as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2004/0034577 Al
`
` Van Hooseet al. (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 19, 2004
`
`
`US 20040034577A1
`
`(54) METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR
`ANALYZING AN INVENTORY FOR
`CONSOLIDATION
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Jeffrey N. Van Hoose, Fairview
`Heights, IL (US); Mark A. Freestone,
`Cincinnati, OH (US); Rohit Gupta,
`Mason, OH (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BUCKLEY, MASCHOFF, TALWALKAR LLC
`5 ELM STREET
`
`NEW CANAAN,CT 06840 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/219,429
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 15, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(SL)
`
`TIM. C0 cece eeccccsssssssssneesccecersnnnseeseeseees GO06F 17/60
`
`(52) WS. Che
`
`caesssscssssssssstststssrssststsevnsstetceve 705/28
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Asystem, method, apparatus, means, and computer program
`code for evaluating potential changes to a computer or
`communications system. For example, an analysis may
`involve the partial or total consolidation of one or more
`servers in a computer system. The analysis may start by
`determining an inventory of the computer system to deter-
`mine “like” elements and determining potential scenarios
`that use different combinations of the like elements. From
`
`these scenarios, different possible configurations that con-
`solidate someor all of two or more of servers in the system
`are determined and financial models or other information
`
`determined for the different configurations. The different
`configurations can then be ranked or reported in accordance
`with one or more designated factors or othercriteria.
`
`‘os
`
`RESOURCE
`
`00—
`
`
`
`
` USER DEVICE
`SERVER
`
`
`
`
`
`104
`
`ORGANIZATION
`DEVICE
`
`COMMUNICATION
`NETWORK
`
`108
`
`102
`
`USER DEVICE
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 1
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 1 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
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`106
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 2 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`120 —™,
`
`DETERMINE ANALYSIS TO BE CONDUCTED
`
`122
`
`REPORT RESULTS OF ANALYSIS
`
`DETERMINE INVENTORY
`
`CONDUCT THE ANALYSIS FOR THE
`INVENTORY
`
`FIG. 2
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page3
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 3 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`
`
`150
`
`
`
`CPU
`NUMBER
`SERVER
`MEMORY
`SERVER
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`
`SPEED
`OF
`TYPE
`(MEGA-
`IDENTIFIER
`
`IDENTIFIER
`
`IDENTIFIER
`CPUS
`(MGHZ2)
`BYTES)
`
`
`
`
`400
`6
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` ST8
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 4
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 4
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 4 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CPU
`MAX
`
`FAMILY
`VO
`
`(MB/SEC)
`
`SERVER
`TYPE
`IDENTIFIER
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`ST1
`
`ENTERPRISE 250
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ST2
`
`ENTERPRISE 450
`
`
`
`
`ST4
`ENTERPRISE 420
`
`
`
`ST3
`
`ENTERPRISE 220
`
`ST5
`
`ENTERPRISE 3000
`
`ENTERPRISE 4000
`
`
`ST6
`ENTERPRISE 3500
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 4500
`
`
` ENTERPRISE 5000
`
`ST9
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 5500
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 6000
`
`FIG. 4
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 5
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 5 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`126
`
`START
`
`~~,
`
`
`
`DETERMINE "LIKE"
`ELEMENTSIN INVENTORY
`
`FOR A SET OF "LIKE"
`ELEMENTS, GENERATE
`SCENARIO
`201
`
`MORE
`IS SCENARIO
`
`
`
`SCENARIOS?
`POSSIBLE?
`
`
`
`206
`
`
`205
`
`FOR SCENARIO,
`
`GENERATE POTENTIAL
`
`
`
`
`CONFIGURATION 208
`
`MORE
`Is
`
`
`
`CONFIGURATIONS
`CONFIGURATION
`
`
`POSSIBLE?
`
`RETAIN CONFIGURATION
`INFORMATION
`
`214
`
`GENERATE SCENARIO
`FINANCIAL INFORMATION
`
`TAKE NEXT SCENARIO
`
`226
`
`
`RETAIN FINANCIAL
`INFORMATION FOR LATER
`CONFIGURATION
`222
`ANALYSIS
`
`
`216
`
`218 TAKE NEXT
`?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MORE
`SCENARIOS?
