Patent ID: 7739367
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for managing multiple services, comprising: generating a first service operation module for a first service provided by a first network device, wherein the first service operation module (a) supports a set of functions that are invokable by a management module and (b) acts as an interface between the management module and the first service provided by the first network device; in response to the management module invoking, with respect to the first service operation module, a first function of the set of functions, the first service operation module for the first service providing, to the management module that is separate from the first service operation module, first operation data that specifies one or more first operations that the first service is configured to perform; the management module receiving, from a client, a request for a first operation that one of the multiple services is configured to perform; in response to the management module receiving the request from the client, the management module determining, based upon the first operation data, whether the first service is configured to perform the first operation specified in the request; in response to the management module determining that the first service is configured to perform the first operation specified in the request, the management module invoking a second function of the set of functions to provide, to the first service operation module, the request for the first operation; in response to the first service operation module receiving the request, the first service operation module sending the first operation to the first service; discovering a second service that is different than the first service; after discovering the second service: in response to the management module invoking, with respect to the second service operation module, the first function of the set of functions, the second service operation module for the second service providing, to the management module, second operation data that specifies one or more second operations that the second service is configured to perform; the management module receiving, from a second client, a request for a second operation that one of the multiple services is configured to perform; in response to the management module receiving the request for the second operation, the management module determining, based upon the second operation data, whether the second service is configured to perform the second operation; in response to the management module determining that the second service is configured to perform the second operation, the management module invoking the second function of the set of functions to provide, to the second service operation module, the request for the second operation; and in response to the second service operation module receiving the request for the second operation, the second service operation module sending the second operation to the second service.