Dynamically Managing Network Bandwidth in a Cloud

Grazed from Scientific Computing. Author: Editorial Staff.

IBM inventors have developed a method for dynamically managing network bandwidth within a cloud, which could lead to significant improvements in overall system performance, efficiency and economy. The cloud computing invention — for which IBM received U.S. Patent #8,352,953: Dynamically Provisioning Virtual Machines — provides a method for automatically deciding the best way for users to access a cloud computing system based on availability of network bandwidth. This invention is ideal for applications such as online systems running within a cloud that experience dramatic or unexpected peaks and valleys in demand for services, such as:

• Online retailers and auction sites that endure spikes in activity at different times of the day, various days of the week, and during holiday seasons and special promotions;
• Search engines, which must respond to surges in activity on a multitude of topics at any time, driven by popular culture and current events;|
• Government and news media Web sites, where local, regional, national and international developments and crises ranging from elections, to conflicts, to natural disasters can drive traffic without warning; and
• Online sites for major sporting events that encounter unpredictable demand from fans for stats, videos and other content during live competition…

"This is the type of investment in invention and innovation that is needed to be a leader in the competitive cloud computing market," said Dennis Quan, vice president of strategy, IBM cloud services. "IBM inventors are focused on researching and developing new cloud computing technologies and techniques that will pave the way to leadership for IBM and its clients."…

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