Patent Application
20220191108
The present invention generally relates to security systems and server management systems, and more specifically relates to a novel and inventive system which effectively combines security and server management.
Currently, companies and organizations use one set of products and services to manage critical infrastructure, such as computer hardware (i.e., servers, etc.), and a totally different set of products and services to manage security systems (i.e., access control, etc.). Having to use several different products to manage the different areas of responsibility not only requires a high committal of resources, such as personnel, training, and funds, but also results in a complex web of responsibility that is difficult to manage and operate.
Personnel that is trained to monitor and operate a security system do not also monitor and operate server management systems. In other words, security guards are not responsible for dealing with or monitoring a server management system, and vice versa. After all, given the complexity of the server management system (and the alerts associated therewith), people responsible for the security system lack the requisite training.
One object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a combined security and server management system.
Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an application that integrates a server management system with a security system.
Another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a user interface that allows one to simultaneously monitor and manage both a server management system and a security system, thereby effectively combining the two systems.
Still another object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide a security system that monitors servers.
Briefly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a solution for companies, organizations, etc. to use to manage multiple types of systems effectively from a single point. The solution is a combined security and server monitoring system that reduces the knowledge requirement to gain further control of critical and IT infrastructure. As a result, operators at the lowest level can manage and act upon events without the elevated knowledge required of more complex systems.
The organization and manner of the structure and operation of the invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals identify like elements in which:
While this invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail, a specific embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to that as illustrated.
To date, there has not been any motivation in the industry to combine a security system with a server management system. Both systems are complex and, as a result, in the industry, security guards are security guards and server management people are server management people. The two systems are kept separate and each system is complex and requires a distinct level of expertise to monitor and interact with each system.
An embodiment of the present invention provides a combined system that effectively combines a security system with a server management system, and provides a user interface that is simplified such that a person can easily monitor and operate the combined system.
An embodiment of the present invention provides an application that implements the combination, preferably in the form of a plugin that effectively integrates a server management system with a security system, and provides a user interface that allows one to simultaneously monitor and manage the combined system.
Specifically, the server management system is preferably an iDRAC (integrated Dell Remote Access Controller), and preferably an embodiment of the present invention comprises an application in the form of an iDRAC plugin. The application or plugin is configured to integrate with a security center platform, such as a security center platform that is configured to provide access control, video surveillance, intrusion protection, analytics, communications, as well as possibly also automatic license plate reading. Specifically, the application or plugin may be specifically configured to integrate with a security system, such as the Genetec Security Center platform, which provides all the previously identified functionality (i.e., access control, video surveillance, intrusion protection, analytics, communications, as well as possibly also automatic license plate reading).
Preferably, the plugin is built on the Genetec SDK (Software Development Kit) platform and is configured to leverage many advantages that are found within the Genetec Security Center platform, such as the creation of entities, event-to-actions, and role fail-over. Preferably, the application is configured to enhance the user experience by introducing virtual machine management while staying true to the Genetec platform.
The Harmonize iDRAC plugin in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is configured to provide the user with easier visibility to monitor, maintain, and react to their critical server infrastructure. As server uptime is vital to success in all vertical markets, the iDRAC plug-in provides operators the agility to make rapid response decisions with real-time notifications and data.
Among the features and benefits unique to the integration provided by the iDRAC plugin are real-time server telemetry, remote server management, server analytics, seamless integration into the Genetec Security Center platform (or other security center platform), and a reduction in the number of systems users need to manage.
The iDRAC plugin is configured to provide a solution for organizations to operate within a ‘single pane of glass’ (i.e., meaning that it provides the ability to manage other systems and products from a single point). The system provides both server management information and security center information in a single screen for both monitoring purposes and for taking action. The iDRAC plugin reduces the knowledge requirement for security personnel to monitor the organization's critical and IT infrastructure. Operators at the lowest level can manage and act upon events without the elevated knowledge required of more complex systems and streamlines communication.
As mentioned above, preferably the plugin is built on the Genetec SDK (Software Development Kit) platform and is configured to leverage many advantages that are found within the Genetec Security Center platform. More specifically, preferably, the iDRAC plugin utilizes two vast SDK components: the Genetec Security Center SDK and the Dell iDRAC API. Both platforms require a high degree of learning in order to operate effectively and there is an even more vast learning curve to implement their respective programming utilities. The iDRAC plugin effectively partners with both Genetec and Dell to leverage both technologies in a single solution.
The iDRAC plugin does not change the core functionality of either Genetec or iDRAC, but does provide enhancements. The iDRAC plugin effectively alters the user experience in an IT security setting, and reduces the inundation of data to which end users are exposed on a day to day basis. Operators who, before had to manage multiple systems, gain the capability to monitor and act on both security events and infrastructure events from the same application. Data is passed seamlessly from one application to the other, resulting in a lessening of a burden on IT teams and the overall bottom line.