`
`
`
`
`MORE
`CONFIGURATIONS
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 6
`
`

`

`
`
`
`WINDOWS
`
`SOLARIS 7
`
`SOLARIS
`
`
`WINDOWS NT 3.51
`
`WINDOWS
`
`WINDOWS 2000 SP'1
`
`SERVS5
`
`SERV6
`
`SERV7
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 6 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
` 202
`
`SERVER
`IDENTIFIER
`
`OPERATING
`SYSTEM
`
`OPERATING SYSTEM
`FAMILY
`
`SERV1
`
`SOLARIS 8 11/01
`
`SOLARIS
`
`SERV2
`
`SOLARIS 7
`
`SOLARIS
`
`SERV3
`
`SOLARIS 8 02/02
`
`SOLARIS
`
`
`SOLARIS
`SOLARIS 2.6
`SERV4
`
`
`SERV8
`
`WINDOWS NT 4.0
`
`WINDOWS
`
`SERV9
`
`WINDOWSNT 4.0
`
`WINDOWS
`
`SERV10
`
`WINDOWS NT 3.51
`
`WINDOWS
`
`SERV11
`
`WINDOWS 2000 SP2
`
`WINDOWS
`
`FIG. 6
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page7
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 7 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`203
`
`
`
`LIKE ELEMENTS
`GROUP 1
`
`SERV1
`SERV2
`SERV3
`SERV4
`(SOLARIS OPERATING
`SYSTEM FAMILY)
`SERV5
`
`
`LIKE
`ELEMENTS
`GROUP 2
`
`(WINDOWS OPERATING
`SYSTEM FAMILY)
`
`
`
`FIG. 7
`
`SERV6
`SERV7
`SERV8
`SERVI
`SERV10
`SERV11
`SERV12
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 8
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 8 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`
`204
`
`
`eNO ELEMENT|ELEMENT|ELEMENT|ELEMENT|ELEMENT
`
`
`
`SERVI
`SERV2
`
`SERVI
`SERV3
`
`SERV1
`SERV4
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` HTM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`20
`
`21
`
`SERV4
`
`22
`SERV5
`
`23
`SERV5
`
`24
`
`SERV2
`
`SERV3
`
`SERV4
`
`SERV5
`
`SERV5
`
`SERV4
`SERV3
`SERV2
`SERV1
`26
`
`
`SERV5
`
`FIG. 8
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`PageQ
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 9 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`
`["
`207
`
`SYSTEM CPU|MAXIMUM} CPU|MAXIMUM|MAXIMUM|CPU
`
`
`
`UNITS|NUMBER|SPEED|AOUNT VO FACTOR
`
`OF
`(MGHZ)
`OF
`(MHZ)
`CPUS
`MEMORY
`(MEGA-
`BYTES)
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 250|4,800 2 480 4096 200 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 450|9,600 4 480 8192 600 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 220|4,000 2 400 4096 200 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 420|8,000 4 400
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 3000|16,000 8 400
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 3500|16,000 8 400
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 4000|28,000 14 400
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 4500|28,000 14 400
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
` ENTERPRISE 5000|28,000 14 400
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 5500|28,000 14 400 14336 400 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 6000|60,000 30 400 14336 600 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 6500|60,000 30 400 14336 600 2.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENTERPRISE 10000|144,000 64 450 30720 1200 2.0
`
`
`
`FIRE 3800
`
`54,000
`
`8
`
`900
`65536
`600
`5.0
`
`
`FIRE 4800
`108,000
`16
`900
`131072
`800
`5.0
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`108,000
`FIRE 4810
`FIRE 6800
`162,000
`
`
`16
`24
`72
`
`|
`|
`|
`
`900
`900
`900
`
`131072
`196608
`589824
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`800
`1200
`2400
`
`5.0
`5.0
`5.0
`
`FIG. 9
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 10
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 10
`
`

`

`SERVER|STORAGE NUMBER MEMORY
`
`(GB)
`OF CPUS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 10 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 11
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 11
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 11 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`v9eZe
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`WYWow
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`LAdLNO
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`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 12
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 12
`
`
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 12 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`402
`
`Browserb Ola
`http://www.analysis.com
`
`WELCOME
`TO
`THE ANALYSIS
`AND CONSOLIDATION
`WEB SITE!
