instructions to hosted services for automatic scaling and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual monitoring and configuration of virtual servers is implemented, then users can control virtual server instantiation, but the process becomes impractical and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of virtual server managementVSAvoidtime for manual monitoring and configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing virtual servers to automatically monitor their own performance metrics and trigger instantiation or termination based on predefined conditions, eliminating the need for manual user intervention in monitoring and configuration tasks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Users pre-configure policies and conditions for virtual server instantiation and termination in advance. When conditions are met, the system automatically executes the predetermined actions, saving time by avoiding real-time decision-making and manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic scaling of virtual servers is enabled, then responsiveness to changing demand improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponsiveness to changing demandVSAvoidcomplexity of scaling management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors performance metrics and uses this feedback to automatically trigger virtual server instantiation or termination when predefined thresholds are exceeded, enabling dynamic adaptation to changing demand without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static virtual server configurations to dynamic scaling by implementing policies that automatically adjust the number of virtual servers based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to adapt flexibly to varying workloads

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If automated policy-based instantiation is implemented, then deployment efficiency improves, but configuration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of policy configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Users configure instantiation and termination policies in advance with predefined conditions and actions. When conditions are met, the system automatically executes the predetermined actions, improving deployment efficiency by eliminating real-time manual configuration while the upfront policy setup manages complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8601375B2Systems and methods for efficiently managing and configuring virtual servers

Publication Date: 2013.12.03 BRIGHTSCALE INC

AI summary

The present invention is related to providing faster and more efficient ways to deploy and manage virtual server configurations in a hosted virtual server service. Broadly, a web interface allows a user to set conditions upon which specific types of virtual servers will be instantiated or terminated on a third-party hosted virtual server service. For example, the user may wish to instantiate a new virtual server each time the load on existing virtual servers exceeds a predetermined threshold. The web interface may also allow a user to select from among a plurality of hosted virtual server services. The web interface may further allow a user to incorporate dynamic variables into configurations of instantiated virtual servers.