US 6,978,265 B2 · System and method for managing information for a plurality of computer systems in a distributed network

Abstract

A system for managing computers in a distributed computer network includes a collection agent for each computer being monitored, a local database coupled to each collection agent, one or more condensing agents coupled to the databases, and at least one console module. The condensing agent generates an index table from a source database and sends it upstream to the next level up in the hierarchy of databases. Other condensing agents may in turn act on this index table and send it up to a still further level, until a top-level master node has an index table reflecting the entire network. The console can use the index table to identify what databases contain needed data, and then make only selective connections to databases to answer queries, avoiding connections to all the local databases. The condensing agent also produces summarized data and sends it upstream as well, to be used by the console. Efficiency is improved over conventional systems. Use of the index method and the summary method can be transparent to (hid from) the user of the console, or may be made visible, with selection options.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A method of managing information for a plurality of computers in a distributed network comprising the steps of:

(A) collecting original data related to each computer and storing the original data in a respective database;
(B) generating an index table including index data for each computer wherein the index data is configured (i) to identify at least a portion of the contents of the original data stored in the database, and (ii) to facilitate access to the databases over the distributed network;
wherein said step of generating an index table includes the substeps of:
producing records in the table characterized by a record type selected from the group comprising a database name, a system name, a disk name, a network interface name and a user name;
and
producing connection information for each database to facilitate access thereto over the distributed network;
and
(C) scanning at least one of the index tables to select databases that match a user query;
(D) accessing the selected databases to retrieve original data and generate an output therefrom.

6 more elements

An apparatus for managing information for computers in a distributed network comprising:

a collection agent associated with each of a plurality of computers configured to acquire and store original data in a respective storage databases;
at least one condensing agent for condensing said original data into index data, said index data configured (i) to identify at least a portion of the contents of said original data, and (ii) to facilitate access to said storage databases over the distributed network;
a base database including said index data;
a console module configured to select storage databases for access thereto responsive to a user query for said contents, said console being further operative to use said index data to access said selected storage databases, retrieve original data, and generate an output;
said plurality of computers are arranged in a logical tree style hierarchy wherein said console module is configured to execute on a head end of said hierarchy, a remainder of said computers populating a subtree of said hierarchy at a plurality of levels;
wherein said base database includes an index table having a plurality of records containing said index data, each record being characterized by a record type selected from the group comprising a storage database name, a system name, a disk name, a network interface name and a user name.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for managing information for a plurality of computer systems in a distributed network

Life of this patent

System and method for managing information for a plurality of computer systems in a distributed network

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15