Server based configuration of network computers via machine classes
US6466972B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F9/44505
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for creating server-managed configuration information for computing devices. The configuration information is composed of individual configuration components. The configuration components can be grouped for convenience into templates called machine classes, which can be used to manage a set of similar machines. Configuration components and machine classes can be stored permanently in a database. Machine classes are instantiated with machine-specific information such as network addresses and configuration information for peripherals to produce fully configured operating systems for a computing device. Software and configuration information is installed based on the machine class selected. Individual configuration components can be added or overridden when the machine instance is created. The machine instance can be customized with additional configuration information, such as its network address(es), machine name, and video resolution. The machine instance can be used either to boot a device remotely or to install the operating system locally on the computing device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.