Zero-click deployment of data processing systems

A method and computer network to autonomously deploy a group of data processing systems without human user interaction. One embodiment of the invention involves a method to deploy one or more data processing systems without human intervention. A second embodiment of the invention involves a computer network to facilitate the intelligent deployment of one or more data processing systems without human intervention. A third embodiment of the invention involves a computer program embodied on an electronically-readable media, containing instructions to deploy one or more data processing systems without human intervention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to providing a method to facilitate the set-up of a group of data processing systems, and more specifically to providing a method to quickly deploy a group of computers with a specific set of software and hardware parameters in a chaotic environment, remote environment, and any other environment where human operation and intervention is impossible, impractical, or undesirable.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Organizations have developed several in-house programs and procedures for deploying data processing systems (e.g., computer servers). These in-house programs and procedures have been less than comprehensive, and the complexity of deploying data processing systems has also been approximately proportional to the number of data processing systems involved. Such deployments are frequently extremely time-consuming and frustrating under the best of circumstances to human operators, and usually require extensive human operator knowledge and supervision.

Complex data processing system deployment (especially networks of dozens or hundreds of data processing systems) typically requires extensive intervention by highly specialized human operators. Such complex data processing system deployment may be especially difficult in times of serious business dislocations (e.g., during or after extensive layoffs, and so forth), since sufficiently knowledgeable human operators may no longer be unavailable, or no longer cooperative.

Complex data processing system deployment is also extremely demanding on human operators in chaotic environments (e.g., during or after earthquakes, fires, massive power failures, terrorist attacks, full-scale military battles and conflicts, and so forth), since sufficiently knowledgeable human operators may be unavailable, injured, or insufficiently calm and incapable of making correct decisions. Incorrect decisions in complex data processing system deployments can cause an extensive amount of very complicated and very subtle problems that require an enormous amount of debug and recovery time. However, debug and recovery time may be in very short supply when the crisis recovery requires an extremely quick recovery of operational capabilities.

Complex data processing system deployment in remote environments (e.g., monitoring sites near natural hazards, unmanned underwater vehicles, robotic repair equipment in radioactive and other hazardous areas of nuclear power plants and chemical plants, unmanned space vehicles, manned space vehicles with incapacitated crews, and so forth) may also require extremely quick and complex data processing system deployment during and after unforeseen events that greatly reduce or eliminate the command, communication, and control systems that originally allowed deployment participation by remote human operators. Deployment of data processing systems after such events can be impossible, or quite difficult and time consuming, if no fully automatic deployment capability exists. Furthermore, deployment of data processing systems may be necessary when the consequences of the unforeseen event require an extremely quick recovery of operational capabilities of the data processing systems.

Deployment of data processing systems includes selecting several software and hardware parameters. These parameters are listed in detail below, but include personalization information and options information, as well as other types of parameters (e.g., configuration parameters).

For example, one prior art deployment software product is the PowerQuest DeployCenter (available from PowerQuest, with corporate headquarters in Orem, Utah), which automates the capture and restoration of data (e.g., personal information) on end-user's systems, including network and operating system settings (e.g., this allows the user to elect the operating system settings to be transferred to other computers and affects the way that the operating system functions). The objects transferable during deployment include (but are not limited to): Desktop settings (e.g., for the Windows operating system this could include Active Desktop, Colors, Desktop Icons, Display, Icon Font, Pattern, Screen Saver, Wallpaper, Window Metrics and Start Menu); Personality settings (e.g., for the Windows operating system this could include Accessibility, Internet Browser Settings, Keyboard, Mouse, Printers, Send To Menu, Shell, Sound, Taskbar and User Profiles); Connectivity Settings (e.g., for the Windows operating system this could include Computer Description, Computer Name, DNS configuration, mapped drives, RAS networking connections, shared folders & drives, TCP/IP configuration, WINS configuration, Workgroup and Domain); Files (e.g., files that can be transferred at the same time as the settings).

However, the PowerQuest DeployCenter does not capture (i.e., take a snapshot of) the hardware configuration of a reference server, such as the hardware inventory, firmware settings, CMOS settings, boot order (e.g., booting from CD, disk drive, floppy diskette, or network), and the enablement/disablement of embedded hardware. The DeployCenter can only save information that is related to, or on, the actual disk drive being captured. Thus, it does not capture information about the hardware, the firmware settings, CMOS, boot order, or the enablement/disablement of any embedded hardware. It can manipulate the file system format, disk drive partitions, free space, and files.

