Self-management (computer science)
Encyclopedia
Self-Management is the process by which computer
systems shall manage their own operation without human intervention. Self-Management technologies are expected to pervade the next generation of network management
systems.
The growing complexity
of modern networked computer systems is currently the biggest limiting factor in their expansion. The increasing heterogeneity of big corporate computer systems, the inclusion of mobile computing
devices, and the combination of different networking technologies like WLAN
, cellular phone networks, and mobile ad hoc networks make the conventional, manual management very difficult, time-consuming, and error-prone.
Currently, the most important industrial initiative towards realizing self-management is the Autonomic Computing
Initiative (ACI) started by IBM
in 2001. The ACI defines the following four functional areas:
The design complexity of Autonomic Systems and self-management systems can be simplified by utilizing design patterns such as the Model View Controller (MVC) to improve concern separation by helping encapsulate functional concerns.
Computer
A computer is a programmable machine designed to sequentially and automatically carry out a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations. The particular sequence of operations can be changed readily, allowing the computer to solve more than one kind of problem...
systems shall manage their own operation without human intervention. Self-Management technologies are expected to pervade the next generation of network management
Network management
Network management refers to the activities, methods, procedures, and tools that pertain to the operation, administration, maintenance, and provisioning of networked systems....
systems.
The growing complexity
Complexity
In general usage, complexity tends to be used to characterize something with many parts in intricate arrangement. The study of these complex linkages is the main goal of complex systems theory. In science there are at this time a number of approaches to characterizing complexity, many of which are...
of modern networked computer systems is currently the biggest limiting factor in their expansion. The increasing heterogeneity of big corporate computer systems, the inclusion of mobile computing
Mobile computing
Mobile computing is a form of human–computer interaction by which a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage. Mobile computing has three aspects: mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software...
devices, and the combination of different networking technologies like WLAN
Wireless LAN
A wireless local area network links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method , and usually providing a connection through an access point to the wider internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and still be connected to the network...
, cellular phone networks, and mobile ad hoc networks make the conventional, manual management very difficult, time-consuming, and error-prone.
Currently, the most important industrial initiative towards realizing self-management is the Autonomic Computing
Autonomic Computing
Autonomic Computing refers to the self-managing characteristics of distributed computing resources, adapting to unpredictable changes whilst hiding intrinsic complexity to operators and users...
Initiative (ACI) started by IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
in 2001. The ACI defines the following four functional areas:
- Self-Configuration: Automatic configuration of components;
- Self-Healing: Automatic discovery, and correction of faults; automatically applying all necessary actions to bring system back to normal operation
- Self-Optimization: Automatic monitoring and control of resources to ensure the optimal functioning with respect to the defined requirements;
- Self-Protection: Proactive identification and protection from arbitrary attacks.
The design complexity of Autonomic Systems and self-management systems can be simplified by utilizing design patterns such as the Model View Controller (MVC) to improve concern separation by helping encapsulate functional concerns.