Abstract:
A method for providing software updates. The method comprises selecting an eligible population for a software update from a target population and distributing the software update to the initial eligible population. Thereafter, use and error information is gathered and the size of the eligible population is adjusted according to a stability calculation based on the gathered information. This process is repeated until the entire target population for the update has received the update.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments are generally related to the field of computer applications. Embodiments are also related to methods and systems for providing more efficient computer updates. Embodiments are additionally related to an electronic distribution method and system for providing software updates. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Computer use has become an indispensable part of business and personal life. As the use of computers becomes more prevalent, so to has the need to provide reliable updates to the software associated with computer&#39;s operation, 
     In general, updates for computer software are provided using a number of distribution channels. One increasingly common channel for these distributions is the Internet. For example, when a new or updated version of an application becomes available, it can be provided to an end user quickly via an Internet application that allows the end user to download the material. An end user application connects to a central server to determine if updates for the application are available. The end user of the application can trigger this by selecting a “Check for Updates” option. Alternatively, the application may be configured to automatically check for updates according to a preselected frequency. 
     However, it is common for a large number of machines that require the same download to apply the same update in a short period of time. A very large number of support requests are common when a new update is provided. This may be the result of normal operation activities such as information regarding how to use the updated application, or as a result of unexpected operation activities, like an updated feature causing malfunctions in a given operating environment. Thus, updates that are electronically distributed have the potential to create an unmanageable spike in support requests that can overwhelm support infrastructure, particularly when the spike is related to unexpected operation activities. 
     Several approaches have been proposed to prevent end user disruption associated with this problem. Typically these solutions are based on the preference settings provided to the user for when the software update is downloaded and/or installed. For example, different users will inevitably select different times and intervals to check for updates. Additionally, the preferences may differ according to load of the system or simply according to user confirmation. 
     Ultimately, these methods provide little benefit in reducing the load on support infrastructure because the most common update settings will still result in a support request spike. For example, even though an update may be distributed across several hours of the day based on system load and/or user preferences, at the end of the day a large portion of the systems in the field will be updated, resulting in an unmanageable support request increase. 
     Further, existing methods do not adequately account for the support spike associated with a particular update. Specifically, existing methods to not allow for corrective measures to be implemented before the update has been released to a significant percentage of the eligible population of end users. Therefore, a need exists for an improved method and system for regulating and distributing software updates, according to the installation, usage, and support feedback. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the embodiments disclosed and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the embodiments can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole. 
     It is, therefore, one aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for a method and system for computer updates. 
     It is another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide for an enhanced method and system for providing computer updates. 
     It is yet another aspect of the disclosed embodiments to provide an enhanced method and system for electronically delivering computer updates according to installation, usage, and support feedback. 
     The aforementioned aspects and other objectives and advantages can now be achieved as described herein. A method for providing software updates. The method comprises selecting an eligible population for a software update from a target population and distributing the software update to the initial eligible population via an Internet and/or network connection or via a removable storage media. 
     Thereafter, use information and error information is gathered from Application Instances associated with running the software update by a remote diagnostics module  325 . Additional information may also come from information collected by a customer support organization. 
     The size of the eligible population is adjusted on a set time interval, according to a stability calculation provided by a distribution engine. The stability calculation is based on the use information and error information. The adjustment to the eligible population is adjusted until the entire target population has received the update. However, the size of the eligible population may increase or decrease according to the stability calculation of the update. 
     The method further includes considering a number of factors including: the number of Application Instances that have successfully and unsuccessfully installed the software update, the number of Application Instances that have successfully and unsuccessfully implemented the software update, the number of said Application Instances that have either encountered an error or not encountered an error when using the software update, and the number of Application Instances that have used the software update for a stable time interval. If the stability calculation reaches a predefined threshold, a release manager suspends further distribution of the software update until the update can be fixed or replaced by a new update. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally-similar elements throughout the separate views and which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, further illustrate the embodiments and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the embodiments disclosed herein. 
         FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of a computer system which is implemented in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a graphical representation of a network of data-processing devices in which aspects of the present invention may be implemented; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of a software update support system infrastructure, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments; and 
         FIG. 4  depicts a flow chart illustrating logical operational steps in distributing software updates in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The particular values and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples can be varied and are cited merely to illustrate at least one embodiment and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. 
     A block diagram of a computer system  100  that executes programming for executing the methods and systems disclosed herein is shown in  FIG. 1 . A general computing device in the form of a computer  110  may include a processing unit  102 , memory  104 , removable storage  112 , and non-removable storage  114 . Memory  104  may include volatile memory  106  and non-volatile memory  108 . Computer  110  may include or have access to a computing environment that includes a variety of computer-readable media such as volatile memory  106  and non-volatile memory  108 , removable storage  112  and non-removable storage  114 . Computer storage includes, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions, as well as data, including video frames. 
     Computer  110  may include or have access to a computing environment that includes input  116 , output  118 , and a communication connection  120 . The computer may operate in a networked environment using a communication connection to connect to one or more remote computers. The remote computer may include a personal computer (PC), server, router, network PC, a peer device or other common network node, or the like. The communication connection may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN) or other networks. This functionality is described in more detail in  FIG. 2 . 
     Output  118  is most commonly provided as a computer monitor but may include any computer output device. Output  118  allows a user to navigate through the virtual environment embodied by computer system  100 . In addition, input  116 , which commonly includes a computer keyboard and/or pointing device such as a computer mouse, allows a user to select and instruct computer system  100 . A user interface can be provided using output  118  and input  116 . 
     Computer-readable instructions, for example, program module  125 , are stored on a computer-readable medium and are executable by the processing unit  102  of computer  110 . Program module  125  may include an application. A hard drive, CD-ROM, RAM, flash memory, and a USB drive are just some examples of articles included in a computer-readable medium. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a graphical representation of a network of data-processing systems  200  in which aspects of the present invention may be implemented. Network data-processing system  200  is a network of computers in which embodiments may be implemented. Note that the system  200  can be implemented in the context of a software module such as program module  125 . The system  200  includes a network  202  in communication with one or more clients  210 ,  212 , and  214 . Network  202  is a medium that can be used to provide communications links between various devices and computers connected together within a networked data processing system such as computer system  100 . Network  202  may include connections such as wired communication links, wireless communication links, or fiber optic cables. Network  202  can further communicate with one or more servers  204  and  206  and a memory storage unit such as, for example, memory or database  208 . 
     In the depicted example, server  204  and server  206  connect to network  202  along with storage unit  208 . In addition, clients  210 ,  212 , and  214  connect to network  202 . These clients  210 ,  212 , and  214  may be, for example, personal computers or network computers. Computer system  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  can be, for example, a client such as client  210 ,  212 , and/or  214 . Alternatively, computer system  100  can be implemented as a server such as servers  204  and/or  206 , depending upon design considerations. 
     In the depicted example, server  204  provides data such as boot files, operating system images, applications, and application updates to clients  210 ,  212 , and  214 . Clients  210 ,  212 , and  214  are clients to server  204  in this example. Network data-processing system  200  may include additional servers, clients, and other devices not shown. Specifically, clients may connect to any member of a network of servers, which provide equivalent content. 
     In the depicted example, network data-processing system  200  is the Internet with network  202  representing a worldwide collection of networks and gateways that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite of protocols to communicate with one another. At the heart of the Internet is a backbone of high-speed data communication lines between major nodes or host computers consisting of thousands of commercial, government, educational, and other computer systems that route data and messages. Of course, network data-processing system  200  may also be implemented as a number of different types of networks such as, for example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN).  FIG. 1  is intended as an example and not as an architectural limitation for different embodiments of the present invention. 
