System and method for improved automation of a computer network

Abstract

The present invention controls the automation process in a computer network system. The major advantage of the present invention is based on the introduction of an Abstract Resource Model. This model results in the automation being divided into two: an automation execution component (Automation Agent or Resource Agent); and an automation decision-making component (Automation Manager or Resource Manager). The automation execution component controls how programs or resources are run within a specific environment. For this, the automation execution component has at its disposal predefined routines to start, stop or monitor a program. The automation execution component is preferentially installed on the computer on which the program or resource is installed. The automation decision-making component controls when a program or resource is run on an abstract decision-making level. The automation decision-making component stores the dependencies of the programs or resources for starting or stopping. The programs are represented by a name. The automation decision-making component is non-system-dependent, and so can be installed on any computer in the automation system. An additional automation decision-making component is preferentially installed on a second computer in case the first automation decision-making component fails. The advantage of the Abstract Resource Model lies in the fact that the operator needs no specific knowledge as to which programs or program components belong to an overall application, or which programs or program components need to be started in which order. Those programs or program components which necessitate reciprocal running can preferentially be assembled in a base group and are notified to the operator via the user interface under a base group name. A further advantage of this invention lies in the fact that new programs only need to be incorporated as abstract resources in the automation decision-making component. Only the specific run routines for the new program need to be implemented additionally in the automation decision-making component. A further advantage of the present invention is that the automation decision-making component is based on a multi-relationship graph in which all the resources and their dependencies are mapped in a graph structure. Lastly, a further advantage of the present invention lies in the fact that a priority control is introduced for different requests.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.