WO2007080658A1

WO2007080658A1 - Server and rental server system

Info

Publication number: WO2007080658A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/304108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazushi Nakagawa; Takatoshi Kato; Satoshi Kikuchi; Makoto Kayashima; Takashi Tsunehiro
Original assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-01-11
Filing date: 2006-03-03
Publication date: 2007-07-19
Also published as: WO2007080658A8; JP2007188139A

Abstract

Provided is a thin client system for appropriately providing a server resource to the user in a server client system. A resource selectable by the user is presented by a server along with its cost. After the resource is allocated, a means to reduce the cost is provided.

Description

Specification

Server device and rental server system

Import by reference

[0001] The present invention claims the priority of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-003452 filed on January 11, 2006, and for the designated countries that are allowed to be incorporated by reference to the literature, The disclosure content of Kaikai 2006-0331576 is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to a service system that lends time such as a PC (Personal Computer) via a network.

Background art

[0003] In recent years, the use of PCs for general business in companies has expanded, and the performance of PCs has advanced. Along with higher performance, the purchase of PCs to lend to company employees and the frequency of replacement are increasing, and a lot of investment is required. In addition, as the number of employees increases, it becomes extremely difficult to uniformly manage the operating system (OS) and business application version upgrades, no-figure status, anti-virus measures, and backups of individual PCs. ing.

As a technique for reducing the management cost, there is a server client system (for example, see Document 1). This is because the main program and data are stored on the server side, for example, the data stored on the client side such as Thin Client is reduced.

[0005] In a server client system, computation processing and data accumulation are mainly performed on the server side, so version upgrades and bug fixes of applications and operating systems that are individually used on the client side such as thin clients. Therefore, the necessity and frequency of anti-virus measures and virus removal are reduced, and the overall management cost can be reduced. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the cost by replacing the hardware only on the server side as appropriate. In addition, in the enterprise, the server has an environment for employees who may use the PC at the same time. There is no need to have a PC for all employees. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce costs.

[0006] As described above, in the server client system, the desktop environment of the client PC can be virtually realized on the server. Using this feature, there is a virtual PC rental device that realizes a PC environment for multiple clients on a server and rents them to clients via a network (for example, see Reference 2).

Reference 1

[0007] JP 2004-094411 A

Reference 2

[0008] JP 2004-171412 A

Disclosure of the invention

[0009] In the techniques described in Document 1 and Document 2, the PC environment on the server is always realized by the same predetermined hardware specifications. When users use this PC environment, there are no hardware resource options. In addition, the technology described in Document 2 has no room for contrivance to reduce the cost of use, so a limited budget cannot be used effectively.

[0010] For these reasons, in the conventional technology, when the client side is a thin client in the server client system, the resources provided by the server side cannot be appropriately provided to the user.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in a server client system, when the client side is a thin client, a system capable of supporting the appropriate provision of server resources to a user is provided. Realize.

[0012] The features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

In the present invention, resources that can be selected by the user on the server side are presented. At the time of presentation, the cost is also presented. Furthermore, after allocation, a means for cost reduction is provided.

[0014] Specifically, a server device connected to a client terminal via a network and providing resources to the client terminal, the resource management means for managing the resources that can be provided, and the client terminal Of the user who uses the service and the user User management means for managing information on resources to be allocated to the resource. The resource management means is managed by the user management means when there is a resource provision request from the user via the client terminal. Option generation means for extracting a list of resources that can be provided to the requesting user from among resources managed by the user according to the user attribute to be transmitted, and transmitting the list to the requesting client terminal as options. When a request for selection from the option by the user is received via the client terminal, a resource is received from the user via the registration means for registering the received selection content in the user management means and the client terminal. When the start request is accepted, the resource of the request source is assigned to the resource according to the selection registered in the user management means. Providing a server apparatus characterized by comprising: a resource allocation unit, the assigning.

[0015] According to the present invention, when the client side is a thin client in the server client system, it is possible to support appropriately providing resources provided by the server side to the user.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a rental server system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a user management table of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a server resource management table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a charge table of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a storage management table of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a recommended / impossible association table of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a user attribute table according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is an example of a selectable service list display screen of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing data transmission / reception between the client terminal and the server system of the embodiment.

[FIG. 10] This is a processing flow of selectable usage service list display screen data generation processing of the embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Drawing Those given the same reference numerals in the figure indicate components having the same function, and the detailed description thereof is omitted for convenience of description.

In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a rental server system. The rental server system of this embodiment provides server-side PC hardware resources to client terminals via a network. The user uses the provided PC hardware resources by using the remote operation program on the client terminal. The client terminal of this embodiment is a thin client, and maintains an environment including the OS, data, and application of each user on the server side.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a rental server system according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the rental server system of the present embodiment includes a connection PC 1 000 that is a client terminal and a server PC system 2000 that is a server side device. Both are connected via network 3000.

