JP2010191921A - Information processing device and information processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a management burden and disk image quantity required for operation management of a network system. <P>SOLUTION: A system management device 101, according to the arrangement instructions of a disk image Di, receives from a server 102 a VMAC address of a virtual server run on the server 102. The VMAC address is registered in a correspondence table for the virtual server with associating the VMAC address with the execution environment Ej of the arrangement destination of the disk image Di. A correction information ID specifying the correction information required when the disk image Di is arranged in the execution environment Ej is retrieved from an instance setup table 600 and registered in the correspondence table for the virtual server. If a transmission request for the correction information ID is made thereafter, the correction information ID is retrieved from the correspondence table for the virtual server using as a key the VMAC address of the requesting origin and transmitted to the VMAC address. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for operating a physical server in a network system.

  In an on-demand center that allocates resources according to customer requests, resource allocation is dynamically adjusted according to the load of the instance that the customer operates in order to improve resource allocation efficiency (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below) .) Here, the instance is a physical server or a virtual server assigned to the customer. A virtual server is a virtual computer that operates in an execution environment constructed by dividing the resources of a physical server.

  Specifically, for example, an on-demand center is operated to reallocate instances to a high-performance physical server at high loads and to relocate instances to low-performance physical servers or virtual servers at low loads. Yes. In order to realize this operation, the customer's system environment is not stored on a disk device in a physical server, but is stored as a disk image on a shared storage such as a SAN (Storage Area Network).

  Then, a disk image deployment instruction is issued to the instance placement destination. As a result, the instance accesses the shared storage and executes the disk image to realize the customer's system environment. At this time, it is necessary to modify the disk image according to the execution environment of the deployment destination. The disk image correction includes, for example, device driver replacement, OS (Operating System) application parameter adjustment, and the like.

  Conventionally, as a technique for dealing with the rearrangement of instances, there is a technique for creating a disk image customized for each execution environment. However, there is a problem that it is necessary to create disk images for every execution environment of all physical servers and virtual servers that can serve as instance placement destinations, leading to an increase in the amount of disk images. Furthermore, since the disk image is switched to a different disk image when the instance is rearranged, there is a problem that information stored in the disk image is lost.

  As another method, there is a method in which the center side rewrites the disk image from the outside before starting the OS. However, there is a problem that the management load is increased because the center side manages information related to the correction of the disk image and the application of the correction. Furthermore, there is a problem that large-scale batch operation becomes difficult when the configuration of the on-demand center is changed, and flexible configuration management is difficult.

  Therefore, there is a conventional technique for automatically correcting a disk image by introducing a correction program for rewriting that operates in a general purpose into a disk image, and the instance executes the correction program before the OS is started. In this method, an instance specifies an execution environment using specific information for each physical server that is set in advance, and applies a modification according to the execution environment to the disk image.

  In addition, as a method that does not involve disk image modification, when relocating an instance to a virtual server, the server that deploys the disk image is switched by building a virtual server that virtually has the same device as the deployment source. There is a technology (for example, see Patent Document 2 below).

JP 2007-233815 A JP 2007-316724 A

  However, the above-described conventional technology does not consider the correction of the disk image in accordance with the execution environment in the case where the instance is arranged in the virtual server. For this reason, when an operation including a virtual server at the instance placement destination is performed, there is still a problem that the management load and the disk image amount for operation management are increased.

  Further, in the conventional technique described in Patent Document 2 described above, a method that does not involve correction of a disk image has been proposed, but there is a problem that it is not possible to cope with a case where devices are different between physical servers. Furthermore, there is a problem that it is necessary to mount a virtual device corresponding to the device used at the placement source on the placement destination virtual server.

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the management load and disk image amount required for the operation management of a network system in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the information processing apparatus and the information processing method according to the disk image execution instruction in an arbitrary execution environment among a plurality of execution environments that can be constructed on a server. An address assigned to an execution environment constructed on the server is received from the server, the arbitrary execution environment is associated with the received address, and the disk image is determined based on the execution environment associated with the address. Correction identification information for specifying correction information required for execution is set in the execution environment from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server. Search from the table that stores the correction identification information that identifies the correction information required when executing It is a requirement to send a multi-address addressed to the address.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, it is possible to automatically correct the disk image in accordance with the execution environment of the virtual server that is the instance placement destination.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, there is an effect that it is possible to reduce the management load and the disk image amount for the operation management of the network system.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a computer apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of a shared storage. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of the correspondence table for physical servers. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of a deployment destination table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of an instance setting table. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the system outline | summary of a network system. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a system management apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of the correspondence table for virtual servers. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example of correction information. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of a server. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the information processing procedure of a system management apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the correction process procedure of a server. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the system outline | summary of a network system.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus and an information processing method will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this information processing apparatus and information processing method, when an address is received from a virtual server, the corresponding correction information ID is searched and returned from a table in which the address assigned at the time of activation of the deployment destination virtual server is associated with the correction information ID. Thus, the disk image can be automatically corrected.

  In this specification, the information processing apparatus is a system management apparatus that manages a network system that allocates resources to tenants (customers) on demand.

(System configuration of network system)
First, the system configuration of the network system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system. In FIG. 1, a network system 100 includes a system management apparatus 101, servers 102-1 to 102-k, a shared storage 103, and a client terminal 104.

  Here, the system management apparatus 101, the servers 102-1 to 102-k, and the client terminal 104 are connected via a network 110 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), and a WAN (Wide Area Network). Further, the servers 102-1 to 102-k and the shared storage 103 are connected via a dedicated network 111 such as a SAN capable of high-speed communication.