     The following description is presented with respect to embodiments of the present invention, which can be embodied in the context of a data-processing system such as computer system  100 , in conjunction with program  125 , and data-processing system  200  and network  202  depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The present invention, however, is not limited to any particular application or any particular environment. Instead, those skilled in the art will find that the system and methods of the present invention may be advantageously applied to a variety of system and application software, including database management systems, word processors, and the like. Moreover, the present invention may be embodied on a variety of different platforms including Macintosh, UNIX, LINUX, and the like. Therefore, the descriptions of the exemplary embodiments, which follow, are for purposes of illustration and not considered a limitation. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a software update support system infrastructure  300  in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. The Application Instance  315  represents one of the computers where the application is installed. While  FIG. 3  only illustrates a single Application Instance  315 , it should be appreciated that any number of Application Instances  315  will be present. For example, Application Instance  315  may be associated with a number of clients such as clients  210 ,  212 , and  214  shown in  FIG. 2 . Each of the Application Instance  315  is identified by a unique identifier such as a serial number, host ID, machine address, or other such unique identifier known in the art that is unique to that set of instances. 
     The update manager  320  is a module as discussed with respect to  FIG. 1 . Update Manager  320  may, for example, be software that is installed in the same host as the application. Its purpose is to check for available updates for a particular instance  315  of the application. In addition, Update Manager  320  may assist the user with the installation of the update. 
     Update server  330  is the central repository where updates  340  are made available for the Application Instance  315 . It will be appreciated that update server  330  could be implemented by multiple computers via a functional partitioning or load-balancing scheme. 
     The remote diagnostics module  325  is a component of the Application Instance  315  that is in charge of monitoring the usage and stability of the application while it runs. The remote diagnostics module  325  provides data to the Distribution Engine  335  indicative of application use and errors detected in a particular instance of the application  315  shown by arrow  360 . This data may be provided during or after the installation of a new update. 
     A customer support center  310  is an organization that is in charge of receiving end user  305  calls and providing support for the application. The customer support personnel receive user error reports as shown by arrow  345 . They then evaluate these reports and determine if they are normal end user  305  calls or if the calls indicate an error in the application. In the case when an error is likely, the customer support personnel create a ticket for the solution to the problem. The ticket may also track the amount of time that was needed to provide support for a particular system. The information on the ticket is identified by the unique identifier associated with the Application Instance  315 . This data is then provided to the Distribution Engine  335  as shown by arrow. 
     The Distribution Engine  335  is the element in the system  300  in charge of determining which particular Application Instance  315  should be provided access to a particular update. The Distribution Engine  335  analyzes the data provided from the update manager  320  via arrow  355 , remote diagnostics module  325 , and customer support  310 , and provides a gradual release of the update. The Distribution Engine  335  considers the confidence the update is stable and the support needs associated with the update in determining the release rate of the update. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a flow chart of logical operational steps of a method  400  for software distribution, in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. As indicated at block  405 , the method begins. At block  410  a new update is ready to be distributed. This generally implies the update has been developed and tested. Updates can be published through the Distribution Engine  335 . The distribution channel for an update may be over the Internet. Alternatively, the new update may be distributed through alternate channels such as a service engineer visiting one of the installations and performing an update from a removable media. 
     Next, the target population of the update, which includes the set of Application Instances  315  to which the update applies, can be divided into an eligible population which is then a subset of the target population that is allowed to download and install the update as shown at block  420 . The Distribution Engine  335  determines which Application Instance  315  in the target population is included in the initial eligible population for the initial release. The initial size of the eligible population may, for example, be selected as the size of the target population divided by the target time span for the update to be distributed. The update is distributed to the selected eligible population and installed as indicated by block  430 . One skilled in the art will appreciate that even if the update is provided to the Application Instance  315 , the specific preferences of the particular user of the Application Instance  315  will determine when the update is downloaded and applied. The Update Manger accesses the Application Instance  315  associated with the eligible population and then downloads and installs the update. 
     The method continues simultaneously as indicated at blocks  440  and  450 , which both generally indicate that stability data is collected. As illustrated at block  440 , a remote diagnostics module  325  can gather data associated with the stability of the Application Instance  315  where the update has been installed. The remote diagnostics module  325  may also gather data from Application Instance  315  that are manually downloaded and manually installed. This data includes the unique identifier of the Application Instance  315  as well as health and usage data associated with the application such as, for example, a log of encountered errors. The data is periodically pushed to a central location and ultimately to the Distribution Engine  335 . 