Another prior art deployment software package is the Rembo Auto Deploy (RAD) package (available from Rembo Technology Sarl, with corporate headquarters in Carouge, Switzerland). This is a system image creation, management, and deployment tool intended to allow an administrator to take a snapshot of an operating system configuration for a computer, including: base disk image, application packages, configuration settings, and specific hardware configurations (such as firmware upgrades). RAD is driven from a central database containing unique parameters for each computer (including the rules that decide which images and software are applied to each computer). Parameters are set prior to deployment.

RAD assembles the target computer's operating system from various building blocks. The first is the base disk image. A base disk image is a copy of the hard disk contents (including the operating system) from a reference computer {e.g., in a Windows operating system this is prepared with the Microsoft System Preparation tool (SysPrep), available from Microsoft Corporation, with corporate headquarters in Redmond, Wash.}. On top of the base disk image, an administrator can apply software images. Software images are similar to base disk images, but are related to a specific piece of software. Multiple software images can be merged with the base disk image, and the combined base disk image and software images are written to a hard disk. At the end of the deployment, a SysPrep answer file (or a Linux equivalent file) is created and copied to the hard disk to customize the operating system.

However, the deployment process needs a specialized deployment center and may require manual intervention. In manual mode, RAD requires a user to enter specific computer configuration parameters and choose which software package to install. RAD uses a reference server to take a snapshot of some of the hardware inventory {including PCI devices, and desktop management interface (DMI) information}, disk drive settings, and CMOS settings.

However, RAD does not have features to control embedded hardware settings. RAD only images the first system disk drive or RAID volume as reported by the BIOS; alternate disk drives must be installed using operating system-based tools, or by using command lines. RAD only supports incremental images on the primary OS partition; the operator must use software updates packages with an unattended setup command line to install software on a secondary partition.

A major problem inhibiting deployment of a group of data processing systems is the complexity of setting up the software and parameters of a larger group of data processing systems. It would be desirable to provide a comprehensive method and system to intelligently deploy a group of data processing systems with a specific set of software, hardware firmware versions, and parameters without human intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a comprehensive method and system to facilitate the deployment of a group of data processing systems with a specific set of software, hardware firmware versions, and parameters without human intervention. The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, such as a method, a computer network, and a computer program on electronically-readable media. Three aspects of the invention are described below.

A first aspect of the invention is directed to a method to deploy one or more data processing systems. The method includes capturing deployment information from a reference data processing system to deploy on the one or more data processing systems, wherein the deployment information is stored in a memory; selecting the one or more data processing systems; selecting a package of the deployment information to be deployed on the one or more data processing systems; and intelligently deploying the one or more data processing systems without human intervention, wherein the intelligently deploying includes referencing the package of deployment information that is stored in the memory.

A second aspect of the invention is directed to a computer network to facilitate the intelligent deployment of one or more data processing systems. The computer network includes one or more data processing systems to be intelligently deployed; one or more reference data processing systems containing deployment information; a means for transmission capable of conveying the deployment information to the one or more data processing systems without human intervention; and a dedicated data processing system containing deployment information copied from the one or more reference data processing systems, wherein the dedicated data processing system conveys to the one or more data processing systems over the means for transmission a package of deployment information selected from the deployment information.

A third aspect of the invention is directed to a computer program embodied on electronically-readable media, containing instructions to facilitate the deployment of one or more data processing systems. The computer program includes a program code segment to capture deployment information from a reference data processing system to deploy on the one or more data processing systems, wherein the deployment information is stored in a memory; a program code segment to select one or more data processing systems to be included in the one or more data processing systems; a program code segment to select a package of the deployment information to be deployed on the one or more data processing systems; and a program code segment to intelligently deploy the one or more data processing systems without human intervention, including program code to reference the package of deployment information that is stored in the memory.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention provides a method and a system to facilitate the deployment of a group of data processing systems. One most preferred embodiment of the invention is implemented on a computer network that is connected or coupled to what is commonly referred to as the Internet or the World Wide Web.