  The network system 100 is constructed, for example, in an on-demand center that provides a service for allocating resources to customers on demand. In the network system 100, the resource allocation is dynamically adjusted according to the load of the instance (physical server or virtual server) operated by the customer in order to effectively use the resource.

  In the network system 100, the physical servers are the servers 102-1 to 102-k. The virtual server is a virtual computer that operates in an execution environment constructed by dividing the resources of the physical server. The resource is a hardware resource such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an interface.

  The system management apparatus 101 has a function of deploying a disk image to a physical server or virtual server that is an instance placement destination. Here, the disk image is an image file in which the entire disk device on which the customer's system environment is backed up is filed. The disk image is stored in the shared storage 103 accessible by the servers 102-1 to 102-k. The disk image deployment instruction is a disk image execution instruction for an instance.

  By executing the disk image by the instance, it is possible to emulate the state in which the disk device is mounted by software, and to control as if the disk device is accessed by being inserted into the drive. A detailed description of the disk image will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Further, the system management apparatus 101 has a function of responding to a correction information ID transmission request for specifying correction information for correcting a disk image. Specifically, for example, in response to a transmission request from a virtual server that is an instance placement destination, the system management apparatus 101 specifies a correction information ID for specifying correction information for correcting a disk image in accordance with the execution environment. Reply by sending

  Each of the servers 102-1 to 102-k (hereinafter simply referred to as “server 102”) includes a virtual machine manager (hereinafter referred to as “VMM”) 120, and divides resources into at least one execution environment. Has the function to build. According to the VMM 120, the customer's system environment can be realized by the execution environment constructed on the server 102. As a result, a single server 102 can operate a plurality of OSs simultaneously.

  The server 102 has a function of correcting the disk image by executing a correction program in the disk image. Specifically, the server 102 corrects the disk image using the correction information corresponding to the execution environment of the disk image deployment destination. A detailed description of the correction program and the correction information will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, taking the server 102-1 as an example, various interfaces provided in the physical server will be described. The server 102-1 includes an HBA (Host Bus Adapter) 130 and an NIC (Network Interface Card) 140, 141. The HBA 130 is an interface connected to the shared storage 103 via a network 111 (storage network) such as a SAN.

  The NICs 140 and 141 are interfaces connected to the system management apparatus 101 and the client terminal 104 of the customer via a network 110 (service network, management network) such as the Internet, LAN, or WAN. The NICs 140 and 141 are set with MAC (Media Access Control) addresses unique to the NICs 140 and 141.

  Next, taking the server 102-2 as an example, various interfaces provided in the virtual server operating in the execution environment constructed on the server 102-2 will be described. The virtual server includes a VHBA (Virtual HBA) 150 and VNICs (Virtual NIC) 160 and 161. The VHBA 150 is an interface connected to the shared storage 103 via the network 111 (storage network).

  The VNICs 160 and 161 are interfaces connected to the system management apparatus 101 and the client terminal 104 of the customer via the network 110 (service network, management network). In the VNICs 160 and 161, VMAC (Virtual MAC) addresses unique to the VNICs 160 and 161 are set. The VMAC address is assigned each time from the VMM 120 when the execution environment in which the virtual server operates is constructed.

(Hardware configuration of system management device and server)
Next, the hardware configuration of the system management apparatus 101 and the server 102 (herein simply referred to as “computer apparatus”) shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the computer apparatus. In FIG. 2, the computer apparatus includes a CPU 201, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, a magnetic disk drive 204, a magnetic disk 205, an optical disk drive 206, an optical disk 207, I / F (Interface) 208. Each component is connected by a bus 200.

  Here, the CPU 201 controls the entire computer apparatus. The ROM 202 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201. The magnetic disk drive 204 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 205 according to the control of the CPU 201. The magnetic disk 205 stores data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 204.

  The optical disk drive 206 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disk 207 according to the control of the CPU 201. The optical disk 207 stores data written under the control of the optical disk drive 206, or causes the computer to read data stored on the optical disk 207.

  An interface (hereinafter referred to as “I / F”) 208 is connected to a network 110 such as a LAN, a WAN, or the Internet through a communication line, and is connected to another device (such as a client terminal 104) via the network 110. . The I / F 208 is connected to a network 111 such as a SAN through a communication line, and is connected to another device (such as the shared storage 103) via the network 111.

  The I / F 208 controls an internal interface with the networks 110 and 111 and controls data input / output from an external device. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter may be employed as the I / F 208. Although the hardware configurations of the system management apparatus 101 and the server 102 have been described here, the client terminal 104 can also be realized with the same hardware configuration.

(Contents stored in shared storage)
Next, the contents stored in the shared storage 103 shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the shared storage. In FIG. 3, the shared storage 103 stores disk images D1 to Dn. D1 to Dn are names of disk images.

  Taking the disk image Di as an example, a boot-loader (hereinafter simply referred to as “bl”) 301, a modification program 302, a FullOS 303, modification information Ri-1 to Ri-m, and a physical server correspondence table 304 It is the structure containing these. Here, bl301 is a program for starting the correction program 302.

  The correction program 302 is a rewriting program that operates for general purposes. The instance executes the correction program 302 before starting the OS, thereby rewriting various settings of the FullOS 303. The Full OS 303 is an OS, middleware, application, and the like that realize a customer's system environment. The FullOS 303 includes a FullOS-loader 305 for starting the OS.

