Virtualization Manager Importing External Running VMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualization managers cannot import and manage pre-existing virtual machines (VMs) created outside their control, leading to increased costs due to duplication of effort in rebuilding VM environments when users transition from non-managed to managed environments.
Innovation Solution
A virtualization manager can identify and import external VMs by using a host agent to scan for running VMs, collect detailed information, and manage them, allowing for the integration of previously unmanaged VMs into a managed environment, reducing resource wastage and facilitating a seamless transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtualization manager is implemented to manage VMs, then resource allocation and monitoring capabilities are improved, but pre-existing external VMs cannot be imported and must be rebuilt from scratch
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the virtualization manager proactively scan for and identify external VMs before they need to be managed. The host agent continuously monitors the host system to detect running VMs, collecting their configuration information in advance, so that when management is needed, the VMs are already identified and ready for import without requiring reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
A host agent is introduced as an intermediary component between the virtualization manager and external VMs. The host agent scans the host system, identifies running VMs, collects their configuration details, and presents this information to the virtualization manager, enabling the manager to import and manage external VMs without direct interaction with the VMs themselves.
2Reliability
If external VMs are rebuilt from scratch when transitioning to managed environment, then management control is improved, but resource wastage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a management relationship copy rather than a physical reconstruction. The virtualization manager copies the identification and configuration information of external VMs through the host agent, establishing management control over existing VMs without requiring physical reconstruction. This allows the same VM instances to be managed while avoiding the resource wastage of rebuilding them.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual management of external VMs is used, then setup simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The host agent performs self-service by automatically scanning the host system, identifying running VMs, and collecting their configuration information without requiring manual intervention. This automated discovery process maintains the simplicity of setup while dramatically improving operational efficiency, as the virtualization manager can then import and manage these identified VMs programmatically rather than requiring manual recreation.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualization manager executing on a processing device adds a host to a list of hosts associated with the virtualization manager. The virtualization manager identifies a list of external VMs running on the host that are not managed by the virtualization manager. The virtualization manager obtains detailed information for each of the external VMs running on the host from an agent running on the host. The virtualization manager then manages the external VMs running on the host using the detailed information.