`
`afl
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PROFILE
`
`
`INVENTORY
`
`
`
`408
`ANALYSIS
`
`
`
`ADMINISTRATION
`
`REPORTS
`
`
`KNOWLEDGE BASE
`
`CONFIGURATION
`
`FIG. 12
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 13
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 13
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 13 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`420
`
`
`Browser by Woridscape
`[-[er]=]
`
`
`
`a/o/@le@lala/m/e/Gssle
`
`
`
`
`
`SERVER
`
`
`PLEASE SELECT THE
`TYPE OF INFORMATION
`YOU WISH TO ENTER
`
`
`
`
`
`APPLICATION
`
`
`STORAGE DEVICE
`
`
`OUTPUT DEVICE
`
`
`430 TELEPHONY DEVICE
`
`FIG. 13
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 14
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 14
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 14 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`440
`
`Browser by Worldscappe
`
`@]>[ole[S]=[i/oea)"
`
`http://www.analysis.com/inventory/server
`
`PLEASE ENTER YOUR SERVER INFORMATION
`SERV2
`
`ENTERPRISE 3000
`
`SERVER NAME
`
`SERVER TYPE
`
`LOCATION
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`CURRENT MEMORY
`
`CURRENT NUMBER OF CPUS
`
`ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COST
`
`ANNUAL LEASE COST
`
`
`
` SOLARIS 7
`
`
` 1 F
`
`ILE SERVER
`
`2048
`
` 4 5
`
`,000
`
`10,000
`
`OPERATING SYSTEM
`
`
`NEXT
`
`
`
`[| PREVIOUS
`
`FIG. 14
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 15
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 15
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 15 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`470
`
`
`
`Browserbyoae
`
`R71
`
`APPLICATION NAME
`
`NUMBER OF SEATS
`
`ANNUAL MAINTENANCE COST
`
`LENGTH OF LICENSE
`
`ANNUALLICENSE COST
`
`INITIAL DEVELOPMENT COST
`
`ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT COST
`
`SERVER NAME
`
`
`SERV4
`
`
`
`http://www.analysis.com/inventory/application
`
`PLEASE ENTER YOUR APPLICATION INFORMATION
`
`ACCOUNTING PACKAGE
`
`10
`
`8,000
`
`5 YEARS
`
`20,000
`
`0
`
`0
`
`
`
`MEMORY REQUIREMENTS
`MB 2000
`
`
`
`| PREVIOUS
`
`FIG. 15
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 16
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 16
`
`

`

`
`
`SCEN 1 CONFIG 1 ROI GRAPH
`
`SCEN. 1 CONFIG. 1 ROI REPORT
`
`SCEN. 1 CONFIG 2 ROI GRAPH
`
`SCEN 1 CONFIG. 2 ROI REPORT
`SCEN 1 CONFIG 3 ROI GRAPH
`
`SCEN 1 CONFIG. 3 ROI REPORT
`
`SCEN. 2 CONFIG. 1 ROI GRAPH
`
`SCEN 2 CONFIG 1 ROI REPORT
`
`SCEN. 2 CONFIG 2 ROI GRAPH
`
`SCEN. 2 CONFIG.2 ROI REPORT
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Feb. 19,2004 Sheet 16 of 16
`
`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`500
`
`Browser by Worldscape
`|- [ee]x)
`
`2/9]|&)S|]|5/88[2M]
`
`VI
`http://www. analysis.com/report
`REPORT DESCRIPTION
`
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DELETE
`DOWNLOAD
`DOWNLOAD
`
`
`DELETE
` DELETE
` DOWNLOAD |}
`
`DELETE
`
`DOWNLOAD
`
`FIG. 16
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit 1017
`
`Page 17
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 17
`
`

`

`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR ANALYZING
`AN INVENTORY FOR CONSOLIDATION
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention relates to a method and
`[0001] The present
`apparatus for analyzing an inventory and, moreparticularly,
`embodiments of the present invention relate to methods,
`means, apparatus, and computer program codefor analyzing
`potential consolidations to elements in an inventory of a
`computer or communications system or network.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] Given rapid technical advancements for hardware
`and software and growth in user and application growth for
`resources connected to networks,it is common for computer
`and communication systems to grow, require upgrades or
`new equipment, develop new requirements, etc. over time.