[0020] The connection PC 1000 includes a CPU 1010, a memory 1020, a nonvolatile memory 1030, and a network connection device 1080. As an input / output interface, a mouse 1050, a key input device 1060, a display device 1040, and a reader / writer 1070 Get rid of.

[0021] The mouse 1050 and the key input device 1060 can be replaced if they are devices for transmitting user input information such as a touch panel and a joystick to the connection PC 1000. The network connection device 1080 is an interface for connecting the connection PC 1000 to the network 3000. The display device 1040 displays the screen information 5100 including the advertisement 1140 and the information 1150 related to the service usage status.

[0022] The reader / writer 1070 includes an interface such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and short-range wireless communication, can be connected to the connection PC 1000, and has an interface that can be connected to an authentication device 4000 described later. . The reader / writer 1070 may be provided with a fingerprint authentication device (not shown) or a PIN input pad for inputting a PIN (Personal Identification Number) which is a secret number that the user should keep secret.

In the nonvolatile memory 1030, an authentication program 1031 and a remote operation program 1032 are stored. The authentication program 1031 and the remote operation program 1032 are loaded into the memory 1020 and executed by the CPU 1010, respectively. Realize Noh. Various input information 5200 input from the mouse 1050 and the key input device 1060 is transmitted to the gateway server 2100 in the server PC system 2000, which will be described later, via the network 3000 by the remote operation function.

[0024] The connection PC 1000 is assumed to be a general information processing apparatus having the above-described configuration, but the type of device is not limited. For example, any device having the same configuration as described above may be used, such as a mobile phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). For example, a PDA includes a CPU, a memory, and a nonvolatile memory. However, the input device is a stylus and touch panel, and the output device is an LCD.

The authentication device 4000 includes an IC chip 4500 having tamper resistance. The IC chip 4500 includes a CPU 4100, a memory 4200, an ROM (Read Only Memory) 4300, and a nonvolatile memory 4400. The ROM 4300 stores an authentication information processing program and a PIN verification program. The CPU 4100 loads the authentication information processing program and the PIN verification program into the memory 4200 and executes them, thereby realizing an authentication processing function and a PIN verification function. The nonvolatile memory 4400 stores PIN information and a secret key for authentication.

[0026] The network 3000 is, for example, the Internet, WAN, LAN, telephone line network, CATV network, satellite communication network, wireless LAN, or the like. The network 3000 transmits screen information 5100, input information 5200, and the like.

The server PC system 2000 includes a gateway server 2100, a storage 2200, a server PC 2300, a terminal server 2400, a virtual PC Sano 2500 and a management Sano 2600.

The gateway server 2100 serves as an interface with the network 3000, and includes a CPU 2110, a memory 2120, a disk device 2130, and a network connection device 2140. The gateway server 2100 is connected to the network 3000, the storage 2200, the Sano PC 2300, the Terminole Resano 2400, the virtual PC 2500, and the management server 2600 via the network connection device 2140.

[0029] A VPN (Virtual Private Network) program 2131 is stored in the disk device 2130. The VPN program 2131 is loaded into the memory 2120 and executed by the CPU 2110 to realize a virtual network function. Virtual network function is connected P C1000 force The received input information 5200 is transmitted according to the management server 2600 to one of the server PC 2300, the terminal server 2400, and the virtual PC server 2500. Similarly, screen information 5100 such as Sano PC 2300, Terminole Resano 2400, virtual, PC server 2500, etc. is sent to the connected PC 1000, so that it is sent to the network 1000.

[0030] The server group of the Sano PC 2300, the terminal server 2400, and the virtual PC server 2500 provides a PC service (environment) to the connection PC 1000 that is a client terminal.

The Sano PC 2300 includes a CPU 2310 and a memory 2320.

The terminal server 2400 includes a CPU 2410, a memory 2420, and a disk device 2430. In the disk device 2430, a server OS 2431 and an application program 2432 are stored. Application programs 2432 are programs for realizing terminal services, spreadsheet applications, word processing applications, and the like. The terminal service means that multiple user desktop environments can be realized on the server OS2340, and multiple client terminals equipped with a keyboard, mouse, display device, etc. can be operated, allowing multiple people to use the server's CPU and Memory and OS are shared and typical product names include Microsoft Windows Terminal Services (registered trademark) and Citrix MetaFrame (registered trademark). Since terminal service is a well-known technology, its details are omitted.

[0033] Sanoku 2500 for virtual and PC includes a CPU 2510, a memory 2520, and a disk device 2530. The disk device 2530 stores a server OS 2531 and a virtualization application program 2 532. Virtualization is the virtual realization of multiple PCs on a server. The virtual application program 2532 is virtually loaded into the memory 2520 and executed by the CPU 2510 to virtually implement a plurality of PCs. Typical product names of virtual application program 2532 include Microsoft VirtualServer2005 (registered trademark) and VMware VMware (registered trademark). Since the virtualization application program 2532 is a well-known technique, its details are omitted.