  The correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m is information for correcting the disc image Di. The correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m is prepared for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server 102. The execution environment is an operating environment for using an OS or an application, for example, and is expressed by a combination of CPU performance, I / O performance, memory (main memory, cache memory) capacity, drive information, and the like. In the following, execution environments that can be constructed on the server 102 are referred to as execution environments E1 to Em.

  The physical server correspondence table 304 is a table in which correction information IDs for specifying correction information required when the disk image Di is deployed on the server 102 are stored. Here, the contents stored in the physical server correspondence table 304 will be described by taking the disk image D1 (i = 1) as an example.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the physical server correspondence table. In FIG. 4, the physical server correspondence table 304 has fields of MAC address and modification information ID. By setting information in each field, information related to the correction information ID for specifying the correction information required when the disk image D1 is deployed on each server 102 is stored as a record.

  Here, the MAC address is, for example, a MAC address unique to the NIC 141 included in the server 102. The MAC address is associated with each server 102 in the network system 100 on a one-to-one basis. The correction information ID is an identifier that specifies correction information R1-1 to R1-m for correcting the disk image D1.

(Contents stored in the deployment destination table)
Next, the storage contents of the deployment destination table used by the system management apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the contents stored in the deployment destination table. In FIG. 5, the deployment destination table 500 has fields of an instance name, a disk image name, and a deployment destination. By setting information in each field, information regarding the disk image deployment destination is stored as a record.

  Here, the instance name is a name for identifying the customer instance. The disk image name is the name of the disk image. The deployment destination is an execution environment in which the disk image is deployed. Here, the name of the execution environment that uniquely identifies the execution environment of the deployment destination is set. In addition, the deployment destination is not deployed in the initial state.

(Storage contents of instance setting table)
Next, the contents stored in the instance setting table used by the system management apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the contents stored in the instance setting table. In FIG. 6, the instance setting table 600 has fields of an instance name, a disk image name, a deployment destination, and a modification information ID. By setting information in each field, information related to the correction information ID corresponding to the execution environment of the disk image deployment destination is stored as a record.

  Here, taking the instance I1 as an example, correction information IDs “R1-1 to R1-” for specifying correction information for correcting the disk image D1 for each of the execution environments E1 to Em as the deployment destination of the disk image D1. m "is stored.

  Each of the tables shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be stored in a storage area such as the RAM 203, the magnetic disk 205, or the optical disk 207 of the system management apparatus 101 shown in FIG. It may be stored in a computer device. When each table is stored in an external computer device, the system management device 101 acquires a necessary record via the network 110.

(System overview of the network system)
Next, a system overview of the network system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the network system 100, a physical server or a virtual server as an instance placement destination accesses the shared storage 103 and executes a disk image Di. At this time, the instance executes the correction program 302 in the disk image Di, thereby correcting the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej.

  When the instance placement destination is a physical server, the correction information ID corresponding to its own execution environment is specified with reference to the physical server correspondence table 304 in the disk image Di. Here, as an example, a case will be described in which an instance is arranged on the server 102 with the MAC address “00: 00: xx: 33: 00: 00: 00” and the disk image D1 is executed.

  In this case, first, the server 102 searches the physical server correspondence table 304 shown in FIG. 4 for a record in which a MAC address that matches its own MAC address is set. Then, the server 102 reads information set in the correction information ID field of the retrieved record from the physical server correspondence table 304. In this case, the correction information ID “R1-5” is read.

  Thereafter, the server 102 selects correction information R1-5 corresponding to the correction information ID “R1-5” from among the plurality of correction information R1-1 to R1-m in the disk image D1. The correction information R1-5 selected here is information required when the disk image D1 is deployed in the execution environment E5. Finally, the server 102 executes the correction program 302 using the correction information R1-5, thereby correcting the disk image D1.

  As a result, the server 102 can automatically correct the disk image D1 in accordance with the execution environment E5. For a detailed description of the above-described method, reference can be made to, for example, JP-A-2008-77249.

  On the other hand, when the instance is arranged in the virtual server, the above-described method cannot be applied to the correction of the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej. In the case of a virtual server, there is no preset unique information like the MAC address of the physical server, so a table table such as the physical server correspondence table 304 is created in advance and introduced into the disk image Di. I can't.

  Specific reasons why the above-described method cannot be applied to a virtual server include the following. The execution environment in which the virtual server operates is constructed on the physical server as needed. At this time, in order to construct the same execution environment as the currently constructed execution environment, a new execution environment may be constructed by copying the constructed execution environment.

  In this case, if unique information (for example, VMAC address) is assigned in advance for each execution environment, a plurality of virtual servers having the same VMAC address exist. For this reason, it is difficult to preliminarily associate the execution environment in which the virtual server operates and the specific information in a one-to-one relationship, and it is not possible to specify the correction information ID corresponding to the execution environment from the specific information like the physical server.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the system management apparatus 101 provides a correction information ID corresponding to the execution environment to the virtual server that is the instance placement destination, and can automatically correct the disk image on the virtual server. The method is described.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of the system outline of the network system. In FIG. 7, the system outline of the network system 100 includes procedures (1) to (12). (1) The deployment mechanism 710 of the system management apparatus 101 designates the execution environment Ej and transmits a disk image Di deployment instruction to the server 102. As a result, information (execution environment Ej) is set in the deployment destination field of the corresponding record in the deployment destination table 500 shown in FIG.