Intelligent Deployment

Both zero-click deployment and one-click deployment (discussed in the co-pending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 09/944,313, entitled “One-Click Deployment of Data Processing Systems,” filed on Aug. 30, 2001, by the common assignee, which is hereby incorporated by reference), most preferably include intelligent deployment. Intelligent zero-click deployment includes deployment initiation, where the zero-click deployment software compares the program-selected hardware and/or software attributes to the target data processing systems. Intelligent deployment also includes testing for a successful match of the target data processing system attributes against the match criteria attributes; a match indicates a successful deployment candidate (in this case deployment is allowed to continue). However, if the match of attributes is unsuccessful, the zero-click deployment software can decide whether the deployment proceeds. Intelligent zero-click deployment can also stop deployment when a mismatch of attributes occurs due to target data processing system incompatibility, or suspend the deployment until an adjustment is made in the target data processing system(s) or in the deployment itself, or continue the deployment. The attributes originate from a pre-defined list, which can be included or excluded from the attribute comparison prior to deployment initiation.

FIG. 1illustrates a typical configuration of one or more data processing systems, in accordance with one application of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The desktop personal computer102, workstation104, laptop computer106server108, disk array110, and a printer112are connected through a network (e.g., a data processing network) to a dedicated server114. The dedicated server114would typically be running a recent version of Windows or Linux (e.g., RedHat Linux) on a Netserver/HP Unix server system (or this could be any system capable of running the deployment software of the present invention and the deployment software plug-in components of a vendor), and be connected to a network. Preferably, a Web browser on a workstation118can be used to remotely access the dedicated server114. The dedicated server114would typically include a Pre-boot Execution Environment (PXE) server (to load an operating system from a remote boot server prior to beginning actual deployment), a database120, and a file library122. The file library122contains image and utility libraries normally installed as part of the software of the dedicated server114. The database120and file library122may or may not be located on the same data processing system as the dedicated server114. In one embodiment, the dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server116is on the same data processing system as the dedicated server114, but in another embodiment the DHCP server116is on a different data processing system. When a server provides this data processing system network service on the network, it will dynamically configure a data processing system's network settings, including the IP address, subnet, DNS server, lease expiration date, and other settings. In preferred embodiments, a PXE Server is implemented as part of the dedicated server114. If there is a router between the PXE Server and a target data processing system, the router must be setup to route the appropriate network packets. A BOOTP packet is a specific type of packet that the router may or may not route depending on its configuration. The router preferably supports all packets that are needed for transmission over the network to target data processing systems.

The reference data processing system and target data processing systems preferably include PXE supporting network cards. Usually the network interface cards (NICs) have PXE-boot devices that are always available, but the default boot order may be selectively modified to specify the PXE-enabled NIC at the top of the boot order. Preferably, the data processing systems are connected to the same network as the dedicated server. Preferably, the data processing systems support Wake-on-LAN (WOL), or another wake-up mechanism (listed in Table 3 below), and include network cards with WOL enabled. The dedicated server114preferably has a management console running on a workstation in a supported Web browser. The printer112is connected to the dedicated server or network for printing asset management reports. Components that may be required in addition to the dedicated server software include: SysPrep from Microsoft and/or equivalent Linux utility, BIOS and firmware version readers, update utilities, ROM files, configuration binary/text files, configuration utilities from vendors (e.g., utilities for BIOS, SCSI, and RAID), and a supported database (e.g., an ORACLE database).

A PXE-boot process is preferred, but not required on data processing systems with an Intel architecture. A PXE-boot process is not necessary for data processing systems with a Hewlett-Packard proprietary architecture (e.g., the Prism architecture). Before the PXE-boot process can begin, a data processing system may need to be powered-on or rebooted. A preferred way to power-on a data processing system is through WOL, when the data processing system has WOL capabilities and WOL is enabled. However, since activating a data processing system through WOL requires user input at a console, a preferred method of starting a data processing system prior to a zero-click deployment would use the power switch located on the data processing system. PXE would then occur during the PXE-boot process, which would happen if the data processing system automatically reboots itself, or if an installation technician presses the power button on the data processing system itself at the installation site. Neither process would require any user input through a remote web console.

FIG. 2illustrates an architectural block diagram for one preferred embodiment of the invention. The presentation layer of the graphical user interface (GUI)202communicates with the Information Center Manager (ICM)210to present one-click deployment information to users. The GUI202communicates with a scheduler204. The scheduler204communicates with the Intelligent Deployment Logic (IDL)206to have rules applied to a set of target data processing systems. The IDL206communicates with the ICM210for specific information regarding rules and target data processing systems. The scheduler204communicates with the task manager208to execute specific tasks, such as deployment when new data processing systems are found.