[0034] The storage 2200 includes an OS (Operating System) 2210, personal data 2220, an application program (AP) 2230, and a force S rating for each user. Application The program 2230 is a spreadsheet application or a word processor application. In this embodiment, the storage 2200 collectively holds data necessary for constructing the PC environment so that the user can freely select from the above server group as necessary.

[0035] The personal data 2220 is recorded on a medium such as a CD (Compact Disk) -ROM, and sent from the user to the service provider in advance for registration. Or you can configure it to upload via network 3000. The method of uploading the personal data 2220 via the network 3000 is, for example, as one of the usage services described later, when the user selects uploading by adding personal data uploading to the selection item, A method may be considered in which personal data prepared in advance in the connected PC 1000 used by the user is uploaded to the storage 2200 so that server resources can be used in the same personal environment as the connected PC 1000.

[0036] It should be noted that identifiers (storage numbers) are attached to all storage areas of the storage 2200. The storage number of the area that is stored in the OS 2210, personal data 2220, and AP2230 of each IJ user is stored in the user management table 2651 of the management server 2600, which will be described later, and a user identifier that identifies each user. Correspondingly recorded. The user identifier may be any parameter that can identify the user. For example, a PIN or password described later may be used. Hereinafter, the area in which each SJ user's ○ S2210, personal data 2220, and AP2230 are stored is called the personal area assigned to the user.

[0037] The management server 2600 manages each resource in the server PC system 2000 and the status of the user of each resource for 1J. The management server 2600 includes a CPU 2610, a memory 2620, a display device 2630, and a disk device 2640. The disk device 2640 includes a user management program 2641, an advertisement distribution program 2642, a power consumption management program 2643, a backup program 2644, a virus check program 2645, a resource management program 2646, and a user management table 2651 and server resources. The management table 2652, the charge table 2653, the storage management tape 2654, the recommended 'unable association table 2655, the user attribute table 2656, and the software' option management table 2657 are stored.

First, functions realized by the programs will be described. [0039] The user management program 2641 is loaded into the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing a user management function. The user management function manages the user management table 2651, manages the resource usage status for each user, and authenticates the user based on the notification from the function realized by each program. In addition, resource usage charges are charged to the user based on the resource usage status of each user. For example, in this embodiment, the use of each resource is received and collected at the point from the resource management function. The user management function aggregates the points of each resource used by the user on a monthly basis, converts it into a monetary amount, calculates the monthly usage fee, and notifies the connected PC 1000 of the calculated usage fee. The connected PC 1000 prompts the user to pay by displaying the received usage fee in the service information 1150 column. The user pays the monthly fee by credit card or bank debit in accordance with this request.

[0040] The advertisement distribution program 2642 is loaded into the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing an advertisement distribution function. The advertisement distribution function inserts an advertisement into the screen information 5100 transmitted to the connected PC 1000. In the present embodiment, the resource management function accepts the user's intention to insert the advertisement and inserts the advertisement into the screen information 5100 transmitted to the permitted user.

[0041] As will be described later, the necessary points are negative when advertisement distribution is selected as an optional service. That is, the user can reduce the cost by selecting the advertisement distribution.

The power consumption management program 2643 is loaded into the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing a power consumption management function. The power consumption management function monitors the power consumption of the user's server PC2300. Then, the monitoring result is notified to the user management function. The user management function records the total power consumption of the user using the received monitoring results, calculates the power saving discount points to which more discount points are given as the consumption during the specified period is smaller. To the point totals This function allows the user to reduce the cost by turning off the server PC 2300 when not performing work. Furthermore, since the user is prompted to turn off the power of the server PC 2300 when not performing work, power consumption can be suppressed. [0043] The backup program 2644 is loaded into the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing a knock-up function. In the backup function, the management server 2600 backs up the data stored in the storage 2200 to a backup device (eg, tape device, CD, DVD, hard disk, etc.) regularly or when it is updated. The backup is performed according to the user's selection registered in the user management table 2651.

[0044] The virus check program 2645 is loaded in the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing a virus check function. The virus check function periodically scans the data stored in the storage 2200, and detects and removes data that matches the virus pattern. This process is performed according to the user's selection registered in the user management table 2651.

The resource management program 2646 is loaded into the memory 2620 and executed by the CPU 2610, thereby realizing a resource management function. The resource management function manages the specifications of each server / resource (2300, 2400, 250 0) and storage 2200 connected to the management server 2600 in the server PC system 2000. Specifically, the management is realized by keeping the server resource management table 2652 and the storage management table 2654 described later in the latest state.

