Vendor-Agnostic Virtualization Software for Cloud Update Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computing environments face challenges in providing software updates without disrupting continuous operation, as existing techniques often require customized virtualization software specific to hardware, limiting flexibility and efficiency in data center operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for managing the software lifecycle in cloud computing environments using vendor-agnostic virtualization software, allowing data center operators to select hardware from various manufacturers and facilitating updates, patching, and upgrades using redundant and offline resources to minimize downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If customized virtualization software specific to hardware is used, then hardware compatibility is achieved, but flexibility and efficiency in data center operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by developing a vendor-agnostic virtualization software platform that can manage diverse hardware from multiple manufacturers through a unified interface. The system uses hardware abstraction layers and standardized APIs to enable single software solution to control various hardware types, eliminating the need for customized virtualization software for each hardware vendor while maintaining full compatibility and operational efficiency
2Reliability
If software updates are applied to maintain system functionality, then reliability is improved, but continuous operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by deploying a staged software update mechanism that prepares updates in advance on isolated hardware components or in preparation phases. The system can pre-validate updates, create backup configurations before updates, and schedule updates during low-impact periods or maintenance windows, thereby reducing disruption to continuous operation while ensuring reliability through thorough pre-testing and preparation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the software update process into discrete, manageable phases: update preparation, testing on isolated components, partial deployment to non-critical systems, and final rollout. This segmented approach allows updates to be applied incrementally without disrupting the entire system simultaneously, maintaining operational continuity while ensuring reliable software updates through controlled progression
3Ease of repair
If redundant resources are used to facilitate updates, then ease of maintenance is improved, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible resource allocation system that dynamically adjusts the use of redundant resources based on actual maintenance needs. Rather than maintaining static redundant resources continuously, the system dynamically provisions and deprovisions resources as needed for updates, allowing efficient utilization of redundancy only when maintenance operations are required while optimizing resource usage during normal operation through dynamic resource management and demand-responsive allocation
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for software lifecycle management of a virtual computing environment are disclosed. An example method includes determining, by executing an instruction with a processor (912), a plurality of software updates to be installed on physical computing resources in the virtual server rack system (102), the determining based on a manifest file received from a software manager associated with the virtual server rack system (102), determining, by executing an instruction with the processor (912), dependency requirements for installing the software updates identified in the manifest file, determining, by executing an instruction with the processor (912), an order for installation of the software updates to meet dependency requirements, and scheduling, by executing an instruction with the processor (912), installation of the software updates identified in the manifest file.