`In a complex computer or communication system, deter-
`mining the best way to consolidate or migrate a computer or
`communication system is difficult to determine. In addition,
`different technical solutions may create different financial
`results and so both financial and technical factors should be
`taken into account when determining a change or migration
`of a computer or communications system.
`
`[0003] Unfortunately, tools do not exist that permit an
`in-depth financial and technical analysis of potential migra-
`tions or consolidations of a computer or communications
`system. It would be advantageous to provide a method and
`apparatus that overcame the drawbacks of the prior art. In
`particular, it would be desirable to provide a system, meth-
`ods, apparatus, means and computer code that allowed
`detailed analysis of an existing computer or communications
`system to evaluate potential changes to the computer or
`communications system.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a
`system, method, apparatus, means, and computer program
`code for evaluating potential changes to a computer or
`communications system. In some embodiments, different
`types of analysis may occur. For example, an analysis may
`involve the partial or total consolidation of one or more
`servers in a computer system. The analysis may start by
`determining an inventory of the computer system to deter-
`mine “like” elements and determining potential scenarios
`that use different combinations of the like elements. From
`these scenarios, different possible configurations that con-
`solidate someor all of two or moreof servers in the system
`are determined and financial models or other information
`
`determined for the different configurations. The different
`configurations can then be ranked or reported in accordance
`with one or more designated factors or othercriteria.
`
`[0005] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features
`of the invention shall be set forth in part in the description
`that follows, and in part will become apparent to those
`skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may
`be learned by the practice of the invention.
`
`[0006] According to embodiments of the present inven-
`tion, a methodfor facilitating consolation of an inventory of
`elements may include determining a plurality of sets of like
`elements from an inventory of elements; determining,for at
`
`least one of the plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality
`of potential scenarios, wherein each of the plurality of
`potential scenarios includesat least two ofthe like elements;
`determining, for at least one of the plurality of potential
`scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations, wherein
`each of the plurality of potential configurations represents a
`consolidation of at
`least
`two of the like elements; and
`providing information regarding at least one of the plurality
`of potential configurations. In some other embodiments, a
`method for facilitating analysis of an inventory of elements
`for consolidation may include determining an inventory of
`elements; determining a plurality of sets of like elements
`from the inventory of elements; determining,forat least one
`of the plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality of
`potential scenarios, wherein eachofthe plurality of potential
`scenarios includesat least to of the like elements; determin-
`ing, for at least one of the plurality of potential scenarios, a
`plurality of potential configurations, wherein each of the
`plurality of potential configurations represents a consolida-
`tion of at least two of the like elements; and conducting a
`financial analysis of at least one of the plurality of potential
`configurations. In some additional embodiments, a method
`for facilitating analysis of an inventory of elements may
`include determining an inventory of elements; determining
`a plurality of sets of like elements from the inventory of
`elements; determining,for each ofthe set of like elements in
`the plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality of potential
`scenarios, wherein each of the plurality of potential sce-
`narios includesat least to of the like elements; determining,
`for each scenario in the plurality of potential scenarios, a
`plurality of potential configurations, wherein each of the
`plurality of potential configurations represents a consolida-
`tion of at least two of the like elements; and conducting a
`financial analysis of each of the plurality of potential con-
`figurations.
`
`[0007] According to embodiments of the present inven-
`tion, a system for facilitating analysis of an inventory of
`elements may include a memory; a communication port; and
`a processor connected to the memory and the communica-
`tion port,
`the processor being operative to determine a
`plurality of sets of like elements from an inventory of
`elements; determine, for at least one of the plurality of sets
`of like elements, a plurality of potential scenarios, wherein
`each of the plurality of potential scenarios includesat least
`two of the like elements; determine, for at least one of the
`plurality of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential
`configurations, wherein each of the plurality of potential
`configurations represents a consolidation of at least two of
`the like elements; and provide information regarding at least
`one of the plurality of potential configurations. In some other
`embodiments, a system for facilitating analysis of an inven-
`tory of elements may include a memory; a communication
`port; and a processor connected to the memory and the
`communication port, the processor being operative to deter-
`mine an inventory of elements; determine a plurality of sets
`of like elements from the inventory of elements; determine,
`for at least one of the plurality of sets of like elements, a
`plurality of potential scenarios, wherein each ofthe plurality
`of potential scenarios includes at least to of the like ele-
`ments; determine, for at least one of the plurality of potential
`scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations, wherein
`each of the plurality of potential configurations represents a
`consolidation of at
`least
`two of the like elements; and
`conducta financial analysis of at least one of the plurality of
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 18
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 18
`
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`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`potential configurations. In some addition embodiments, a
`system for facilitating analysis of an inventory of elements
`may include a memory; a communication port; and a pro-
`cessor connected to the memory and the communication
`port, the processor being operative to determine an inven-
`tory of elements; determine a plurality of sets of like
`elements from the inventory of elements; determine, for
`each ofthe set of like elementsin the plurality of sets oflike
`elements, a plurality of potential scenarios, wherein each of
`the plurality of potential scenarios includesat least to of the
`like elements; determining, for each scenarioin the plurality
`of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations,
`wherein each of the plurality of potential configurations
`represents a consolidation of at least two of the like ele-
`ments; and conduct a financial analysis of each of the
`plurality of potential configurations.
