Virtual Machine Provisioning via Configuration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing provisioning platforms for virtual machines lack the ability to automatically differentiate software provisioning based on varying configurations and resource availability, requiring manual intervention for each virtual machine set, even when they are intended to receive similar software installations.
Innovation Solution
A virtual machine management engine detects and registers different configurations and resources of virtual machines, enabling a provisioning server to generate tailored software installations, using tools like libvirt or VMware tools, and store records of installations for updates, thus eliminating the need for manual configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a provisioning platform is used to install software on virtual machines, then software distribution is automated, but manual intervention is still required for each virtual machine set due to configuration differences
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates customized software distributions tailored to specific virtual machine configuration requirements. Different software packages are prepared with different configurations (e.g., database settings, storage parameters) to match different VM types, allowing automated provisioning while accounting for local configuration needs
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning process is segmented into distinct phases: VM configuration detection, classification into configuration classes, selection of appropriate software distribution, and customized installation. This segmentation allows the system to handle different VM types systematically without requiring manual intervention for each
2Adaptability or versatility
If different sets of virtual machines are configured with different resources, then resource optimization is achieved, but provisioning complexity increases due to need for different software settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system manages complexity by parameterizing software configurations based on VM resource characteristics. Software distributions are prepared with adjustable parameters (database size, storage allocation, memory settings) that are automatically configured according to the detected VM resources, maintaining flexibility while simplifying the provisioning process
Solution Approach 2:
A provisioning platform acts as an intermediary between virtual machine management tools and software installation processes. This intermediary detects VM configurations, determines appropriate software distributions, and automates the provisioning process, reducing complexity by centralizing the coordination logic
3Manufacturing precision
If manual provisioning is performed for each virtual machine set, then customization to configuration is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Software distributions are prepared in advance with different configurations for different VM types. The provisioning platform pre-configures software packages (e.g., database software with different storage settings) so that during actual provisioning, only detection and selection are needed, achieving precise customization without time-consuming manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The provisioning system performs self-service by automatically detecting VM configurations, classifying them into configuration classes, selecting appropriate pre-prepared software distributions, and executing installation without manual intervention. This automation maintains configuration precision while dramatically reducing provisioning time
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for differential software provisioning on virtual machines having different configurations. A provisioning (or “cobbler”) server can interact with a local virtual machine installation client to initiate a software provisioning process to diverse sets of virtual machines. The provisioning process can entail, for example, the selection and delivery of an operating system to the diverse sets of virtual machines, as well as the installation of applications or other software. In conjunction with the provisioning process, the koan client can identify the virtual machine configuration or type for the various virtual machine sets, such as those based or hosted on a Xen virtualization type, a VMware virtualization type, or kernel-based virtual machine (KVM) type. The cobbler server can generate differentiated versions of the virtualized installations for the different types of target virtual machines, compatible with the various configurations. The supported virtual types can be extensible.