  (2) The VMM 120 of the server 102 divides resources and constructs an execution environment Ej, thereby starting a virtual server that is an instance placement destination. At this point, the instance (virtual server) is not in the running state but in the suspended state.

  (3) The VMM 120 generates VMAC addresses of the VNICs 160 and 161 included in the virtual server and assigns them to the virtual server. The assigned VMAC address is associated with the disk image name to be deployed and stored in a storage area such as the RAM 203, magnetic disk 205, or optical disk 207 of the server 102 shown in FIG.

  (4) The VMM 120 transmits to the management mechanism 720 of the system management apparatus 101 unique information related to the virtual server activated in response to the disk image Di deployment instruction. This unique information includes the disk image name of the disk image Di and the VMAC address of the virtual server.

  (5) The management mechanism 720 of the system management apparatus 101 refers to the deployment destination table 500 to specify the execution environment Ej of the deployment destination of the disk image Di corresponding to the disk image name included in the unique information. (6) The management mechanism 720 searches the instance setting table 600 for a correction information ID that specifies correction information for correcting the disk image Di corresponding to the specified execution environment Ej.

  (7) The management mechanism 720 registers the found correction information ID in the virtual server correspondence table 900 shown in FIG. 9 in association with the VMAC address included in the unique information. When the registration is completed, a registration completion notification is transmitted from the management mechanism 720 to the VMM 120, and the suspended state of the virtual server is released. The virtual server correspondence table 900 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  (8) The virtual server executes the correction program 302 in the disk image Di to inquire the VMM 120 about its own VMAC address. As a result, the VMAC address is notified from the VMM 120 to the virtual server. (9) Using the notified VMAC address, the virtual server transmits a transmission request for a correction information ID for specifying correction information for correcting the disk image Di to the management mechanism 720 of the system management apparatus 101.

  (10) The management mechanism 720 of the system management apparatus 101 searches the virtual server correspondence table 900 for a correction information ID associated with the VMAC address of the transmission request source. (11) The management mechanism 720 provides the correction information ID for automatic correction to the virtual server by transmitting the searched correction information ID to the VMAC address.

  (12) The virtual server selects the correction information corresponding to the correction information ID transmitted from the management mechanism 720 from the plurality of correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m in the disk image Di, and the disk image Di. To correct. This is the end of the description of the series of procedures.

  As a result, the virtual server that is the instance placement destination can automatically correct the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej. Further, the virtual server executes the FullOS 303 in the corrected disk image Di, so that the customer's system environment can be faithfully restored.

  Note that the deployment mechanism 710 of the system management apparatus 101 may be provided in an external computer apparatus. In this case, the system management apparatus 101 acquires the deployment destination table 500 storing the deployment destination of the disk image Di from the external computer device via the network 110.

(Functional configuration of system management device)
Next, a functional configuration of the system management apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the system management apparatus. In FIG. 8, the system management apparatus 101 includes a reception unit 801, an association unit 802, a search unit 803, and a transmission unit 804. Specifically, the functions (reception unit 801 to transmission unit 804) serving as the control unit are, for example, a program stored in a storage area such as the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the magnetic disk 205, and the optical disk 207 shown in FIG. The function is realized by executing the function or by the I / F 208.

  The receiving unit 801 has a function of receiving, from the server 102, unique information that uniquely identifies the execution environment Ej constructed on the server 102 in response to the disk image Di deployment instruction. Here, the instruction to deploy the disk image Di is an instruction to execute the disk image Di in an arbitrary execution environment Ej among a plurality of execution environments E1 to Em that can be constructed on the server 102.

  The unique information is identification information for identifying a virtual server operating in the execution environment Ej constructed on the server 102, and is, for example, the VHBA 150 of the virtual server or the VMAC address of the VNIC 161. In this specification, the VMAC address of the VNIC 161 is used as the unique information. The unique information includes, for example, the name of the disk image to be deployed. The unique information is generated by the server 102 each time the execution environment Ej is constructed on the server 102.

  Specifically, for example, the receiving unit 801 receives unique information including a disk image name and a VMAC address from the server 102 via the network 110 such as a LAN or a WAN. The received unique information is stored in a storage area such as the RAM 203, the magnetic disk 205, and the optical disk 207 of the system management apparatus 101.

  The associating unit 802 has a function of associating the execution environment Ej of the deployment destination of the disk image Di with the received unique information. Specifically, for example, the associating unit 802 first refers to the deployment destination table 500 and executes the execution environment Ej set in the deployment destination field of the record in which the disk image name included in the unique information is set. Is identified. Then, the execution environment Ej of the deployment destination and the VMAC address included in the unique information are associated and registered in the virtual server correspondence table 900 (see FIG. 9).

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the contents stored in the virtual server correspondence table. In FIG. 9, the virtual server correspondence table 900 has fields for a disk image name, a deployment destination, a VMAC address, and a modification information ID. By setting information in each field, information regarding the deployment destination of the disk image Di is stored as a new record. The virtual server correspondence table 900 is stored in a storage area such as the RAM 203, the magnetic disk 205, and the optical disk 207.

  Here, as an example, a case where the unique information includes the disk image name “D1” will be described. In this case, first, the associating unit 802 refers to the deployment destination table 500 to identify the execution environment E1 of the deployment destination of the disk image D1. Then, the execution environment E1 of the deployment destination is associated with the VMAC address (here, “00: 00: xx: 33: 00: 55”) included in the unique information and registered in the virtual server correspondence table 900.

