Virtual Machine Metadata Segmentation for Cross-Vendor Compliance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing virtual machines across different vendor environments is challenging due to proprietary formats, lack of standardization, and difficulty in tracking VMs, leading to compliance and management issues.
Innovation Solution
A method for managing and controlling virtual machines by applying compliance policies, registering VMs with unique IDs, and storing metadata within a systems management partition (SMP) for tracking and optimization, allowing for compliance enforcement and adaptation before execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VMs are created and moved across different vendor environments with proprietary formats, then VM flexibility and vendor choice are improved, but tracking and management control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments VM management into two independent parts: the VM image files (which can be in any proprietary format and moved freely between vendors) and the metadata (which is standardized and stored separately in a database). This separation allows VM flexibility to improve while management tracking is preserved through the standardized metadata that follows the VM regardless of format changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized metadata schema and database as an intermediary between the VM image files and the management system. This metadata layer acts as a universal translator that maintains consistent tracking information across different vendor formats, enabling management control without restricting vendor choice or VM mobility.
2Reliability
If multiple vendor-specific management tools are used, then VM compatibility with specific platforms is improved, but management complexity and difficulty of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal metadata schema that can represent VM information across all vendor platforms. This single standardized metadata structure serves multiple functions: it tracks VM state, stores configuration information, and enables management operations regardless of the underlying vendor format. The management system interacts only with this universal metadata, eliminating the need for multiple vendor-specific tools.
3Productivity
If VMs are frequently moved, copied, cloned, or converted between formats, then VM utilization and adaptability are improved, but management tracking and compliance enforcement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes the standardized metadata structure and registration process in advance, before any VM operations occur. This preliminary framework ensures that every VM, regardless of future movements or format conversions, has consistent tracking information from the outset. The metadata is designed to be immutable in its core structure, preventing information loss even as VM operations intensify.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for controlling and managing virtual machines and other such virtual systems. VM execution approval is based on compliance with policies controlling various aspects of VM. The techniques can be employed to benefit all virtual environments, such as virtual machines, virtual appliances, and virtual applications. For ease of discussion herein, assume that a virtual machine (VM) represents each of these environments. In one particular embodiment, a systems management partition (SMP) is created inside the VM to provide a persistent and resilient storage for management information (e.g., logical and physical VM metadata). The SMP can also be used as a staging area for installing additional content or agentry on the VM when the VM is executed. Remote storage of management information can also be used. The VM management information can then be made available for pre-execution processing, including policy-based compliance testing.