Virtual Machine Configuration Orchestration via Dependency Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Configuring virtual machines in a cloud environment is time-consuming and prone to errors due to inter-dependent configurations, where the setup of one virtual machine relies on the configuration of another, leading to complex and manual processes.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a post-boot configuration server to determine dependencies between virtual machine configurations, ordering configurations to ensure independent setups are completed before dependent ones, using deployables, assemblies, and templates to abstractly describe machine configurations and relationships, and agents to communicate with the server for automated configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If virtual machine configurations are set up manually by application developers, then flexibility and control are maintained, but the configuration process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration process easeVSAvoidConfiguration setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where virtual machine instances automatically discover and configure themselves based on service dependencies. The configuration management server orchestrates this self-service process by receiving service dependency information and automatically generating configuration parameters, eliminating the need for manual developer intervention while reducing errors and setup time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining service dependency relationships and configuration templates before actual virtual machine deployment. The configuration management server prepares configuration parameters in advance based on declared dependencies, so that when virtual machine instances are launched, they can be configured automatically without time-consuming manual setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If virtual machine configurations are automated without considering dependencies, then setup time is reduced, but configuration errors increase due to incorrect ordering

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration speedVSAvoidConfiguration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by having virtual machine instances report their service dependencies to the configuration management server. The server uses this feedback to determine the correct configuration order and generate appropriate configuration parameters. This feedback loop ensures that configurations are automated at high speed while maintaining accuracy by respecting dependency relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration management server performs preliminary analysis of service dependencies before generating configuration parameters. By pre-determining the correct configuration order based on declared dependencies, the system ensures that faster automated configuration does not compromise accuracy, as the proper sequencing is established in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If each virtual machine is configured independently, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but inter-dependent configurations become complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConfiguration system complexityVSAvoidInter-dependent configuration reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges individual virtual machine configuration processes into a unified configuration management system. The configuration management server consolidates configuration parameters for multiple virtual machine instances, taking into account their service dependencies. This merging approach maintains simplicity at the individual instance level while ensuring reliability for inter-dependent configurations through centralized orchestration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration management server acts as an intermediary between virtual machine instances and their configuration parameters. It receives service dependency information from instances, determines correct configuration ordering, and generates configuration parameters that account for inter-dependencies. This intermediary role simplifies the configuration process for individual instances while ensuring reliable handling of complex inter-dependent relationships.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10140134B2Management of inter-dependent configurations of virtual machines in a cloud

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 RED HAT INC

AI summary

A server computer system determines that configuring a first virtual machine in a cloud depends on a configuration result of configuring a second virtual machine. The server computer system configures the second virtual machine in the cloud and configures the first virtual machine in the cloud using the configuration result of the second virtual machine.