  As a result, information is set in the disk image name, deployment destination, and VMAC address fields of the virtual server correspondence table 900, and a new record 900-1 is stored (see FIG. 9 (9-1)). At this time, the field of the correction information ID of the record 900-1 is “-(null)”.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, the search unit 803 obtains, from the instance setting table 600, a modification information ID that identifies modification information required when deploying the disk image Di in the execution environment Ej associated with the unique information. Has a search function. Here, the correction information is information for correcting the disk image Di. The correction information exists for each of the execution environments E1 to Em, for example, correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m included in the disk image Di.

  Specifically, for example, the search unit 803 refers to the instance setting table 600 and selects a disk image name and a deployment destination execution environment Ej from among a plurality of correction information IDs “Ri-1 to Ri-m”. The correction information ID “Ri-j” corresponding to the combination is retrieved. The searched correction information ID is set, for example, in the correction information ID field of the corresponding record in the virtual server correspondence table 900.

  In the example of FIG. 9, the correction information ID “R1-1” is searched, and “R1-1” is set in the field of the correction information ID of the record 900-1 (see FIG. 9 (9-2)). When the correction information ID is set in the virtual server correspondence table 900, a registration completion notification may be transmitted to the server 102 in association with the VMAC address included in the unique information. As a result, the suspended state of the virtual server can be canceled.

  Here, a specific example of the correction information will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of the correction information. FIG. 10 shows correction information R1-1 to R1-m for correcting the disk image D1. Specifically, the correction information R1-1 to R1-m is a set of replacement files related to the target file that needs to be corrected in accordance with the execution environments E1 to Em among the file group included in the disk image D1. Examples of the target file include a file for exchanging device drivers and a file for changing OS / application parameters.

  Specifically, for example, when the disk image D1 is deployed in the execution environment E1, the instance replaces the target file “/etc/modules.conf” with the replacement file “/DIFF/R1-1/modules.conf”. To fix. The instance is corrected by replacing the target file “/ lib / modules /... /Net.1.ko” with the replacement file “/DIFF/R1-1/net1.ko”. Further, the instance is corrected by deleting the target file “/ lib / modules /... /Net.2.ko”. Similarly, the instance replaces another target file with a replacement file.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 8, the transmission unit 804 has a function of associating the found correction information ID with the unique information and transmitting it to the server 102. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 804 transmits the correction information ID to the VMAC address included in the unique information via the network 110. As a result, the correction information ID is transmitted via the NIC 141 of the server 102 to the virtual server to which the destination VMAC address is assigned.

  More specifically, for example, first, the receiving unit 801 receives from the server 102 a transmission request for the correction information ID that specifies the correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m that is required when the disk image Di is deployed. . The transmission request for the correction information ID includes, for example, a disk image name and a VMAC address.

  Thereafter, the search unit 803 searches the virtual server correspondence table 900 for the correction information ID. Specifically, for example, the search unit 803 refers to the virtual server correspondence table 900 and searches for the correction information ID associated with the VMAC address included in the transmission request.

  Then, the transmission unit 804 transmits the found correction information ID to the VMAC address included in the transmission request. As a result, the modification information ID can be transmitted after the virtual server of the instance placement destination enters the execution state in which the disk image Di is executed.

  Further, the search unit 803 may search the modification information ID from the instance setting table 600 when a transmission request is received. Specifically, for example, first, the search unit 803 refers to the virtual server correspondence table 900 to identify the execution environment Ej associated with the VMAC address included in the transmission request.

  Thereafter, the search unit 803 searches the instance setting table 600 for a correction information ID that specifies correction information required when deploying the disk image Di in the specified execution environment Ej. Then, the transmission unit 804 transmits the found correction information ID to the VMAC address included in the transmission request.

(Functional configuration of server)
Next, a functional configuration of the server 102 will be described. Here, in particular, the functional configuration of a virtual server that operates in an execution environment constructed by dividing the resources of the server 102 will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the server. In FIG. 11, the server 102 includes an acquisition unit 1101, a transmission unit 1102, a reception unit 1103, a selection unit 1104, and a correction unit 1105.

  Specifically, the functions (acquisition unit 1101 to correction unit 1105) serving as the control unit are, for example, by causing a correction program 302 in the disk image Di to be executed by a VCPU (Virtual CPU) or VI / F ( The function is realized by Virtual I / F). Here, the VCPU is a virtual CPU divided from the CPU 201 of the server 102. The VI / F is a virtual interface (for example, VHBA 150, VNIC 160, 161) divided from the I / F 208 of the server 102.

  The acquisition unit 1101 has a function of acquiring an address assigned to an execution environment Ej constructed by dividing resources in response to a disk image Di deployment instruction. Specifically, for example, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires from the VMM 120 the VMAC address of the VNIC 161 included in the virtual server.

  The acquired VMAC address is unique information assigned from the VMM 120 when the execution environment Ej in which the virtual server operates is constructed. The acquisition result is stored in a virtual storage area divided from the storage areas such as the ROM 202, RAM 203, magnetic disk 205, and optical disk 207 of the server 102 shown in FIG.

  The transmission unit 1102 has a function of transmitting, to the system management apparatus 101, a modification information ID transmission request that identifies modification information necessary for deploying the disk image Di. Specifically, for example, the transmission unit 1102 transmits a transmission request for a correction information ID whose transmission source is the VMAC address to the system management apparatus 101 via the VNIC 161.

  The receiving unit 1103 has a function of receiving the correction information ID from the system management apparatus 101 as a result of the transmission of the correction information ID transmission request. Specifically, the receiving unit 1103 receives the correction information ID “Ri-j” for specifying correction information for correcting the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej via the VNIC 161. The reception result is stored in the virtual storage area.