In preferred embodiments of the invention for zero-click deployment, the task manager208will be informed by a third party software plug-in that a data processing system has been found. If there is no task associated with it, the task manager208informs the scheduler204of a new data processing system. The scheduler204will communicate with the IDL206to have rules applied to a set of target data processing systems.

FIG. 3illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the IDL206is not a stand-alone module, and the IDL206is part of the ICM210. Here, the presentation layer of the GUI202communicates with the ICM210to present one-click deployment information to users. The GUI202communicates with a scheduler204. The scheduler204communicates with the ICM210(which contains an IDL206) to have rules applied to a set of target data processing systems. The IDL206inside the ICM210communicates with the ICM210for specific information regarding rules and target data processing systems. The scheduler204communicates with the task manager208to execute specific tasks, such as deployment when new data processing systems are found. In preferred embodiments of the invention for zero-click deployment, the task manager208will be informed by a third party software plug-in that a data processing system has been found. If there is no task associated with it, the task manager208informs the scheduler204of a new data processing system. The scheduler204will communicate with the ICM210(the IDL206) to have rules applied to a set of target data processing systems.

Discovery

The discovery program determines the system hardware and firmware configuration information for one or more data processing systems, and saves this information for future reference. This information is preferably saved on a non-volatile memory, such as a magnetic disk drive, a magneto-optic disk drive, a floppy diskette, a compact disc, or a flash memory. Alternatively, the information can be saved on a volatile memory, such as a random access memory (RAM). Table 1 lists some discovery features.

TABLE 1Discovery FeaturesFeatureDescriptionIndependentIn preferred embodiments, the discovery program isfrom Externalindependent from the implementation of other features,Componentssuch as the image capture and deployment features.DOS ProgramPreferred embodiments are implemented as a DOSprogram.Run fromPreferred embodiments can run from a bootable DOSDOS or OSenvironment, or from a supported network operatingsystem (NOS).Remote andPreferred embodiments can be initiated remotely across aunattendednetwork connection and can operate without any userintervention.Data Stored forPreferably, discovery data is added to a database storedFuturelocally as a file (e.g., text, or binary) on the system,Referenceor remotely on a dedicated server, depending onthe Discovery program.ValidationPreferred embodiments support validation against anexisting system's hardware/firmware configuration todetermine whether a system's hardware changed sincethe previous discovery process.Local StoragePreferred embodiments of local storage discoveryInformationobtain some or all of the following information:Number of physical disk drives.Firmware version of each physical disk.Capacity of each physical disk drive.Number of partitions on each physical disk drive.Capacity of each partition.Capacity of un-partitioned space on each disk drive.File system format on each partition (with support for autility partition from Hewlett-Packard (HP) and/or othervendors).Physical disk and partition number of the active bootpartition (MBR).Empty/non-empty status of each partition.Physical disk and partition number of the NOS drive.Whether a partition is exclusively for a page or swap file.RAID StoragePreferred embodiments of the invention use discovery toInformationobtain some or all of the following information aboutRAID storage:Drive numbers of logical RAID drives.RAID configuration.Number of Disk Array Controllers (DAC).Vendor for each DAC.Vendor specific model for each DAC.DAC BIOS and firmware version information.SystemIn preferred embodiments, some or all of the followingHardwaresystem hardware information is obtained throughInformationdiscovery:System model identification.System Basic Input Output Software (BIOS) version.System F2 setup configuration (CMOS & related chips,random access memory (RAM) information (e.g.,capacity, type, speed, number of chips, and errorcorrecting capability (ECC)), central processingunit (CPU) information, (e.g., vendor, model, & speed)).Video card information (e.g., vendor & BIOS/firmwareversion).Maximum vertical refresh rate of an attached monitor.Network Interface Card (NIC) detection.Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI) controllerinformation, such as vendor, model and firmwareversions.Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics (EIDE/IDE)controller information (e.g., current configuration).Peripheral Computer Interface (PCI) slot information,including the number of PCI slots and the types ofdevices in the slots.Intel Standard Architecture (ISA) slot information,including the number of ISA slots and the types ofdevices in the slots.Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) slot information,including the vendor, model, and firmware version ofthe card in the slot.
Image Capture

Preferred embodiments of image capture can be used to capture a system's hardware configuration, base software image, and/or incremental software images. Table 2 lists some differences between discovery and image capturing. Table 3 follows Table 2 and lists some preferred image capturing features.

