Virtual Machine Fast Provisioning via Paused Ready-State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Virtual machines take time to initialize, which is undesirable in environments requiring quick availability of computing resources.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for quick provisioning of virtual machines, where a virtual machine is booted and determined to be in a ready-state, then paused to conserve resources, allowing for rapid resumption upon client request without reloading resources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual machine is fully initialized and kept running, then it is ready for immediate use, but computing resources are consumed continuously even when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual machine is initialized and resources are loaded in advance into memory, but the VM is paused at a ready-state before full activation. This preliminary action prepares the VM for rapid deployment while avoiding continuous resource consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions the virtual machine between different states: initialized/paused state for resource efficiency, and active state for immediate availability. This dynamic state management allows the system to adapt resource allocation based on actual usage needs.
2Loss of time
If a virtual machine is initialized completely before provisioning, then it is ready for use immediately, but the initialization time is long and resources are tied up
Solution Approach 1:
Essential initialization steps are performed in advance including loading the operating system kernel and critical resources into memory, then pausing the VM at a ready-state. This preliminary action dramatically reduces the time required for actual provisioning while maintaining resource efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The initialization process is segmented into phases: critical resources are loaded and prepared in advance, then the VM is paused, and finally only the essential resumption step is performed when provisioning is requested. This segmentation separates the time-consuming initialization from the actual provisioning action.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a virtual machine is paused in an inactive state, then resources are conserved, but the virtual machine cannot be used until resumed
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual machine is initialized to a ready-state with all necessary resources loaded into memory before pausing. This preliminary action ensures that when the VM is resumed, it can immediately become operational without requiring additional initialization time, thus maintaining immediate availability while conserving resources during the paused state.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for reducing the loading time of virtual machines. A virtual machine is booted on a virtual machine host. The machine continues to initialize until it has reached a ready-state. The machine is then paused on the virtual machine host. A request for the virtual machine may then be received from a client. The machine is then resumed on the virtual machine host and a notification may be sent to the client stating that the machine is ready.