  The selection unit 1104 has a function of selecting the correction information of the received correction information ID from among a plurality of correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m for correcting the disc image Di. Specifically, for example, the selection unit 1104 selects the correction information Ri-j corresponding to the correction information ID “Ri-j” from the plurality of correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m in the disc image Di. To do. The selection result is stored in the virtual storage area.

  The correction unit 1105 has a function of correcting the disc image Di using the selected correction information Ri-j. Specifically, for example, the correction unit 1105 uses the correction information Ri-j to execute the correction program 302 in the disk image Di, thereby correcting the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej.

(Information processing procedure of system management device)
Next, an information processing procedure of the system management apparatus 101 will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing procedure of the system management apparatus. In the flowchart of FIG. 12, first, the receiving unit 801 determines whether or not the unique information for uniquely specifying the execution environment Ej constructed on the server 102 has been received from the server 102 (step S1201).

  Here, after waiting to receive the unique information (step S1201: No) and when received (step S1201: Yes), the associating unit 802 refers to the deployment destination table 500 and the disk image included in the unique information. The execution environment Ej of the deployment destination of the disk image Di corresponding to the name is specified (step S1202).

  Furthermore, the associating unit 802 associates the specified deployment destination execution environment Ej with the VMAC address included in the unique information, and registers it in the virtual server correspondence table 900 (step S1203). Thereafter, the search unit 803 determines whether or not the receiving unit 801 has received a transmission request for the correction information ID that specifies the correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m necessary when the disk image Di is deployed. (Step S1204).

  Here, after waiting for the reception of the transmission request for the correction information ID (step S1204: No), if received (step S1204: Yes), the search unit 803 refers to the virtual server correspondence table 900 and transmits it. The execution environment Ej associated with the VMAC address included in the request is specified (step S1205).

  Then, the search unit 803 searches the instance setting table 600 for a correction information ID that specifies correction information necessary for deploying the disk image Di in the specified execution environment Ej (step S1206). Lastly, the transmission unit 804 transmits the searched correction information ID to the VMAC address included in the transmission request (step S1207), and the series of processes according to this flowchart ends.

  In step S1204, if the transmission request for the correction information ID is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the process may return to step S1201 and the series of processes may be repeated.

(Server correction processing procedure)
Next, a procedure for correcting the disk image Di in the server 102 will be described. Here, in particular, a procedure for correcting a virtual server that operates in the execution environment on the server 102 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a server correction processing procedure. In the flowchart of FIG. 13, first, the acquisition unit 1101 acquires from the VMM 120 the VMAC address of the virtual server that operates in the execution environment Ej constructed according to the deployment instruction for the disk image Di (step S1301).

  Then, the transmission unit 1102 transmits, via the VNIC 161, a transmission request for a correction information ID that specifies correction information required when deploying the disk image Di, using the VMAC address as a transmission source, to the system management apparatus 101 ( Step S1302).

  Thereafter, the receiving unit 1103 determines whether or not the correction information ID specifying the correction information for correcting the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej is received from the system management apparatus 101 via the VNIC 161 ( Step S1303). Here, after receiving the correction information ID (step S1303: No), the correction information ID “Ri-j” is received from the system management apparatus 101 (step S1303: Yes).

  Next, the selection unit 1104 selects the correction information Ri-j corresponding to the received correction information ID “Ri-j” from the plurality of correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m in the disc image Di. (Step S1304). Finally, the correction unit 1105 executes the correction program 302 using the selected correction information Ri-j to correct the disk image Di (step S1305), and the series of processes according to this flowchart ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the correction information ID for specifying the correction information for correcting the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej to the virtual server that is the instance placement destination. it can. Thereby, it is possible to automatically correct the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej by the virtual server, and it is possible to reduce the management load and the disk image amount required for operation management of the network system 100.

  Specifically, for example, there is no need to create a customized disk image for each of the execution environments E1 to Em, and the amount of disk image can be reduced. Furthermore, when the instance is rearranged, it is not necessary to switch the disk image Di, so that it is possible to prevent the information stored in the disk image Di from being lost.

  In addition, the management side of the network system 100 does not need to rewrite the disk image Di from the outside before the OS is started, and the management load for the operation management of the network system 100 can be reduced. Furthermore, large-scale batch operations can be performed when the configuration of the on-demand center is changed, and flexible configuration management can be performed.

  In the above description, the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment is applied to the system management apparatus 101, but may be applied to the VMM 120 of the server 102. In this case, each server 102 includes a functional unit similar to that of the system management apparatus 101. Hereinafter, a system overview of a network system when the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is applied to the VMM 120 of the server 102 will be described.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of the system outline of the network system. In FIG. 14, the system outline of the network system includes procedures (1) to (9). (1) The VMM 120 of the server 102 constructs the execution environment Ej according to the instruction to deploy the disk image Di to the execution environment Ej, thereby starting the virtual server that is the instance placement destination.

  (2) The VMM 120 generates VMAC addresses of the VNICs 160 and 161 included in the virtual server and assigns them to the virtual server. (3) The VMM 120 searches the instance setting table 600 for a correction information ID that specifies correction information for correcting the disk image Di corresponding to the execution environment Ej of the deployment destination.