[0046] When a new resource or storage capacity is connected to the management server 2600, UPnP or the like notifies the management server 2 600 of the performance information from the server resource or storage, and stores it in each table. It may be configured to be registered, or the administrator of the management server 2600 may be registered in each of the above tables.

[0047] Further, the resource management function, when there is a resource provision request (hereinafter referred to as a resource allocation request) from the user, the user management table 2651, the server resource management tape glue 2652, the fee tape glue 2653, the storage Data of selectable service list display screen 6100 is generated using data stored in management table 2654, recommended 'unable association table 2655, software resource' option management table 2657. This display screen data is a resource that the server PC system 2000 can provide to the user who requested the resource allocation request, and presents the resource items that the user can select. At the same time, it is an interface that accepts user selection.

[0048] The resource management function allocates resources to users according to the user selection received via the selectable available service list display screen 6100. Specifically, the resource management function notifies the user management function of the selection received by the user. At this time, referring to the charge table 2653, the user management function is also notified of the necessary points of each selected resource. The user management function that has received the notification updates the user management table 2651 based on the received information. When the resource management function receives a usage start request, which is a request to start usage from a user, it allocates resources according to the contents registered in the user management table 2651 so that the user can use them.

Next, the information managed in each table will be described.

[0050] In the user management table 2651, attributes for each user, usage status of resources in the server PC system 2000, services selected by the user, and various data relating to usage are registered. FIG. 2 shows an example of the user management table 2651 of this embodiment.

[0051] As shown in the figure, the user management table 2651 of the present embodiment includes a user number 2651a that is uniquely assigned in advance for each user, a user attribute 2651b of the user, and the user Server 2 selected for use Data 2651c related to the use of resources in PC system 2000 is registered.

In the present embodiment, the user number 1651a is a number used to identify the user, and is registered in advance by an administrator or the like.

The user attribute 2651b is assigned and registered in advance by an administrator or the like from among attributes registered in the user attribute table 2656.

The various data 2561c is notified by the resource management function and registered by the user management function. In various data 2651c, the usage status (unregistered, in use, end of use) of the resource in the server PC system of the user is registered.

禾 When the U status is “In Use”, the Sano Resource Number (described later) of the server resource allocated based on the user's selection is registered as information for specifying the usage start time and allocated server resource. Is done.

[0055] In addition, the various data 2561c include each hardware specification (CPU Specifications, CPU type, memory capacity, memory type, storage capacity, storage type, storage number) and optional services (necessity of backup service, necessity of virus check program, necessity of word processor application, necessity of spreadsheet application) No, operating system type, ad delivery availability), server PC2300 power saving discount points, necessary points in the user's selection status, fee deduction status, date and time of notification when the authentication device 4000 is lost, lost notification In addition, an unauthorized access log that is recorded when a user impersonates a user using the authentication device 4000, a log of the connection source IP address, date and time, screen information while using the service, etc. are registered.

[0056] If the selection content of the user power S resource is changed in the middle, the previous usage state is "use completed", and various data are recorded.

[0057] The screen information of the usage log is used as an audit trail when, for example, there is a leak of customer information at a company.

The server resource management table 2652 manages the specifications of each server resource connected to the management server 2600 in the server PC system 2000. An example of the server resource management table No. 2652 is shown in FIG.

[0059] As shown in this figure, the server resource management table 2652 includes, for each server resource, a resource number 2652a that is uniquely assigned to the server resource and a power source that indicates the current power state of the server resource. State 2652b, a CPU clock 2652c indicating the CPU clock frequency of the server resource, a CPU type 2652d indicating the CPU type of the server resource, and a memory capacity 2652e indicating the memory capacity of the server resource Then, a memory type 2652f indicating the type of the memory, address information 2652g, and a usage rate _2652h indicating the current usage status of the server resource are registered.

[0060] The power status 2652b and the usage rate 2652h are maintained by the resource management function by inquiring each Sano resource every predetermined time. Other items are registered in advance by the administrator.

[0061] The charge table 2653 stores the cost required to use each resource for a certain period as a point. Each point is registered in advance by an administrator. The fixed period is, for example, one month, one week, or one hour. Figure 4 shows the charge tape of this embodiment. An example of Nore 2653 is shown. As shown in this figure, the charge table 2653 of this embodiment includes a selectable item field 2653a for registering resource names and a necessary point registration field 2653b for registering points necessary for using the resource for a certain period of time. With. If you select a high-performance spec or select to use a service, you will need more points.

The storage management table 2654 manages the specifications of each storage connected to the management server 2600 in the server PC system 2000. An example of the storage management table 2654 is shown in FIG.