     It is also likely that end users  305  of the updated application will encounter errors. This will often result in a phone call to a customer support center  310 . The customer support staff is trained to determine if a report indicates a problem in the updated application. When a problem does arise, the customer support technician will create a ticket with information including the unique identifier of the Application Instance  315 , the reported error, the solution, and alternatively the time needed to provide support to the particular system. This information is then provided to the Distribution Engine  335  as illustrated by block  450 . 
     At block  460 , the Distribution Engine  335  evaluates the stability of the update and adjusts the size of the eligible population accordingly. This evaluation occurs periodically. In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation and size adjustment is preformed once a day. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the time scale of this step should be adjusted according to the various attributes of the specific update. 
     The stability of the update can be based on a number of factors including: the number of Application Instances  315  that have successfully installed the update, the number of Application Instances  315  that encountered a problem while installing the update, the number of Application Instances  315  that have already used the updated application, the number of Application Instances  315  that have encountered problems while using the updated application, the number of Application Instances  315  that have used the application long enough for the instance to be considered stable, the accumulated usage of the application by all instances that have been updated, the accumulated usage of the application by all instances that did not encounter errors, and the accumulated number or errors encountered while using the updated application, or some subset of the aforementioned factors. One skilled in the art will further appreciate that a number of other factors may be useful in gauging the stability of the update and that this list is provided as an example of possible factors. 
     The aforementioned factors may indicate that the update is stable enough that the eligible population is increased to a larger percentage of the target population. The factors may also suggest the update is unstable in which case the eligible population will be decreased by the Distribution Engine  335 . The size of the eligible population may be adjusted, for example, using formula (1) as follows:
 
 Z   d   =Z   d−1 +( T   p   /T   s )+( S   4   −E   20   +U )  (1)
 
wherein the term Z d  represents size of the eligible population at day d. Note that in the present example the time scale used is in days, but any appropriate time scale could be used. Z d−1  is the eligible population at day d−1. Likewise, T p  represents the target population and T s  is the number of days in the target span. S indicates the number of upgraded applications that are considered stable. This variable can be based on a combination of the aforementioned stability factors or any appropriate stability factors. E represents the number of upgraded Application Instances  315  that have encountered problems, and U represents the number of upgraded Application Instances  315  that have been used at least once. The variable U may alternatively describe any appropriate usage statistic associated with the upgraded Application Instance  315 .
 
     In formula (1), the term (T p /T s ) represents the default number of instances that are added to the eligible population each day. This may be understood as a normal rate for a linear distribution model in which every day a constant number of instances are added to the eligible population until all target instances are part of the eligible population. 
     The next term (S 4 −E 20 +U) is an adjustment factor made to the default rate based on the stability of the update in the field. This term could be negative or positive, thus when it is added to the default rate it could increase or decrease the size of the eligible population. The values of the constants in this term can be understood as weighting factors that represent a relative confidence in the model. For example, a more conservative model would give more weight to problems in the field and would rapidly decrease the size of the eligible population when errors are encountered. A less conservative model would give more weight to the number of stable update instances in the field and would therefore increase the size of the eligible population. 
     Block  470  indicates an iterative loop used to ensure the update is provided to the entire target population. Each time the eligible population size is adjusted, the Distribution Engine  335  checks if the eligible population includes the total target population as shown at block  470 . If the eligible population includes the target population indicated by the “yes” block  471 , the method ends at block  495 . If the target population is still larger than the eligible population, indicated by the no block  472 , then the method returns to block  430  and is repeated until the update has been distributed to the entire target population. In many cases, as soon as the update is made available it will be immediately downloaded and installed. However, it may also be the case that the update is not downloaded and installed immediately. Thus, some portions of the eligible population will carryover to become part of the eligible population for the next iterative cycle. 
     The method  400  also provides a fail safe for particularly unstable updates. Block  480  indicates that if the stability calculation reaches a predefined threshold level, a warning can be provided to the release manager. Further distributions of the update are then suspended as shown at block  490 . Other actions may also be taken at this point to correct the unstable update. For example, the update may be reviewed and republished before it is released or may be scrapped and replaced by an equivalent but more stable update. After distributions of the update are suspended, the method ends at block  495 , 
     While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that variations of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also, that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.