Virtual Machine Provisioning From Point-in-Time Server Snapshots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in transitioning physical IT infrastructure to virtual machines and cloud services, including the need for substantial internal resources to familiarize IT staff with new technologies, incorrect transitions, and inefficiencies in data conversion and management, especially with physical machines to virtual machines.
Innovation Solution
A system that creates a non-production, point-in-time copy of physical machine data and metadata, automatically detects configuration and resource usage, and provisions a new virtual machine with the same functionality, allowing for disaster recovery or replacement, and supports migration to cloud services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical machine data is manually converted to virtual machine format, then data accuracy can be maintained, but substantial internal resources and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses snapshot technology to create point-in-time copies of physical machine data, which are then directly utilized by the virtual machine without requiring manual conversion. This copying approach maintains data accuracy while dramatically reducing the time and resources needed for transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual data conversion processes with automated systems that directly map physical machine data to virtual machine formats using snapshot copies. This substitution eliminates the need for labor-intensive manual conversion while maintaining data integrity through automated validation processes.
2Reliability
If IT staff are trained on new virtualization technologies, then correct transitions can be achieved, but substantial internal resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated detection and configuration systems that self-configure virtual machines based on snapshot data without requiring extensive IT staff intervention. The system automatically identifies data formats, configures virtual machine parameters, and validates transitions, reducing the need for trained personnel while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates automated validation and testing mechanisms that provide feedback on transition accuracy. The system validates snapshot data, checks configuration correctness, and verifies virtual machine functionality, ensuring reliable transitions without requiring extensive manual oversight or specialized training.
3Reliability
If physical machine functionality is replicated to virtual machine, then disaster recovery capability is improved, but data conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates snapshot copies of physical machine data that can be directly applied to virtual machines for disaster recovery purposes. This copying mechanism enables rapid replication of functionality without complex conversion processes, as the snapshot data is designed to be directly compatible with virtual machine formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal data format and configuration system that works across different virtualization platforms and machine types. This universality reduces conversion complexity by establishing standardized interfaces and protocols that simplify the replication process while maintaining broad disaster recovery capability.
Data Source
AI summary
This application describes a process where a system receives a cloning request to replicate the functionality of a primary computing device onto a virtual machine. Initially, the system generates or identifies a non-production, point-in-time copy of the primary device's data and metadata. Utilizing this copy, it assesses the primary device's current configuration and resource usage metrics. Subsequently, it identifies an appropriate hosting destination for the virtual machine, equipped with necessary hardware processors. The process further involves defining an optimal configuration for the virtual machine, which may be distinct from the original device, based on various parameters. The virtual machine is then provisioned at the chosen location according to this tailored configuration. The system ensures the virtual machine has access to the original device's data and metadata through specially provisioned virtual disks. Additionally, it implements specific information management policies on the virtual disks' data and metadata to maintain integrity and security.