[0063] As shown in this figure, the storage management table 2654 includes a storage number 2654a uniquely assigned to each storage, a logical unit number 2654b of the storage, and a disk usage rate of the storage. 2654c, the storage type 2654d, and the total capacity 2654e of the storage are registered. The disk usage rate 2654c maintains the latest information by inquiring each storage at a predetermined time by the resource management function. Other items are registered in advance by an administrator or the like.

The recommended / unavailable table 2655 registers recommended specifications for each server resource connected to the management server 2600. Recommendation · Impossible association table 265 5 is registered in advance by the administrator.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the recommended / impossible association table 2655. As shown in this figure, the recommended 'non-combination table 2655 of this embodiment has a recommended 0 S2655b, recommended CPU spec 2655c, and recommended memory capacity 2655d for each server resource 2655a connected to the management server 2600. An application A2655e indicating whether each software resource can be used, a recommended server resource priority 2655f, and an option service A2655g indicating whether an optional service can be used are registered. Here, the software resource is shown only for application A, and the option service is shown only for option service A. In this case, the availability of use is registered, but for each prepared application and each optional service, use is indicated. The permission is registered.

In the example of FIG. 6, for example, when the server resource is a server PC2300 type, a combination of S1, CPU specification 1 GHz, memory 1 GB or more, and server resource priority 1 is Registered as recommended. Even if the same server PC2300 is selected, if OS2 is selected, application A is registered as unavailable.

The user attribute table 2656 registers recommended resources, specifications, software, necessity of optional services, and the like for each user attribute. This table is registered in advance by the administrator. In the present embodiment, the user attributes include, for example, a job title and job type within a company, and a premium member or general member type for a service for general consumers. According to the user attribute, selectable items of the service that can be used by the user are restricted. FIG. 7 shows an example of the user attribute table 2656 of this embodiment.

Software Resource Option Management Table 2657 manages software and optional services available in the server PC system 2000. These are registered in advance by the administrator.

Heretofore, each program and table in the management server 2600 has been described.

[0070] In the server PC system 2000, the gateway server 2100, the storage 2200, the server PC 2300, the terminal server 2400, the virtual PC Sanoku 2500, and the management server 2600 are connected to each other via a network. ing. In addition, in Fig. 1, only one unit is illustrated, and there can be any number of units.

Next, the selectable usage service list display screen 6100 generated by the resource management function and displayed on the display device 1040 of the connected PC 1000 will be described. FIG. 8 shows a selectable use service list display screen 6100.

[0072] As shown in the figure, the selectable use service list display screen 6100 includes a selectable item display field 6110, a selection content display field 6120, a necessary point display field 6130, a total point display item 6140, A point calculation button 6150, a confirmation button 6160, and a cancel button 6170 are provided. The point calculation button 6150 is a button for accepting an instruction for calculating the total points necessary for the selected contents, the confirm button 6160 is a button for accepting an instruction for confirming the selected contents, and the cancel button 6170 is a button for canceling the selected contents. This button accepts instructions. The selectable item display field 6110 includes a resource type display field 6111 and a specification display field 6112. In the resource type display field 6111, a server resource that can be selected by the user, a storage resource, a power software resource, and an optional service are displayed separately. In the specification display field 6112, selectable specifications (combinations) of each resource displayed in the resource type display field 6111 are displayed. For software resources and optional services, selectable application names and optional services are displayed. Information displayed as selectable specifications is generated by the resource management function.

[0074] From each displayed item, the user can select a desired resource type, specifications, software, and the like. In this embodiment, server resources and storage resources can be selected independently. In other words, it is possible to select only server resources or only storage resources.

Specifically, in the example of FIG. 8, the user can select a server resource from the PC 2300, the terminal server 2400, or the server 2500 for virtual PCs as a server resource. Further, for example, when the server PC 2300 is selected as the server resource, the CPU specification, CPU type, memory capacity, and memory type of the server PC are selected. Here, the CPU type is, for example, a CPU product type such as Pentium (registered trademark) or Athlon (registered trademark). The memory type is a type of memory standard such as DDR (Double Data Rate).

[0076] Storage specifications and capacity can be selected as storage resources.

[0077] As a software resource and optional service, the user needs a backup service for personal data stored in storage, etc. Yes Z Not required, operating system selection, ad distribution permission, server resource usage priority, etc. can be selected.

Here, the sano resource use priority is preferentially damaging to the free server PC 230 0 according to the priority, or the CPUs 2410 and 2510 of the terminal server 2400 and the virtual PC server 2 500. And memory resources 2420 and 2520 are given priority for 禾 IJ It is an indicator. For example, if a user selects “1”, which indicates the highest priority, on the server PC 2300, the management server always uses one server PC 2300 so that the server PC 2300 can be used whenever the user connects. Is managed so that it is left empty. In other words, if there is only one server PC2300 in the empty state, if the user has a low priority, even if the server PC2300 is desired, it will not be assigned, so the terminal server 2400 or virtual PC server 2500 Will be assigned. The user can also select and use only storage resources without selecting server resources.