TABLE 2Discovery and Image CapturingFeatureDescriptionDiscoveryDiscovery preferably automatically runs thediscovery action to obtain a system's hardwareand software information.Image CapturingImage capture preferably captures the hardwareCaptures Referenceconfiguration, base software image, and/orSystem Configurationincremental software images from a referenceand Imagessystem. The capturing process is non-destructive to the reference system's existingconfiguration.

A more preferred embodiment of the invention provides a programming code segment to capture hardware information (e.g., both text data and/or binary data), and to transmit the hardware information (e.g., CPU information, PCI information, BIOS information, and so forth) back to a dedicated server. Third-party utilities (e.g., deployment utility software from vendors like Rembo or PowerQuest) can be used, if necessary, to capture or deploy the data (e.g., software image(s) on the hard drive(s) of reference systems) for Intel-based systems, and can be used to deliver the hardware info capture and configuration program code segments to the data processing systems. Additionally, third-party utilities may be used to capture and deploy software image(s) on non-Intel-based data processing systems. A preferred embodiment provides a database for storing references to software image store(s) after software image(s) are put on the dedicated server. In addition to storing references to software image(s), other value-added information (e.g., hardware info) is stored in the database of the dedicated server that stores the software image(s).

TABLE 3Some Preferred Image Capture FeaturesFeatureDescriptionHardwareCaptures a reference system's profile. To create a systemConfigurationhardware configuration, image capture obtains some ofthe information below:System BIOS Vendor, Version, Release Date, ROMSize.System BIOS configuration (captured text or binary file).All PCI (and non-PCI) device BIOS and firmwareversions & configurations, including Redundant Arraysof Inexpensive Disks, SCSI controllers, other diskcontrollers.Advanced Graphics Port (AGP) video BIOS & firmware.Motherboard-embedded device info, BIOS & firmware.System information {e.g., manufacturer, product name,version, serial number, universal unique identification(UUID), & wake-up mechanism (e.g. LAN Remote,Power Switch, PCI, Modem Ring, APM Timer, andequivalents)}.Processor information (e.g., socket designation, type,family, manufacturer, ID, version, voltage, clockfrequencies).Cache information (e.g., internal/external cacheconfiguration, maximum cache size, installed cachesize, & system cache type).Memory Devices (e.g., location, use, memory errorcorrection, maximum capacity, and number of memorydevices, memory array handle, total width in bits, datawidth in bits, size, form factor (i.e., type of RAM; e.g.,SDRAM, DIMM, SIMM DDR, & so forth), device set,device locator (i.e., to identify the physical socket orboard position), back locator (i.e., to identify the physicalbank of the device)}.Networks (e.g., LAN, WAN, Internet, wireless networks,and direct connection).Preferred embodiments dynamically create a DOSbootable image containing the system profile files andutilities. Preferably, the hardware configuration supportsa unique identifier and a link to the reference system'ssystem profile in the database.Base SoftwareA preferred embodiment captures a base software image,Imagetypically including a NOS image, of a reference system.A base software image is associated with a link to thereference system's profile in the database. Preferredembodiments support some of the following NOSimages:Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000 Server, Windows XPRedHat Linux, SuSe Linux, Debian LinuxHP-UXand future upgrades and enhancements of the aboveNOS.IncrementalA preferred embodiment captures incremental softwareSoftwareimages by differencing the current softwareImageconfiguration with an existing base software image.Preferably, incremental software images are linked tothe reference system's system profile and to the basesoftware image in the database.MultiplePreferably, the image capture process supports imagingDrives andmultiple partitions on a drive, multiple drives andPartitionspartitions across one or more physical drives. Preferably,the image capture process automatically captures allpartitions on all drives, and links the imagestogether as a base or incremental software image.CompleteAllows creation of a hardware configuration and base(“Zero-Click”)software image without human operator intervention.SystemCapture
Deployment

Deployment in preferred embodiments of the invention are done remotely without any interaction from the user and can be done in headless systems.FIG. 4illustrates some deployment options, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The dedicated server402is connected to various data processing systems. Headless Deployment404involves a data processing system that is not connected to a monitor406, keyboard408, or mouse410. The data processing system has headless BIOS support and deployment typically is both unattended and remote in this deployment option. Unattended Deployment412does not require human interaction. The data processing system may or may not be headless. An alternative embodiment can include a centralized deployment server that is able to control deployment on this system without the need for a GUI on the target data processing system.

