Automated Virtual Machine Update and Validation Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing software updates for virtual machines in repositories or marketplaces is inefficient, as existing methods require manual intervention and do not ensure that virtual machines are correctly updated and validated before being used by users.
Innovation Solution
An automated process for centralized installation, testing, and distribution of software updates for virtual machines, which includes setting up a timer for periodic updates, configuring virtual machines to execute upgrade scripts, and validating the updates through testing before returning them to the repository, ensuring that updates are applied consistently and correctly across multiple machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are stored in repositories or marketplaces without automated update processes, then users can access and acquire virtual machines, but the virtual machines cannot receive and install software upgrades while in the repository
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs software updates on virtual machines before they are deployed to users. An automated update process periodically checks for updates, downloads them, and installs them while the virtual machine is in the repository, ensuring the virtual machine is updated before acquisition by users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated update process as an intermediary between the virtual machine repository and the virtual machines stored therein. This intermediary process periodically checks for updates, downloads them from update sources, and installs them on virtual machines while they remain in the repository, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and update capability.
2Reliability
If manual update processes are used for virtual machines, then updates can be installed, but the process requires user intervention and is inefficient for managing multiple virtual machines
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the update process operates autonomously without user intervention. The automated process periodically checks for updates, downloads them, and installs them on virtual machines in the repository, eliminating the need for manual user actions while efficiently managing multiple virtual machines simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic automated checks and updates for virtual machines in the repository. The system periodically checks for available updates, downloads them, and installs them automatically, providing efficient batch management of multiple virtual machines without requiring continuous manual intervention.
3Productivity
If software updates are installed without validation, then updates can be applied quickly, but there is no assurance that the virtual machines function correctly after upgrading
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through automated testing and validation processes. After software updates are installed on virtual machines in the repository, the system automatically tests the updated virtual machines to verify they function correctly before making them available for user acquisition, ensuring both speed and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated approach to updating, testing, and distributing virtual machine images is described. Centralized updates allow for a virtual machine image executed locally on thousands of machines to be updated in a single place and the automated testing and distribution signaling provides for smooth rollouts of the updates.