[0079] In the present embodiment, using the information in the fee table 2652, the points necessary for use for a certain period of time are displayed in the necessary point display column 6130 according to each selection content.

Further, the content selected by the user is accepted by connection PC 1000 and displayed in selection content display field 6120. After accepting the selection, if an instruction is received by pressing the point calculation button 6150, the connected PC 1000 sends the contents of the selection and the point calculation instruction to the management server 260 0 via the network 3000 and the gateway server 2100. Send it out. The management server 2600 calculates the total necessary points according to the selection received by the resource management function, and returns it as additional screen information 5100 to the connected PC 1000. The connected PC 1000 displays the total points received in the total points display field 6140. By performing this display, it is possible to show the points required when the resource is selected, that is, the cost. The user can grasp the cost intuitively.

On the other hand, when the transmission instruction is received from the user by pressing the confirmation button 6160, the connection PC 1000 transmits the user's selection contents and the confirmation instruction to the management server 2600. In the management server 2600, the user management function registers the selection received by the resource management function in the user management table.

When cancel button 6170 is pressed, the user selection is not transmitted to management server 2600.

[0083] It should be noted that when selecting CPU specifications for server resources, it may be configured so that the CPU performance available to the user can be selected from the pull-down menu, and any numerical value input can be accepted. It may be configured. If you want to accept numeric input, enter The management server 2600 may be configured to transmit an instruction for limiting the clock frequency of the CPU 2310 of the server PC 2300 so that the CPU operates in accordance with the CPU specifications specified by numerical values.

Next, the flow of processing when the connection PC 1000 serving as the client terminal uses the server PC system 2000 as a rental server will be described with reference to FIG. In the following, a case where user authentication is performed using authentication information registered in the authentication device 4000 in advance will be described as an example. Of course, user authentication is not limited to this method. For example, password authentication that authenticates with a password stored by the user may be used.

First, upon receiving an instruction intended for the user power authentication request of the rental server, the CPU 1010 of the connected PC 1000 starts up the authentication program 1031 stored in the nonvolatile memory 1030 (step 201). The CPU 1010 transmits an authentication request to the management server 2600 via the gateway server 2100 according to the authentication program 1021 (step 203).

The management server 2600 that has received the authentication request returns an authentication information request, which is a request for acquiring information (authentication information) necessary for authentication, to the connection PC 1000 that is the transmission source (step 204). Receiving the authentication information request, the connection PC 1000 displays a screen for entering the PIN on the display device 1040 and prompts the user for input (step 205).

[0087] When the input of PIN is received from the user by using input means such as a key input device 1060 or a PIN pad (not shown) (step 206), the connected PC 1000 authenticates the input PIN. To request the verification (step 207). In the IC chip 4500 of the authentication device 4000 that has received the PIN, the PIN verification function performs verification, and if the verification is successful, authentication information is returned to the connection PC 1000 of the transmission source (step 209).

The connection PC 1000 transmits authentication information to the management server 2600 (step 210). The management server 2600 having received the authentication information refers to the user management table 2651 and performs authentication (step 211). For example, when PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) is used for the user authentication function, the user certificate and the signature value generated in the IC card are used as authentication information. The user management server authenticates the user with the signature value and certificate. The certificate is associated with the user number in the user management table 2651. The

[0089] When the authentication is successful, an authentication success notification indicating that the authentication is successful is returned to the connection PC 1000 of the transmission source (step 212). Upon receiving the authentication information, the management server 2600 receives the resource allocation request. A list of available services that can be selected by the user specified as a user service selection request is displayed. 6100 data is generated, and the data and fee table 2653 are authenticated. Reply with success notification.

[0090] Authentication success notification and selectable use service list display screen 6100 Data and charge tape Nore 2653 received The connection PC 1000 displays the received selectable use service list display screen 6100 on the display device 1040, and the user Prompt for selection (step 213).

[0091] When the selection of the service to be used is received from the user (step 214), the connected PC 1000 notifies the management server 2600 of the selected service to be used (step 215). The management server 2600 registers the selected usage service in the user management table 2651 (step 216). Then, the management server 2600 notifies the transmission source connection PC 1000 of screen information 5100 indicating that the registration in the user management table 2651 has ended (step 217). The connection PC 1000 displays the received screen information 5100 on the display screen 1040 and notifies the user (step 218).

[0092] Note that the processing in steps 213 to 217 can be omitted at the second and subsequent allocation requests if executed once unless the specs for which the same user power allocation is desired are changed.

Thereafter, when the user confirms the notification, the user instructs to start the remote operation program 1032 of the connection PC 1000 (step 219). When receiving an instruction from the user, the connection PC 1000 activates the remote operation program 1032 to realize the remote operation function. Using the remote operation function, connection PC 1000 transmits a use start request for starting use of the selected service to management server 2600 via gateway server 2100 together with information for identifying the user (step 220).