A more preferred option for data processing system deployment is Headless Deployment404, which assumes that the deployment is remote and unattended. Another preferred option is remote-unattended deployment, which appears as a Headless Deployment404, although the data processing system is physically connected to a console.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention can deploy multiple data processing systems, and deploy hardware configurations and software images as specified by the Image Capture process. Table 4 lists a summary of preferred deployment features that can be supported as necessary in various embodiments of the invention.

TABLE 4Preferred Deployment OptionsFeatureDescriptionHeadlessPreferably, the system supports headless operation. Even ifDeploymentthe system does not support true headless deployment,preferably deployment can done remotely and unattended.Preferred embodiments of Zero-Click Deployment willdeploy to any data processing system as if it were aheadless or remote, unattended system. This method ofoperation requires no user input.UnattendedDeployment does not need user interaction. UnattendedDeploymentdeployment may or may not be done remotely.GroupDeployment preferably supports multicast technologies andDeploymenthandles multiple system and images with one deploymentaction.DeployPreferably, deployment of a hardware configuration is doneHardwarealone, or as part of deploying a complete system. IfConfigura-deployed alone, the hardware configuration should not betiondestructive to the target's existing software configuration.Preferably, hardware configuration utilities are deployedwith a bootable DOS image, along with the necessaryconfiguration data files created during hardwareconfiguration image capture.Preferably, the DOS image is used to run the hardware andfirmware utilities, and it is removed from the target systemwhen the utilities are finished. Preferably, in order todeploy the hardware configuration, the system profileassociated with the reference system matches the target'ssystem profile.Deploy BasePreferably, software images are deployed as specifiedSoftwareby the Image Capture process. The target's system profileImagepreferably matches the reference system's profile. Inaddition to matching the target and reference systemprofiles, deployment of software or incremental images usessome or all of the following database information:Logical drive of each partition.Number of partitions on each drive.Partition size.Partition file system format (e.g., HP's utility partition).Whether it is a swap partition.Disk and partition number of the active boot partition.A link to the image associated with each partition.In preferred embodiments, deployment creates and formatspartitions and deploys images as part of base or incrementalsoftware images. The reference system's profile preferablydetermines how the partitions are created, and how theimage is restored on each partition.DeployPreferably, incremental images can be deployed alone,Incrementalwith a hardware configuration, or with a base softwareSoftwareimage. Preferred embodiments ensure that incrementalImageimages are deployed on top of the base software imagefrom which they were created during Image Capture.MultipleA preferred embodiment supports deployment to multipleDrives andpartitions on a single drive, multiple drives, and partitionsPartitionsacross multiple physical drives.

Preferred embodiments of the invention can update a data processing system's hardware configuration in a non-destructive manner, both before software image deployment, and on a data processing system that has already been configured. In other words, the hardware configuration can be updated at any time without modifying the remaining portion of the configuration of the data processing system.

The most preferred embodiment is able to deploy new or additional hardware configuration and/or software image(s) to a system that has already been deployed. Re-deployment could be used to update a systems hardware configuration, deploy additional software components with incremental images, or completely change the configuration of a system by deploying a different base software image. Re-deployment involves regaining control over a system that is currently running a network operating system (NOS). Table 5 lists selectively included re-deployment features.

TABLE 5Some Preferred Re-Deployment FeaturesFeatureDescriptionCancelPreferably, a user may cancel the deployment processDeploymentduring any stage. When canceling deployment, the useris preferably given a choice to either rollback deployment,or to simply cancel the process. Since certain stages ofdeployment are difficult to cancel (e.g., restoring an image),cancellation preferably takes place at the earliest possiblestep of deployment.RestartPreferably, the deployment process may be restarted afterDeploymentcancellation, or once a deployment error has been corrected.Preferably, the deployment process can resume at the lastuncompleted stage.RollbackPreferably, deployment can be used to rollback a system toDeploymenta previous state (e.g., after canceling a deployment process,so that the system can be deployed back to the previousdeployment state).Rules-BasedPreferably, it is possible to define a set of rules forDeploymentautomatically deploying configurations and images.
Asset Management

In preferred embodiments, asset management includes database operations, administration, and a scheduling utility. Table 6 lists some preferred asset management features.

