Virtual Machine Conversion for Cross-Hypervisor Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current virtualization technologies lack cross-compatibility, leading to inefficiencies in data centers where computing needs mismatch available resources, resulting in unused spare computing resources being wasted.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilizes a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) to convert virtual machines from one type to another, enabling compatibility with different hypervisors, allowing for the execution of remote sessions using a second VM image file that is compatible with the destination hypervisor, thereby supporting multiple types of virtualization platforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual machines are created using a specific hypervisor's virtual template, then the VM can be executed on that hypervisor, but the VM cannot be executed on other hypervisors due to incompatibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehypervisor compatibilityVSAvoidvirtual machine conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a virtualization management server as an intermediary component that mediates between virtual templates and destination hypervisors. This server receives conversion requests, identifies compatibility issues, and automatically converts virtual templates into formats compatible with different hypervisors, thereby resolving the incompatibility problem without requiring direct intervention from users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the format parameters of virtual machine images and configuration files during conversion. By modifying file formats, configuration structures, and virtual hardware specifications to match the destination hypervisor's requirements, the system enables cross-hypervisor compatibility while maintaining the core virtual machine functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If computing resources are allocated to a specific virtualization platform, then the platform can execute its native virtual machines, but spare computing resources cannot be utilized by other virtualization platforms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomputing resource utilizationVSAvoidvirtualization platform flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables computing resources to serve multiple virtualization platforms through the conversion capability. A single physical server can host virtual machines for different hypervisors by converting templates as needed, making the computing resources universal and adaptable to various virtualization platforms rather than being dedicated to a single platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary conversion of virtual templates to compatible formats before execution on the destination hypervisor. By pre-converting templates and preparing compatibility layers in advance, the system ensures that spare computing resources can be quickly allocated to different virtualization platforms without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If virtual machine templates are converted between different hypervisor formats, then cross-compatibility is achieved, but conversion time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-hypervisor compatibilityVSAvoidvirtual machine conversion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs conversion operations in advance before the virtual machine needs to be executed on the destination hypervisor. By converting templates proactively and storing them in advance, the system minimizes conversion time during actual deployment and avoids delays during critical execution phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares conversion buffers and intermediate formats in advance to cushion against conversion delays. By maintaining pre-converted template versions and using intermediate representation formats, the system reduces the time required for actual conversion operations when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11055115B1Virtual machine conversion in distributed system of remote desktops

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 PARALLELS INT GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed are systems and methods for executing a remote session in a virtualized environment. The described technique may be used when handling a request to launch a remote session using a specified virtual template. A virtual machine (VM) type associated with the virtual template and that indicates hypervisor compatibility of the virtual template may be determined. A destination hypervisor is selected for executing the remote session. If VM type is not compatible for execution on the destination hypervisor, a converted, native VM image file is generated which is compatible with the destination hypervisor. The remote session is then launched on the destination hypervisor using another VM executed using the converted VM image file.