Constructing a component management database for managing roles using a directed graph

A method for maximizing the availability of multiple computer systems linked together, said systems including both hardware and software components, comprising:

• a) receiving messages describing the components capabilities and the dependencies said components have upon each other;
• b) maintaining a database of said capabilities and dependencies using said received messages;
• c) receiving an event notification, from one or more said components, pertaining to an event effecting the availability of the system to perform in a successful manner;
• and
• d) managing the interoperability of said components using methods individually determined by the type of component to be managed whereby the goal of maximizing the availability of said system is achieved.

A system for maximizing the availability of multiple computer systems linked together, said multiple computer systems including both hardware and software components, comprising:

• a) a dynamic configuration manager receiving messages describing the components capabilities and the dependencies said components have upon each other;
• b) a distributed messaging service incorporating the capability of passing messages through packet filtering and proxy firewalls;
• c) a component management database maintaining a table of said capabilities and dependencies using said messages;
• and
• d) a set of methods to manage the interoperability of said components, each method individually determined by the type of component to be managed, whereby the goal of maximizing the availability of said system is achieved

A system for maximizing the availability of multiple computer systems, linked together, said multiple computer systems including both hardware and software components, comprising:

• a) means for configuring a database of management information, said information including the types of components that comprise the system, the projected role that each component plays in the system, the actual role that the component plays in the system and the interrelationship each component has with each other;
• b) means for establishing methods to monitor and control said software and hardware components, the methods tailored to the particular class of component of interest;
• c) means for receiving messages and notifications from the components so that the appropriate methods may be invoked to maximize the availability of the system in which that component resides;
• and
• d) means for replicating and persisting the data, residing in the database of management information, across both the system and the network.