Virtual Machine Provisioning via Automated Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for provisioning computer systems are resource-intensive and inflexible, requiring significant human intervention and dedicated physical machines, making it difficult to configure and manage multi-user environments with varying operating systems and applications, especially for temporary or specific configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for creating a virtualized computer system that allows users to select pre-configured virtual machines with specified components, which can be automatically deployed and configured on physical hosts, enabling flexible and automated provisioning without the need for dedicated hardware, allowing for easy migration and customization of virtual machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated physical machines are used for each user, then reliability and performance are improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of physical machines through virtualization technology. Instead of provisioning dedicated physical hardware for each user, the system creates virtual machine instances that replicate the functionality of physical machines. This allows multiple virtual machines to share underlying physical infrastructure, reducing provisioning complexity while maintaining the reliability and performance characteristics of dedicated machines through isolated virtual environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal physical infrastructure that can host multiple different virtual machine configurations simultaneously. A single physical server can provide services to multiple users with different requirements by running different virtual machine instances, each configured for specific applications or operating systems. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated physical machines while maintaining system reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual configuration and installation processes are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures virtual machine templates with all necessary software, applications, and system settings before deployment. These templates are prepared in advance with verified configurations, ensuring manufacturing precision. When provisioning is needed, the pre-configured templates are rapidly instantiated and deployed, eliminating the need for manual configuration during the provisioning process and thus dramatically improving productivity while maintaining configuration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated self-service provisioning that allows users to request and receive configured virtual machines without manual intervention. The automated processes handle template selection, virtual machine instantiation, and resource allocation, maintaining configuration precision through enforced templates while improving productivity by eliminating manual configuration steps.
3Ease of operation
If specialized hardware and systems are deployed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces specialized hardware mechanisms with software-based virtualization technology. Instead of requiring specialized provisioning hardware or complex physical setup equipment, the system uses software to create and manage virtual machine instances. This substitution maintains ease of operation through automated remote provisioning capabilities while dramatically reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for specialized hardware.
4Reliability
If physical machines are powered on and storage media are inserted for installation, then reliability of installation process is improved, but productivity and automation capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual disk images and software-based installation media instead of physical storage devices. The installation process is replicated through virtualized environments where disk images are mounted and installed programmatically. This maintains installation reliability through verified installation procedures while enabling complete automation, as virtual media can be automatically mounted, transferred, and installed without physical human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical actions of physically inserting storage media and powering on machines with software-based operations. Virtual machine instances are instantiated through software commands, and installation media are delivered and mounted through network-based virtual file systems. This substitution maintains installation reliability through controlled software processes while achieving full automation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A provisioning server automatically configures a virtual machine (VM) according to user specifications and then deploys the VM on a physical host. The user may either choose from a list of pre-configured, ready-to-deploy VMs, or he may select which hardware, operating system and application(s) he would like the VM to have. The provisioning server then configures the VM accordingly, if the desired configuration is available, or it applies heuristics to configure a VM that best matches the user's request if it isn't. The invention also includes mechanisms for monitoring the status of VMs and hosts, for migrating VMs between hosts, and for creating a network of VMs.