  (4) The VMM 120 associates the VMAC address of the virtual server with the retrieved correction information ID, and registers them in the virtual server correspondence table 900. Specifically, for example, the VMM 120 registers information related to the deployment destination of the disk image Di by setting information in each field in the virtual server correspondence table 900.

  (5) The virtual server executes the correction program 302 in the disk image Di to inquire the VMM 120 about the VMAC address. As a result, the VMAC address is notified from the VMM 120 to the virtual server. (6) Using the VMAC address, the virtual server transmits a modification information ID transmission request for identifying modification information for modifying the disk image Di to the VMM 120.

  (7) The VMM 120 searches the virtual server correspondence table 900 for a correction information ID corresponding to the VMAC address of the transmission request source. (8) The VMM 120 transmits the found correction information ID to the VMAC address.

  (9) The virtual server selects correction information corresponding to the correction information ID transmitted from the VMM 120 from among the plurality of correction information Ri-1 to Ri-m in the disk image Di, and corrects the disk image Di. To do. This is the end of the description of the series of procedures.

  As a result, the virtual server that is the instance placement destination can automatically correct the disk image Di according to the execution environment Ej. The instance setting table 600 and the virtual server correspondence table 900 are stored in a storage area such as the RAM 203, the magnetic disk 205, and the optical disk 207 of the server 102, for example.

  Further, as a result of the inquiry in (5) in FIG. 13, a modification information ID for identifying modification information for modifying the disk image Di together with the VMAC address may be transmitted from the VMM 120 to the virtual server. That is, the VMM 120 transmits the VMAC address and the correction information ID to the virtual server at this time without waiting for the transmission request for the correction information ID.

  Note that the information processing method described in this embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The program may be distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The information processing apparatus and the information processing method according to the present embodiment include an execution environment constructed on the server in response to a disk image execution instruction in an arbitrary execution environment among a plurality of execution environments that can be constructed on the server. Is received from the server, the arbitrary execution environment is associated with the received address, and the correction required when executing the disk image based on the execution environment associated with the address Correction identification information for specifying information is required when executing the disk image in the execution environment from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server. Search from a table storing correction identification information for specifying correction information, and send the searched correction identification information to the address. It is a requirement Rukoto.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, it is possible to automatically correct the disk image in accordance with the execution environment of the virtual server at the instance placement destination.

  Further, in this information processing apparatus and information processing method, when a transmission request for correction identification information for specifying the correction information is received from the server, and the transmission request is received, it is associated with the address of the transmission request source. Based on the execution environment in which the disk image is executed, the correction identification information for specifying the correction information necessary for executing the disk image is searched from the plurality of correction identification information, and the searched correction identification information is retrieved from the transmission request source. You may decide to send to the address.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, it is possible to transmit the correction identification information after the virtual server that is the instance placement destination is in an execution state in which the disk image is executed.

  In this information processing apparatus and information processing method, the disk image may include a correction program for correcting the disk image.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, it is possible to correct a disk image using a general-purpose correction program, so that it is not necessary to create a disk image according to the execution environment. The amount can be reduced.

  Further, in this information processing apparatus and information processing method, the disk image includes correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server. You may decide.

  According to this information processing apparatus and information processing method, it is possible to modify a disk image in accordance with an arbitrary execution environment as a deployment destination.

  Further, in this information processing apparatus and information processing method, the disk image includes, for each server, unique information that uniquely identifies the server and correction identification information that specifies correction information for correcting the disk image. It is also possible to include a table that holds the information in association with each other.

  According to the information processing apparatus and the information processing method, it is possible to automatically correct the disk image in accordance with the execution environment of the physical server that is the instance placement destination.

  The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Appendix 1) An information processing apparatus that communicates with a server that can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment in response to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment has been backed up,
Correction identification information for specifying correction information required for executing the disk image in the execution environment from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server Storage means for storing
Receiving means for receiving, from the server, an address assigned to the execution environment constructed on the server in response to an instruction to execute the disk image in an arbitrary execution environment among the plurality of execution environments;
Association means for associating the arbitrary execution environment with the address received by the receiving means;
Based on the execution environment associated with the address by the association unit, a plurality of pieces of correction identification information stored in the storage unit include correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image. Search means to search from within,
Transmitting means for transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search means to the address;
An information processing apparatus comprising:

(Appendix 2) The receiving means
Receiving a request for transmission of correction identification information for specifying the correction information from the server;
The search means includes
When the transmission request is received by the reception unit, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image is executed based on an execution environment associated with the address of the transmission request source. Search among the plurality of correction identification information,
The transmission means includes
The information processing apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the correction identification information retrieved by the retrieval unit is transmitted to the address of the transmission request source.

(Additional remark 3) The information processing apparatus according to Additional remark 1 or 2, wherein the disk image includes a correction program for correcting the disk image.

(Additional remark 4) The said disk image contains the correction information required when executing the said disk image in the said execution environment for every execution environment which can be constructed | assembled on the said server. The information processing apparatus described.