`[0008] According to embodiments of the present inven-
`tion, a computer program product in a computer readable
`medium for facilitating analysis of an inventory of elements
`may includefirst instructions for identifying a plurality of
`sets of like elements from an inventory of elements; second
`instructions for identifying, for at least one of the plurality
`of sets of like elements, a plurality of potential scenarios,
`wherein each ofthe plurality of potential scenarios includes
`at
`least
`two of the like elements;
`third instructions for
`identifying, for at least one of the plurality of potential
`scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations, wherein
`each ofthe plurality of potential configurations represents a
`consolidation of at least two of the like elements; and fourth
`instructions for sending information regardingat least one of
`the plurality of potential configurations.
`In some other
`embodiments, a computer program product in a computer
`readable medium for facilitating analysis of an inventory of
`elements may include first instructions for identifying an
`inventory of elements; second instructions for identifying a
`plurality of sets of like elements from the inventory of
`elements; third instructions for identifying, for at least one
`of the plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality of
`potential scenarios, wherein each of the plurality of potential
`scenarios includes at least to of the like elements; fourth
`instructions for identifying, for at least one of the plurality
`of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations,
`wherein each of the plurality of potential configurations
`represents a consolidation of at least two of the like ele-
`ments; and fifth instructions for determining a financial
`analysis of at least one of the plurality of potential configu-
`rations. In some additional embodiments, a computer pro-
`gram product in a computer readable medium forfacilitating
`analysis of an inventory of elements may include first
`instructions for identifying an inventory of elements; second
`instructions for identifying a plurality of sets of like ele-
`ments from the inventory of elements; third instructions for
`identifying, for each of the set of like elements in the
`plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality of potential
`scenarios, wherein each of the plurality of potential sce-
`narios includes at
`least
`to of the like elements;
`fourth
`instructions for identifying, for each scenario in theplurality
`of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations,
`wherein each of the plurality of potential configurations
`represents a consolidation of at least two of the like ele-
`ments; and fifth instructions for determining a financial
`analysis of each of the plurality of potential configurations.
`[0009] According to embodiments of the present inven-
`tion, an apparatus for consolidation may include means for
`
`identifying a plurality of sets of like elements from an
`inventory of elements; meansfor identifying, for at least one
`of the plurality of sets of like elements, a plurality of
`potential scenarios, wherein eachofthe plurality of potential
`scenarios includes at least two of the like elements; means
`for identifying, for at least one of the plurality of potential
`scenarios, a plurality of potential configurations, wherein
`each of the plurality of potential configurations represents a
`consolidation of at least two of the like elements; and means
`for sending information regarding at least one of the plu-
`rality of potential configurations. In some other embodi-
`ments, an apparatus for facilitating analysis of an inventory
`of elements may include meansfor identifying an inventory
`of elements; meansfor identifying a plurality of sets of like
`elements from the inventory of elements; meansfor identi-
`fying, for at least one of the plurality of sets of like elements,
`a plurality of potential scenarios, wherein each of the
`plurality of potential scenarios includes atleast to of the like
`elements; means for identifying, for at least one of the
`plurality of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential
`configurations, wherein each of the plurality of potential
`configurations represents a consolidation of at least two of
`the like elements; and means for determining a financial
`analysis of at least one of the plurality of potential configu-
`rations. In some additional embodiments, an apparatus for
`facilitating analysis of an inventory of elements may include
`meansfor identifying an inventory of elements; means for
`identifying a plurality of sets of like elements from the
`inventory of elements; meansfor identifying, for each of the
`set of like elements in the plurality of sets of like elements,
`a plurality of potential scenarios, wherein each of the
`plurality of potential scenarios includes atleast to of the like
`elements; means for identifying, for each scenario in the
`plurality of potential scenarios, a plurality of potential
`configurations, wherein each of the plurality of potential
`configurations represents a consolidation of at least two of
`the like elements; and means for determining a financial
`analysis of each of the plurality of potential configurations.
