Chad R. Siefert

Bio: Chad R. Siefert is an academic researcher from Microsoft. The author has contributed to research in topics: Software deployment & System Management Mode. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 3 publications receiving 42 citations.

Firmware Update Discovery and Distribution

Abstract: A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates.

Dependency based configuration package activation

Abstract: An update platform is described that collectively handles driver and firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device based on dependencies associated with the updates. The update platform may instantiate representations of each individual hardware resource as abstractions through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of updates is managed. Using the representations, the update platform discovers available updates, matches configuration packages for the updates to appropriate resources, and initiates installation of the configuration packages. The update platform is further configured to recognize dependencies associated with the configuration packages. When dependencies are detected, corresponding configuration packages are marked to reflect the dependencies and activation is suspended until the dependencies are satisfied. Upon satisfaction of the dependencies, the dependencies are cleared and the configuration packages are activated. Configuration packages that are not associated with dependencies may be installed and activated “normally” at any time.

Customized computer image preparation and deployment including virtual machine mode

Abstract: A computer-implemented technique significantly reduces the time required to configure software images deployed from a golden reference machine to destination machines. Time is saved by applying a priori knowledge of the configuration of the intended destination machines and omitting normally run configuration steps known to be non-essential or irrelevant to the destination machines. This technique is particularly advantageous when the destination machines are virtual machines, as time-consuming commands for configuring hardware on the destination machines can be avoided.

Firmware Update Discovery and Distribution

Abstract: A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates.

Firmware update system

Abstract: A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates.

Modular system including management and deployment of software updates and revisions

Abstract: A technology/operating system-agnostic and protocol-agnostic modular-based service delivery system that includes a management of enterprise-wide deployment of services and updates to services delivered by the modules of the system. Management includes determination and automatic implementation of an optimal schedule for service deployment, service version updates and service version roll-backs based on (i) predetermined lifecycle levels assigned to networked devices in the enterprise executing the service delivery application, and/or (ii) segments within the enterprise.

Updation of Disk Images to Facilitate Virtualized Workspaces in a Virtual Computing Environment

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for updating one or more virtualized workspaces. The one or more virtualized workspaces may be facilitated by cloning a master root disk image, and then applying temporary personalization to the master root disk image clone. The master root image clone may then be published to one or more of the users by omitting one or more portions of the personalization. Furthermore, re-personalization of a user's copy of the published master root disk image clone may be provided for use on the local computer of the user; re-personalization of a user's copy may be based at least in part on the clone.

Resource data structures for firmware updates

Abstract: A firmware update system is described that collectively handles firmware updates for hardware resources of a computing device. The firmware update system may be configured to handle firmware updates in a consistent manner across different computing platforms/architectures. A data structure is defined to associate each updateable resource with a corresponding identifier to enumerate the updateable resources to the firmware update system. The firmware update system may reference the data structure to produce representations of the each individual resource that provide an operating system level abstraction through which detection, analysis, acquisition, deployment, installation, and tracking of firmware updates is managed. Using the representations, the firmware update system operates to discover available firmware updates collectively for the enumerated resources, match the updates to appropriate resources, and initiate installation of the updates.