[0094] The management server 2600 confirms the usage service registered in association with the user in the user management table 2651 (step 221), and responds to the registered usage service. Next, the necessary server resources are allocated to the user (step 222) and made available.

Here, the server resource of this embodiment is any one of the server PC 2300, the terminal server 2400, and the virtual PC server 2500. After the allocation, each server resource loads OS2210, personal data 2220, AP2230 from the storage 2200 area allocated to the user to the Sano PC 2300, and remotely from the connected PC 1000 on each server resource. It can be used by the operation function (step 223).

Thereafter, the user can use the server resource by the remote operation program 1032 of the connection PC 1000 (step 224).

The procedure for terminating the use of server resources is as follows.

[0098] The user instructs the connection PC 1000 to terminate. The connected PC 1000 that accepts the intention to end the use of server resources from the user (step 225) is assigned an end notification indicating the end together with information identifying the user, and the user The server resource used by is notified (step 226). The server resource that has received the end notification is assigned the user data (OS2210, personal data 2220, AP2230) that was loaded to the user of the storage device 2200 according to the information that identifies the user. Save it in the personal area (step 227) and delete the user data from the memory in the server resource. For example, the management server 2600 writes a random number to the memory of the server resource or performs zeroing so that the user data does not remain. If the memory is a volatile memory, the data can be cleared by setting the voltage to 0V.

[0099] Thereafter, the connection PC 1000 as the transmission source of the completion notification and the management server 2600 are notified of the normal termination (step 228). At this time, the management server 2600 is notified together with information for identifying the user.

[0100] In the management server 2600, the user management function updates the user management table 2651

[0101] If the collation result received in step 209 indicates that the collation is unsuccessful, the connected PC 1000 notifies the user to that effect. In step 212, authentication is unsuccessful. If it is, the management server 2600 returns information notifying that to the connection PC 1000 of the transmission source.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of a process in which the resource management function of the management server 2600 generates the selectable service list display screen 6100 data sent to the user. FIG. 10 is a processing flow of selectable service list display screen 6100 data generation processing.

[0103] The resource management function of the management server 2600 can be used physically in the server PC system 2000 using the server resource management table 2652, the storage management tape node 2654, and the software resource / option management table 2657. A list of services (first stage) 410 is generated.

[0104] Next, referring to the recommended / impossible combination table 2655, the service list (second stage) 420 is generated by reflecting the recommended combinations registered in advance and the combinations that cannot be logically used. .

Next, with reference to the user management table 2651 and the user attribute table 2656, the usage service items that can be selected according to the user attribute specified by the authentication information as the resource allocation request are reflected to reflect the usage service items. List (final stage) 430 is generated. The selectable item generation function generates the selectable use service list display screen 6100 data using the generated use service list and applies it to the connection PC 1000 of the authentication information transmission source via the gateway server 2100 and the network 3000. Send data.

Next, the processing of the management server 2600 from when the use start request 220 is received from the connected PC 1000 to when the remote operation program end request 225 is received will be described.

When the management server 2600 receives the usage start request 220, the server S 600 sends the usage start request 220 according to the usage service 216 registered in the user management table in step 216, by referring to the server resource management tape node 2652. Determine the server resources to be allocated to the original user.

[0108] The management server 2600 extracts, for example, server resource specifications, usage rates, and the like registered in the server resource management table 2652 in association with usage service information registered in the user management table 2651. Select server resources that can be allocated. Thereafter, the management server 2600 updates the server resource management table 2652. Also Then, update the applicable server resource number, usage log, and usage status items in the user management table ₂₆₅₁ .

Next, the personal area assigned to the user is searched from the storage number of the user management table 2651 and the storage number 2654a of the storage management table 2654, and the personal environment data (〇 S2210, personal Load data 2220, AP2230) into the allocated server resource.

On the other hand, when the management server 2600 receives a use end notification from the server resource, the management server 2600 determines that the server resource of the notification source has become free, and the memory or storage device of the server resource. Is stored in the personal area allocated to the user of the storage ₂₂₀₀ , the server resource management table 2652 is updated, and the server resources are released.

[0111] If the user selects only the storage 2200, the management server 2600 allocates an area of the storage 2200 that matches the selected content when receiving the use start request, and the user saves the data in the area. Control it to be accessible.

[0112] If the server PC 2100 is not available when allocating the server PC 2100, it notifies the user and waits until the server PC 2100 is available. It is also possible to configure the server 2500 for virtual PCs to be assigned to users instead of the server PC 2100 until there is a vacancy.

