Virtual Machine Cloning via Template and Console Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for deploying virtual machines in large distributed computing systems result in inefficient use of resources due to the need for separate virtual machine instances for each type, leading to wasted storage and memory, and are unable to efficiently clone virtual machines when they are slightly different.

Innovation Solution

The system automatically packages a console virtual machine and a template virtual machine into a vApp, allowing for the efficient generation and management of multiple virtual machine instances, where the template virtual machine initiates communication with the console virtual machine to create clones, thereby reducing resource usage and enabling cloning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods increase the size of the virtual machine pool to account for large scope distributed computing systems, then the system can handle more virtual machine types, but storage and memory resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine type coverageVSAvoidstorage and memory waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses template virtual machines as reusable copies that can be cloned to create multiple virtual machine instances. Instead of maintaining separate full copies of each virtual machine type, the system creates instances by copying from templates, significantly reducing storage requirements while maintaining the ability to support multiple virtual machine types across large distributed computing systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal template virtual machine approach where a single template can serve multiple purposes and generate multiple instances. The template virtual machine acts as a multi-functional base that can be cloned and configured for different roles, eliminating the need to maintain separate storage for each virtual machine type while maintaining adaptability across the distributed system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods generate a single virtual machine for each distinct virtual machine type, then each virtual machine can be customized, but storage and memory resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual machine customizationVSAvoidstorage and memory waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system clones virtual machine instances from template virtual machines rather than creating entirely separate custom virtual machines for each type. The cloning process allows customization through configuration parameters while reusing the base template, reducing storage requirements while maintaining customization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent separates the virtual machine into two parts: a shared template virtual machine that contains the common base configuration, and instance-specific configuration data. This segmentation allows multiple instances to share the same base image in storage, eliminating redundant data while preserving customization through instance-level configuration parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional methods cannot engage in cloning when virtual machine instances are slightly different, then each instance can be unique, but deployment efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstance uniquenessVSAvoiddeployment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a cloning mechanism that copies template virtual machines to create instances, even when instances need to be slightly different. The cloning process is efficient and allows post-clone customization, enabling both rapid deployment and instance uniqueness. This resolves the contradiction by allowing cloning for efficiency while permitting modifications for uniqueness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The template virtual machine is prepared in advance with all common configurations and base software, allowing instances to be quickly cloned and deployed. Any instance-specific customizations are applied after cloning, which speeds up the overall deployment process compared to building each instance from scratch, while still allowing uniqueness through post-clone configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10635467B1Deployable console-based virtual application deployment and configuration systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure involve systems and methods for the automatic packaging and deployment of virtual machines in a virtual environment. More particularly, the disclosure involves a system that automatically packages two virtual machines, a console virtual machine and a template virtual machine, in a virtual application. The template virtual machine initiates communication with the console virtual machine to generate multiple virtual machine instances.