TABLE 6Asset Management FeaturesFeatureDescriptionDefinedPreferred embodiments can create groups of systems forGroupspurposes such as deployment or discovery.Rule-BasedGrouping rules can be maintained in the deploymentGroupingdatabase and used to automatically place a new systemin an existing group.Rule-BasedDeployment rules can be maintained in the database forDeploymentautomatic deployment of hardware configurations orimages.ValidationPreferably, asset management supports validation ofsystems, groups, hardware configurations, and images bymatching system profiles. System profiles preferablymatch some or all of the following:System model.Number and size of hard drives.PCI card data.Number and size of partitions (unless the system is a newtarget).NOS (unless the system is a new target).And other attributes mentioned in the discovery section.UtilityPreferred embodiments of the invention can add, update, orLibrarydelete files in the utility library (for use during discovery,image capture, or deployment).UniquePreferred embodiments of the invention can insert, modifySystemor delete system information. System information canInformationinclude one or more of the following:IP address(es) or DHCP.Network name.Organization name.Domain.User name and password.Time zone and language.Regional options.Network options.DefaultPreferably, unique system information is automated bySystemusing default information for selected systems. PreferredInformationembodiments use the default information entered toautomatically create unique information for each of theselected systems.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be able to create rules that will apply to all deployments within a group, or across groups, that will automatically affect what is deployed to a data processing system according to whatever knowledge is already known about a target data processing system.

Preferably, the present invention will support data processing system deployments in locations where network connectivity is not available by providing bootable CD or diskette sets. These CDs or diskettes can be used for deploying any data processing system, with the option of letting the user enter computer configuration settings or specific software packages. Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the present invention will separate the base image from the application software package images, so that even if the application software packages are created on a specific platform (the reference computer), they can be deployed to other platforms (other system images) without requiring modifications.

Preferably, the present invention will be capable of deploying different configurations across several data processing systems simultaneously by using a multicast transport protocol. Multicasting makes it possible to optimize network usage, since files that are needed by several data processing systems will only be sent once, instead of being sent to each data processing system individually. Preferably, status reports are sent to a central console to help an administrator monitor the deployment.

FIG. 5Aillustrates a process flow chart for one embodiment of the invention that is capable of both one-click deployment and zero-click deployment. The method starts in operation502. Operation504is next, where a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a program module that will work in the background and listen for new systems that are powered on, and start PXE. Operation506is next, where a dedicated server identifies the data processing system {e.g., by the media access control (MAC) address}. Operation508is next, where a test is made to determine whether or not there is a task already defined for that data processing system. If the test of operation508determines that there is an active task, then operation510is next and the active task is started. Operation512is next, where the method ends. However, if the test of operation508determines there is no active task, then operation514is next where the discovery and rules checking process starts. As the flow chart shows, there may be a deployment if certain criteria are met. In operation516the next deployment rule is checked. This includes comparing the data processing system attributes to the rule attributes, starting at the first rule and stopping at the first applicable rule. Operation518is next, where a test is made to determine if the data processing system matches the rule. If the test of operation518determines a match, operation520is next, where a test is made to determine if the rule is a one-click or zero-click rule. If the rule is a one-click rule, step AA onFIG. 5Bis next. If the rule is a zero-click rule, step BB onFIG. 5Bis next. However, if the data processing system does not match the rule, then operation522is next, where a test is made to determine if there are more rules. If there are more rules, then operation516is repeated. If there are no more rules, then operation524is next, where the action is performed, and a user-editable server setting can specify the action. Then operation526is next, where the method ends.

FIG. 5Bcontinues the process flow chart starting at step AA for one-click deployment and starting at BB for zero-click deployment, as illustrated onFIG. 5Afor one embodiment of the invention. The method continues from step AA for a one-click rule in operation528, where the pending task is added to the task manager. Operation530is next, where the pending task is displayed to a user. Operation532is next, where a test is made to determine if the user accepts or deletes the task. If the user chooses deletion, then operation534is next, where the pending task is deleted from the scheduler. Operation536is next, where the method ends. However, if user accepts the task, then operation538is next, where the pending task is set to active and operation542is next.