[0113] As described above, in this embodiment, the server PC system 2000 generates information on the user attributes, selectable server resources, specifications, software, and the like according to necessity. Can be provided. The user can select from the provided selectable items as necessary. Furthermore, since the points required to use each presented resource for a certain period are displayed at the time of selection, the user can grasp the cost intuitively. Therefore, it is possible to give the user guidance as well as a range of choices.

[0114] That is, according to the present embodiment, the PC hardware resources on the server side are appropriate for the user in the client server system, particularly in the system that stores the main data, applications, OS, etc. on the server side. To efficiently use server-side resources Can be used.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, there are prepared measures for reducing costs when using server resources by selecting advertisement distribution and saving power. This provides users with a wider range of options. At the same time, the cost of saving electricity can be reduced, which can provide incentives to save power consumption. Therefore, for example, when this embodiment is applied to a rental PC system, it is possible to further expand the range of user selection and improve the quality of service.

[0116] The above-described programs that realize the functions of the devices constituting the rental server system of the present embodiment are stored in advance in a portable recording medium or a communication medium (a carrier wave or a digital signal on a network or a network). May be provided to each device.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A server device connected to a client terminal via a network and providing resources to the client terminal,

Resource management means for managing the resources that can be provided;

User management means for managing attributes of a user who uses the client terminal and resource information assigned to the user, and

The resource management means includes

When there is a request for resource provision from the user via the client terminal, the user of the request source within the resource managed by the user according to the attribute of the user managed by the user management means. An option generation means for extracting a list of resources that can be provided to the client terminal and transmitting the list as options to the requesting client terminal;

Registration means for registering the received selection content in the user management means upon accepting a selection from the options of the user via the client terminal;

A resource allocating unit that allocates the resource to the requesting user according to the selection registered in the user managing unit when receiving a resource use start request from the user via the client terminal; thing

A server device.

[2] The server device according to claim 1,

The resource management means further comprises monitoring means for monitoring the use of each user's resources,

The user management means includes use result collection means for collecting the monitoring results of the monitoring means for each user.

A server device.

[3] The server device according to claim 2,

A usage cost is set for each of the resources that can be provided,

The option generation means also transmits the usage cost for each resource in the option together with the option,

The usage result collecting means collects monitoring results for each user in terms of the usage cost. To do

A server device.

[4] The server device according to claim 3,

The resources that can be provided include virtual PCs, server PCs, terminal servers, storage devices, software, and optional services.

A server device.

[5] The server device according to claim 4,

The optional service includes a backup service, a virus check service, advertisement distribution, and priority setting.

A server device.

[6] The server device according to claim 5,

The usage result collection means reduces the usage cost of the user when the user selects the advertisement distribution in conversion to the usage cost.

A server device.

[7] The server device according to claim 5 or 6,

The monitoring means includes power consumption monitoring means for monitoring power consumption consumed by the server PC,

The usage result collection means collects the power consumption monitored by the power consumption monitoring means for each user for a predetermined period, and the lower the power consumption, the lower the usage cost.

A server device.

[8] The server device according to claim 1,

The selection by the user includes an instruction as to whether or not a predetermined resource should be secured. When the selection of the resource to be secured is received, the resource management means secures the resource for the user. To do

A server device.

[9] A rental server system comprising a client terminal connected via a network and a server device that provides resources to the client terminal, The client terminal is

User authentication means for authenticating a user who is provided with the resource of the server device via the client terminal;

A user interface that transmits information received from the user authenticated by the user authentication means to the server device, and presents the transmitted information to the user. ,

The server device

Resource management means for managing the resources that can be provided;

The resource management means includes

When a request for selection of the option power of the user is received via the client terminal, a registration means for registering the received selection content in the user management means, and from the user via the client terminal Resource allocation means for allocating the resource to the requesting user according to the selection registered in the user management means when receiving a request to start using the resource.

A rental server system characterized by

A resource providing method in a server device connected to a client terminal via a network and providing resources to the client terminal,

The server device

Resource management means for managing the resources that can be provided;

If there is a resource provision request from the user via the client terminal, According to the attributes of the user managed by the user management means, a list of resources that can be provided to the requesting user is extracted from the resources managed by the user, and the requesting client terminal has options. A choice generation step to send;

When a request for selection of the option power of the user is received via the client terminal, a registration step of registering the received selection content in the user management means, and from the user via the previous client terminal A resource allocation step of allocating the resource to the requesting user according to the selection registered in the user management means when receiving a resource utilization start request.

A resource providing method characterized by:

A computer in a server device connected to a client terminal via a network and providing resources to the client terminal

User management means for managing attributes of a user who uses the client terminal and resource information assigned to the user;

When a request for selection of the option power of the user is received via the client terminal, a registration means for registering the received selection content in the user management means, and from the user via the client terminal A resource allocating means for allocating the resource to the requesting user according to the selection registered in the user managing means upon receiving a resource utilization start request;

Program to make it function.