The iDRAC plugin effectively provides unified integration between Genetec Security Center and the Dell iDRAC interface, and preferably utilizes the Genetec Security Center 5.9.0 SDK and Dell iDRAC 9 with Lifecycle Controller 3.36.36.36-4.10.10.10.
Telemetry and analytics are valuable tools that all organizations struggle to wield to maximum efficiency. The iDRAC plugin targets critical infrastructure by integrating the Dell iDRAC framework with Genetec Security Center. Preferably, the iDRAC plugin is a full Genetec plugin that integrates with the core Security Center platform.
Preferably, the iDRAC plugin utilizes the Redfish API to integrate iDRAC into SC. The plugin is configured to fetch hardware data, system data, and perform analytics that is presented to users in the Security Desk. Additionally, administrators can define custom entities within Config tool as well as health thresholds deemed necessary.
The iDRAC plugin utilizes Genetec Custom Events as communication between client and server applications as well as hooks for operators to utilize within SC or through other management options such as Genetec Mission Control.
All organizations have the need to monitor, maintain, and react to their critical server infrastructure. Server up time is vital to success in all verticals. The iDRAC plugin provides operators the agility to make rapid response decisions with real-time notifications and data. The iDRAC plugin preferably provides, among others, the following features and benefits: Real-time server telemetry, remote management, server analytics, seamless integration into the Genetec Security Center platform, and a reduction in the number of systems users need to manage.
Genetec Security Center is comprised of two applications—Config Tool and Security Desk.
With regard to the structure of the iDRAC that provides the functionality (i.e., the fact that it integrates the two systems and provides a single user interface for monitoring and management of the two systems), the Harmonize iDRAC is comprised of 3 distinct code binaries or “DLLS” (Dynamic Link-Libraries). Referred to as “Modules”, these DLLS segment Harmonize iDRAC into 2 Modules—the Harmonize iDRAC Client module and the Harmonize iDRAC Server Module. The 3rd DLL is referred to as “Common”, and is a code library that is referenced by both the client and server modules. The client module DLL is referenced by the Genetec client application and contains all of the client-side logic and graphical user interfaces. The server module is consumed by the Genetec Plugin Role and contains all of the business logic utilized by Harmonize iDRAC.
The iDRAC plugin described herein provides a very unique insight, or single pane of glass view, within the Video Management system. In the industry, security directors and key decision makers lack the technical ability to determine the best course of action, to mitigate server-related outages when they occur. More often than not, decision makers are forced to contact their Video Management system vendor, in an attempt to drive resolution to these critical outages. In most cases, the decision makers can provide little insight as to metrics, or resource depletion of the servers that comprise their physical security system. The lack of detailed information leads to extended outages of critical resources, and requires multiple entities to derive the required information. By effectively providing a single pane of glass (a user-friendly user interface that provides information on both systems) within the Video Management System, the iDRAC plugin described herein empowers the key decision makers to drive faster resolution, and contact the appropriate vendor, based on metrics. In turn, the critical outage is reduced, resulting in minimal loss.
The iDRAC plugin is unique in that it opens doors and makes the iDRAC accessible to non-technical people by providing a user-friendly user interface that is not overly complicated. Preferably, the iDRAC plugin is configured to expands the capabilities of Dell iDRAC notification, and allows there to be custom responses to alerts such as both visual and audio cues that are otherwise not accessible through native iDRAC.
Before the present invention, typical response initiated with the local IT administrator monitoring and receiving information from iDRAC. This is assuming that the administrator is on staff and available. When received, the IT admin must follow their processes and procedures to get that information to operations who then in turn begin another set of processes and procedures. The iDRAC disclosed herein simplifies this series of interactions.
In short, security Integrators can offer more value at less cost by implementing the iDRAC plugin disclosed herein.
The resulting combined system collates IT-related events, such as heat, disk RPM, predictable Drive failure, etc. These events previously were relayed through SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). This integration allows for the use of the VMS platform as a delivery mechanism within the Security and integrator space. In the past, SMTP was usually used only with IT protocols. The combined system takes the events and alerts and displays them in a visual cue through an event inside of the receiving VMS/Security Platform.
The iDRAC plugin results in the iDRAC working seamlessly with the Genetec Security Center suite. This allows for entire network resolution from one familiar interface. As a result, the security staff no longer needs to learn how to access the server's complex management system via an out-of-band management interface. By simplifying its functionality, the security staff can easily monitor the core system parameters and streamline support calls by directly dialing in on the faulty part without spending hours on the phone with a support representative. The Security Center interface allows the security guard to receive live, onscreen alerts about the status and state of the network server. This eliminates the need for SNMP alerts or email relays which require IT professionals to setup and configure. As a result, the organization saves time and money.
In the above description, Dell, Harmonize and Genetec and all trademarks of their respective owners.
While a specific embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