The method continues from step BB for a zero-click rule in operation540, where the pending task is added to the scheduler. Operation542is next, where the task manager starts the task. Operation544is next, where the action results are returned to a database (e.g., on a dedicated server). The method ends in operation546.

FIG. 6illustrates a more detailed flow chart of a method for deploying data processing system(s) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation602. In operation604, the deployment process begins by the selection of the type of action needed. In operation606, a test is made to determine if there is a need for a new rule, to view a rule, enable/disable/delete a rule, or change a rule priority. If a new rule is needed, then operation608is next, where the deployment package is selected (e.g., the images of the data processing system). Then operation616is next, where the deployment action is set. Operation618is next, where the activation settings are set. Operation620is next, where the expiration options are set. Then operation622is next with a return to the rule menu. If the test of operation606determines there is a need to view a rule, then operation612is next, where the rule details, rule history, and associated rule information is shown. Then operation622is next with a return to the rule menu. If the test of operation606determines there is a need to enable a rule, disable a rule, or delete a rule, then operation614is next, where a request for confirmation is made to enable the rule, disable the rule, or delete the rule. Then operation622is next with a return to the rule menu. If the test of operation606determines there is a need to change a rule priority, then operation610is next, where a the current list of rule priorities is shown and modifications are allowed. Then operation622is next with a return to the rule menu. The method ends in operation624. Preferably, the rules are active in the background of the deployment center.

In a more preferred embodiment, events are added and may be scheduled using the functional area menu item. Then scheduled events may be manipulated using the scheduler options shown inFIG. 7, where the rules listed inFIG. 6are also seen.

FIG. 7illustrates a flow chart of the scheduler, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation702. In operation704, the user begins by entering a GUI main menu. Operation706is next, where the scheduler menu is entered. Operation708is next, where all the scheduled tasks are shown (including the one-click or zero-click deployment rules), and indicated by one-click or zero-click deployment rules, sorted by date and time (or by some other convenient characteristic). A test is made to determine if the selection is to view the event details, edit an event, or delete an event. If the test of operation708determines the event details are to be viewed, then operation710is next, where the event details, event history, and other information are shown. Then operation718is next, where there is a return to the top-level menu. If the test of operation708determines an event is to be edited, then operation712is next, where the event editing functional area of the GUI is entered and all the data for event editing is loaded. Then operation716is next, where the data is saved and the scheduler tasks are updated. Then operation718is next, where there is a return to the top-level menu. If the test of operation708determines that an event is to be deleted, then operation714is next, where a confirmation is requested before the event deletion proceeds. Then operation718is next, where there is a return to the top-level menu.

FIG. 8illustrates a flow chart involving asset management of one or more data processing systems, in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention. The method starts in operation802. Operation804is next, where edit system information option is selected. Operation806is next, where the system information option is selected: default information or individual information. If the test of operation806determines a default information option is selected, then operation808is next. Then operation810is next, where the group and/or system(s) are selected. Then operation812is next, where the default information is entered. Then operation822is next, where the update is initiated. If the test of operation806determines an individual information option is selected, then operation814is next. Then operation816is next, where the single system is selected. Then operation818is next, where the individual system information is displayed. Then operation820is next, where the individual system information is entered. Then operation822is next, where the update is initiated. Operation824is next, where an update confirmation is displayed. The method ends in operation826.

FIG. 9illustrates the relationship between attribute match criteria and various types of deployment, in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. Three different types of deployment embodiments are shown: one-click deployment902, zero-click deployment904, and multi-click deployment906. In cases where there is no attribute match criteria specified, deployment involves a “trivial filter”908. In cases where there is one or more attribute match criteria specified, deployment involves a “match criteria/filter”910. In the case where the deployment is done through the “trivial filter”908, the next step is to “allow deployment”930. In the case where there is a mismatch in attribute matching in the “match criteria/filter”910, the next step is to “generate error/warning”920, which is then followed by the step “allow deployment”930. Preferred embodiments handle an attribute match failure by generating an error or warning before automatically continuing with deployment (e.g., when there is a “minor” mismatch/error in attributes), by generating an error or warning and stopping deployment (e.g., when there is a “major” mismatch/error in attributes), or by generating an error or warning, and suspending deployment until the deployment software decides to continue with deployment (e.g., when there is a mismatch/error in attributes).

The exemplary embodiments described herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that other embodiments could be practiced without departing from the scope and spirit of the claims set forth below.