Virtual Machine Instance Creation via Dynamic Configuration Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image-based approaches in cloud computing fail to effectively manage dynamic aspects and user customization when creating new instances, as they do not account for end-user data and system configuration information during the instance creation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for creating cloud computing environments by constructing virtual machine instances from image bits, end-user information, artifacts, and cloud-based values, allowing dynamic management of documentation and user-supplied data, and system-level configuration to customize the image at instance creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing image-based approaches are used to create virtual machine instances, then the instance creation process is simple and fast, but the system cannot effectively manage dynamic aspects and user customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the instance creation process into distinct components: base image, user data, artifacts, and configuration information. This segmentation allows each component to be managed independently, enabling customization without overwhelming complexity. The system separates static image content from dynamic user-provided elements, allowing flexible composition of virtual machine instances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to traditional image-based approaches by adding a configuration layer that sits above the base image. This configuration layer includes user data, artifacts, and system configuration information, allowing customization without modifying the core image structure. This dimensional addition enables adaptability while maintaining process simplicity.
2Reliability
If a new image is created to capture changes when software is installed or upgraded, then the latest system state is preserved, but the image generation process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing user data, artifacts, and configuration information separately before instance creation, rather than creating a new image after changes occur. This allows the base image to remain static and reusable, while only the configuration layer needs to be assembled during instance creation, significantly improving productivity while maintaining system state accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by referencing a master base image multiple times for different instances, rather than creating unique images for each instance. Only the configuration data needs to be copied and customized per instance, which is much faster and less resource-intensive than full image generation, while still capturing the latest system state through configuration updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic aspects of the image are managed within the binary representation, then the image structure is unified, but flexibility and customization capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts dynamic aspects (user data, artifacts, configuration information) from the static binary image representation. This separation allows the base image to remain a simple, manageable binary file while dynamic elements are handled separately in configuration files and data structures, increasing flexibility without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration files and metadata as intermediary layers between the static base image and the dynamic runtime environment. These intermediaries enable flexible customization by providing a structured interface for user data and settings without requiring changes to the core binary image structure, thus enhancing adaptability while keeping image management straightforward.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible approach to construct/create instances of cloud computing environments. Specifically, under embodiments of the present invention, an image of a virtual machine instance is created from the following components: image bits; content such as the liner notes, manual, metadata, etc.; end user information (so that the image can be customized for one or more specific end users); values provided to an installer; and cloud based values (e.g., IP address, hostname, etc.). By constructing the virtual machine using this approach, dynamic aspects of the image are managed external to the static binary representation of the image. This would include artifacts such as documentation, install scripts, binary files, etc. Additionally, user supplied data can be captured dynamically and copied to customize the image at the time of instance creation. Still yet, embodiments of the present invention provides system level configuration to construct the virtual machine.