Virtual Machine Pre-Configuration via Login History Analysis
Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual computing environments, the delay in attaching storage volumes to virtual machines upon user login leads to frustration and resource saturation, especially during peak usage times, as users must wait for application and data availability.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically configures virtual machines by capturing login history to anticipate user login times and pre-configure storage volumes, including application storage volumes, prior to user login, thereby making virtual machines available quicker and reducing wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If storage volumes are attached to virtual machines upon user login, then users can access applications and data, but users experience wait time and frustration during login
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs storage volume attachment in advance by identifying users based on login history patterns and pre-attaching their storage volumes to virtual machines before the anticipated login time. This preliminary action eliminates the wait time users would otherwise experience during login, as the storage configuration is already complete when the user accesses the system.
2Productivity
If storage volumes are attached to virtual machines during peak login times, then users can access their applications, but processing resources become saturated causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system analyzes login history to predict when users will log in and performs storage volume attachment before the peak login period. By distributing the attachment operations across time rather than concentrating them during peak login moments, the system avoids resource saturation and maintains consistent processing speeds without delaying user access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors login patterns and adjusts the timing of storage volume attachment operations based on observed user behavior. This feedback mechanism allows the system to optimize resource utilization by scheduling attachments during periods of lower load while ensuring volumes are ready when users need them.
3Loss of time
If storage volumes are pre-attached to virtual machines before user login, then user wait time is reduced, but system resource utilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs storage volume attachment in advance for users identified through login history analysis, but only for a subset of users with predictable login patterns. This selective preliminary action reduces configuration time for these users while avoiding unnecessary resource consumption for users with unpredictable login behavior, thus balancing user experience with resource efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and software to configure virtual machines for end users based on a login history for the end users. In one implementation, a method of operating a virtual computing service that dynamically configures virtual machines includes capturing a login history indicative of when users login to a plurality of virtual machines using the virtual computing service. The method further provides, identifying an anticipated login time for a subset of the users based on the login history and identifying a configuration for the subset of users that is earlier than the anticipated login time. The method also includes, configuring a virtual machine at the configuration time for each user in the subset of the users by attaching at least one storage volume associated with the user to the virtual machine.