`
`[0010] With these and other advantages and features of the
`invention that will becomehereinafter apparent, the nature
`of the invention may be more clearly understood by refer-
`ence to the following detailed description of the invention,
`the appended claims and to the several drawings attached
`herein.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate the
`preferred embodiments of
`the present
`invention,
`and
`together with the descriptions serve to explain the principles
`of the invention.
`
`[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of system components
`for an embodimentof an apparatus usable with the methods
`of the present invention;
`
`[0013] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a first embodiment of a
`method in accordance with the present invention;
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a table showing a representative inven-
`tory that may result from the determine inventory step of
`FIG.2;
`
`FIG.4 is a table showing representative informa-
`[0015]
`tion regarding the servers listed in the inventory table of
`FIG.3;
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 19
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 19
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`

`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`
`[0016] FIG.5isa flowchart further describing the conduct [0031] Insome embodiments, the server 102 can comprise
`
`analysis step of FIG.2;
`a single device or computer, a networked set or group of
`devices or computers, a workstation, etc. In some embodi-
`ments, a server 102 also may function as a database server
`and/or as a website hosting device. The use, configuration
`and operation of the server 102 will be discussed in more
`detail below.
`
`FIG.6 is a table showing representative operating
`[0017]
`systems and operating system families for a collection of
`servers;
`
`FIG.7 is a table showing representative groupings
`[0018]
`of like elements based on the table of FIG. 6;
`
`FIG.8 is a table showing representative scenarios
`[0019]
`generated from the table of FIG.7;
`
`[0020] FIG. 9 is a table showing potential systems that
`may support a scenario being analyzed in accordance with
`the method of FIG.5;
`
`[0021] FIG. 10 is a table showing components used in one
`of the scenarios of FIG. 8; and.
`
`[0022] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of components for an
`embodiment of a server of FIG. 1;
`
`[0023] FIG. 12 is anillustration of a representative inter-
`face that may be used in some embodiments of the present
`invention;
`
`[0024] FIG. 13 is another illustration of a representative
`interface that may be used in some embodiments of the
`present invention;
`
`[0025] FIG. 14 is another illustration of a representative
`interface that may be used in some embodiments of the
`present invention;
`
`[0026] FIG. 15 is another illustration of a representative
`interface that may be used in some embodiments of the
`present invention; and
`
`[0027] FIG. 16 is another illustration of a representative
`interface that may be used in some embodiments of the
`present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0028] Applicants have recognized that there is a market
`opportunity for systems, means and methodsthat allow of
`facilitate the evaluation or analysis of a designated infra-
`structure or system and the development and analysis of
`alternative configuration scenarios. For example, the results
`of an evaluation of a company’s network configuration
`might indicate potential savings resulting from a partial or
`full server consolidation. The methods and apparatus of the
`present invention allow analysis for many different kinds of
`consolidations or reconfigurations including, but not limited
`to, total, partial or system consolidation of servers; recon-
`figuration of telephony systems; reconfiguration or consoli-
`dation of a storage area network. These and other features
`will be discussed in further detail below, by describing a
`system,
`individual devices, and processes according to
`embodiments of the invention.
`
`[0029] System
`
`[0030] Now referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus or system
`100 usable with the methods disclosed hereinis illustrated.
`The apparatus 100 may include one or more servers, con-
`trollers or other devices 102 that communicate directly or
`indirectly with one or more organization devices 104,
`resources(e.g., database server) 106 and/or user devicesvia
`a computer, data, or communications network 110
`
`[0032] The user or client devices 108 preferably allow
`entities to interact with the server 102 and the remainder of
`the apparatus 100. The user devices 108 also may enable a
`user to access Websites, software, databases, etc. hosted or
`operated by the servers 102. If desired, the user devices 108
`also may be connected to or otherwise in communication
`with other devices. Possible user devices include a personal
`computer, portable computer, mobile or fixed user station,
`workstation, network terminal or server, cellular telephone,
`kiosk, dumb terminal, personal digital assistant, etc. In some
`embodiments,
`information regarding one or more users
`and/or one or more user devices may be stored in, or
`accessed from, a user information database and/or a user
`device information database.