(Additional remark 5) The said disk image contains the table which matches and hold | maintains the specific information which specifies the said server uniquely, and the correction identification information which specifies the correction information for correcting the said disk image for every said server The information processing apparatus according to appendix 3 or 4, characterized in that:

(Appendix 6) An information processing apparatus that can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment is backed up,
For each configurable execution environment, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment is stored from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image. Storage means;
Based on an execution environment constructed by dividing the resource, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image is stored in the plurality of correction identification information stored in the storage unit. Search means to search from inside,
Transmitting means for transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search means to an address assigned to the execution environment;
An information processing apparatus comprising:

(Supplementary note 7) Communicates with a server that includes a control unit and a storage unit, and can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment according to a disk image execution instruction of the entire storage device whose system environment is backed up Computer
According to the execution instruction of the disk image in an arbitrary execution environment among the plurality of execution environments, the control means receives an address assigned to the execution environment constructed on the server from the server, A receiving step for storing in the storage means;
An association step of associating the arbitrary execution environment with the address received by the reception step by the control unit, and storing the association in the storage unit;
Execution capable of constructing correction identification information on the server for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image based on the execution environment associated with the address by the association step by the control means For each environment, a search is made from a table storing correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment from a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image. And a search step stored in the storage means;
A transmission step of transmitting the correction identification information searched in the search step to the address by the control means;
The information processing method characterized by performing.

(Supplementary note 8) A computer comprising a control means and a storage means, and capable of building at least one execution environment by dividing resources according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment is backed up,
Based on the execution environment constructed by dividing the resource by the control means, the correction identification information for specifying the correction information required when executing the disk image, for each of the constructable execution environment, A search is made from a table storing correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment from a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image, and A search process stored in a storage means;
A transmission step of transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search step to the address assigned to the execution environment by the control means;
The information processing method characterized by performing.

(Additional remark 9) The execution environment which becomes the execution destination of the disk image of the whole storage device in which the system environment is backed up is associated with the correction identification information of the correction information which is necessary when the disk image is executed in the execution environment. A computer capable of communicating with an information processing apparatus that can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment,
An obtaining unit for obtaining an address assigned to an execution environment constructed by dividing the resource in accordance with an instruction to execute the disk image;
Transmitting means for transmitting to the information processing apparatus an address acquired by the acquiring means and a request for transmitting correction identification information for specifying correction information required when executing the disk image in the constructed execution environment ,
Receiving means for receiving the correction identification information from the information processing apparatus as a result of the transmission of the address and the transmission request by the transmitting means;
A correction support program characterized by functioning as

(Supplementary note 10)
Selecting means for selecting correction information of the correction identification information received by the receiving means from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disc image;
Correction means for correcting the disk image using the correction information selected by the selection means;
The correction support program according to appendix 9, wherein the correction support program is made to function as:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Network system 101 System management apparatus 102 Server 103 Shared storage 801 Reception part 802 Association part 803 Search part 804 Transmission part 1101 Acquisition part 1102 Transmission part 1103 Reception part 1104 Selection part 1105 Correction part

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus that communicates with a server that can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device in which the system environment is backed up,
Correction identification information for specifying correction information required for executing the disk image in the execution environment from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server Storage means for storing
Receiving means for receiving, from the server, an address assigned to the execution environment constructed on the server in response to an instruction to execute the disk image in an arbitrary execution environment among the plurality of execution environments;
Association means for associating the arbitrary execution environment with the address received by the receiving means;
Based on the execution environment associated with the address by the association unit, a plurality of pieces of correction identification information stored in the storage unit include correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image. Search means to search from within,
Transmitting means for transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search means to the address;
An information processing apparatus comprising: The receiving means includes
Receiving a request for transmission of correction identification information for specifying the correction information from the server;
The search means includes
When the transmission request is received by the reception unit, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image is executed based on an execution environment associated with the address of the transmission request source. Search among the plurality of correction identification information,
The transmission means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction identification information searched by the search unit is transmitted to an address of the transmission request source.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the disk image includes a correction program for correcting the disk image.   The information according to claim 3, wherein the disk image includes, for each execution environment that can be constructed on the server, correction information that is necessary when the disk image is executed in the execution environment. Processing equipment.   The disk image includes, for each server, a table that stores in association with specific information that uniquely identifies the server and correction identification information that specifies correction information for correcting the disk image. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. An information processing apparatus capable of building at least one execution environment by dividing resources according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment has been backed up,
For each configurable execution environment, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment is stored from among a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image. Storage means;
Based on an execution environment constructed by dividing the resource, correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image is stored in the plurality of correction identification information stored in the storage unit. Search means to search from inside,
Transmitting means for transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search means to an address assigned to the execution environment;
An information processing apparatus comprising: A computer that includes a control unit and a storage unit, and that communicates with a server that can divide resources and construct at least one execution environment according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment is backed up,
According to the execution instruction of the disk image in an arbitrary execution environment among the plurality of execution environments, the control means receives an address assigned to the execution environment constructed on the server from the server, A receiving step for storing in the storage means;
An association step of associating the arbitrary execution environment with the address received by the reception step by the control unit, and storing the association in the storage unit;
Execution capable of constructing correction identification information on the server for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image based on the execution environment associated with the address by the association step by the control means For each environment, a search is made from a table storing correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment from a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image. And a search step stored in the storage means;
A transmission step of transmitting the correction identification information searched in the search step to the address by the control means;
The information processing method characterized by performing. A computer comprising a control means and a storage means, and capable of building at least one execution environment by dividing resources according to an instruction to execute a disk image of the entire storage device whose system environment is backed up,
Based on the execution environment constructed by dividing the resource by the control means, the correction identification information for specifying the correction information required when executing the disk image, for each of the constructable execution environment, A search is made from a table storing correction identification information for specifying correction information necessary for executing the disk image in the execution environment from a plurality of correction information for correcting the disk image, and A search process stored in a storage means;
A transmission step of transmitting the correction identification information searched by the search step to the address assigned to the execution environment by the control means;
The information processing method characterized by performing.

Images