`
`[0033] The organization device 104 may be a form of user
`device 108 or be similar to the server 102. A organization
`device 104, or a person using the organization device 104,
`may allow accessto the server 102 for implementation of the
`methods of the present invention, as will be discussed in
`more detail below.
`
`[0034] The resource 106 may be or include a database,
`expert system, knowledgebase, log, etc. that contains infor-
`mation usable by the server 102 to implement the methods
`of the present invention, as will be discussed in more detail
`below. For example, the resource 106 may be used to store
`hardware and/or software information for potential configu-
`rations of equipmentor devices that may be evaluated by the
`server 102. In some embodiments, the resource maybe part
`of the server 102.
`
`[0035] Many different types of implementations or hard-
`ware configurations can be used in the system 100 and with
`the methods disclosed herein and the methods disclosed
`
`herein are not limited to any specific hardware configuration
`for the system 200 or any of its components.
`[0036] The communications network 110 might be or
`include the Internet, the World Wide Web, or some other
`public or private computer, cable, telephone, client/server,
`peer-to-peer, or communications networkor intranet, as will
`be described in further detail below. The communications
`
`network 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 is meant only to be
`generally representative of cable, computer, telephone, peer-
`to-peer or other communication networks for purposes of
`elaboration and explanation of the present invention and
`other devices, networks, etc. may be connected to or form
`part of the communications network 110 without departing
`from the scope of the present invention. The communica-
`tions network 110 also can include other public and/or
`private wide area networks, local area networks, wireless
`networks, data communication-networks or connections,
`intranets, routers, satellite links, microwavelinks, cellular or
`telephone networks, radio links, fiber optic transmission
`lines, ISDN lines, T1 lines, DSL,etc. In some embodiments,
`a user device 108 may be connected directly to the server
`102 without departing from the scope of the present inven-
`tion. Moreover, as used herein, communications include
`those enabled by wired or wireless technology.
`
`VMware, Inc.
`
`Exhibit1017
`
`Page 20
`
`VMware, Inc. Exhibit 1017 Page 20
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`

`

`US 2004/0034577 Al
`
`Feb. 19, 2004
`
`[0037] The devices shown in FIG. 1 need not be in
`constant communication. For example, a user device 108
`may communicate with a server 102 only when such com-
`munication is appropriate or necessary.
`
`In some embodiments, the server 102 may imple-
`[0038]
`ment one or more of the methods described herein. More
`
`specifically, a user wanting to conduct an analysis of a
`computer or communication system may access the server
`102 from a user device 108. The server may provide
`interfaces, a Web site, or software that allows the user to
`provide information regarding the computer or communica-
`tion system to be analyzed, the type of analysis the user
`wishes to conduct, etc. In some embodiments, the interface
`may be provided via a browseror other software operating
`on a user device 108 or via a Website.
`
`[0039] Upon conducting the analysis, the server 102 may
`provide reports or other results of the analysis via the
`interfaces, Web site or other software. Alternatively,
`the
`server 102 may provide the reports or other results in or as
`part of an electronic communication or transmission (e.g.,
`email message, instant message, XMLor FTP transmission).
`
`[0040] Process Description
`
`[0041] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, where a flow
`chart 120 is shown which represents the operation ofa first
`embodiment of
`the present
`invention. The particular
`arrangement of elements in the flow chart 120 is not meant
`to imply a fixed order to the steps; embodiments of the
`present
`invention can be practiced in any order that
`is
`practicable. In some embodiments, someor all of the steps
`of the method 120 may be performed or completed by the
`server 102 or by a user device 108, as will be discussed in
`more detail below.
`
`may be five separate instances of the Oracle™ software
`operating on the server as opposed to a single instance.
`
`In general, in a box or system consolidation, the
`[0045]
`different servers in a scenario are merged into a single
`unifying box, but each server in the consolidation retainsits
`same operating system load and its same application load. In
`thi