JP4982454B2 - Information processing method and information processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing method and an information processing system. Specifically, in a thin client system, efficient acquisition of a backup image for each user reflecting the user usage state of a blade PC, and a blade as an alternative environment The present invention relates to a technology that enables reliable restoration of a backup image of a user corresponding to a PC.

  Due to the necessity of information leakage countermeasures and internal control at companies, etc., the client computer is a hard disk device, etc., and a dedicated computer (thin client) with only minimum functions such as display and input is adopted. A thin client concept has emerged in which resources such as software are centrally managed by another computer (such as a blade PC) connected to the thin client via a network.

As a technique related to such a thin client system, for example, there is a method of automatically allocating computing resources of a rack and blade computer assembly, which is an object of automatically allocating computing resources of a rack and blade computer assembly. Receiving server performance information from an application server pool located in a rack of a rack and blade computer assembly, determining at least one QoS attribute for the application server pool, and the QoS attribute being below standard A method including determining and assigning a blade server from a free server pool to be used by the application server pool (see Patent Document 1), etc. It has been proposed.
JP 2004-110791 A

  In the prior art, the backed up image is managed in association with the position of the blade PC, and when new hardware is inserted at the time of failure, the image corresponding to the location is restored. However, no consideration has been given to the acquisition and restoration of a backup image that reflects the usage status of each user until the failure occurs.

  Therefore, in the situation where an alternative environment is provided to the user side, with the conventional technology as described above, an environment with a fixed content is provided regardless of the most recent usage state of the user. In this case, it may happen that applications and data required by the user are not provided in an alternative environment. For this reason, the user may be distracted or dissatisfied with the business execution.

  On the other hand, when acquiring a backup using a disk image, it is necessary to restart the OS in the blade PC and perform a net boot of the backup system. Even if the user is not in use, the backup image could not be acquired if the OS was running.

  On the other hand, when restoring a backup image, which backup image is restored to the restore destination machine (blade PC) set in which location, the backup image to be restored, the restore destination machine (and its set location) ) Was difficult to manage.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a thin client system, it is possible to efficiently acquire a backup image for each user reflecting the user usage state of the blade PC, and to support a blade PC as an alternative environment. The main purpose is to provide a technology that enables reliable restoration of backup images.

  The information processing method of the present invention that solves the above problem is that it is difficult to obtain a backup by sucking out an HDD image of a blade PC that is running in a thin client system including a blade PC, and a backup for each user. A backup server (second information processing device) that mainly handles backup / restore is connected to the thin client in response to conventional issues such as difficult and reliable restoration of images to the user's alternative blade PC. This is a technique that is executed in cooperation with a session management server (first information processing apparatus) or a control box (third information processing apparatus) responsible for management.

  The blade PC is used by being inserted into a storage compartment in the chassis. On the rear of the storage compartment of the chassis, a set of power terminals, network line interfaces, and various cables that can be attached to and detached from each blade PC are provided, making it easy to add or replace blade PCs. In addition, a control box as a third information processing apparatus is attached to the chassis in the present embodiment (this control box will be described later).

  In such an information processing method, the blade PC stores the information on the storage destination chassis and the storage section in the chassis and the IP address for the blade PC in the address storage means, and the power status of the blade PC Then, response processing is executed in response to a data request from another device based on the IP address.

  As the address storage means, for example, a baseboard management controller (BMC) can be assumed. This BMC supports the IPMI specification and communicates with various sensors (temperature, voltage, fan, bus, etc.) on the system board in the blade PC to monitor predetermined events, and when the parameter exceeds the reference value Sends warnings and log events, and performs remote control of the power supply. The BMC can also execute a response process to a data request regarding the power state of the blade PC.

  On the other hand, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) executes session management between the blade PC and the terminal connected to the thin client. This session management server stores in the storage means information on the chassis and storage compartment serving as the storage destination of each blade PC, an IP address corresponding to the storage compartment, and information on the status of allocation to terminals. When the terminal makes a thin client connection with the blade PC, the terminal always makes an inquiry to the session management server to acquire the IP address of the blade PC.

  At this time, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) stores the IP address of the blade PC corresponding to the storage section of the chassis in the storage means, and the blade of the corresponding storage section based on the IP address of the storage means Inquires about the power status of the PC. At this time, if a response indicating that the power of the blade PC is on is obtained from the blade PC, an inquiry about the user usage state of the blade PC is made to the session management server (first information processing apparatus). At this time, if a response indicating that the corresponding blade PC is not being used by the user is obtained, the blade PC is hibernated and then network booted to obtain a backup image and store it in a storage means (image database). Execute.

  According to the above-described hibernation, the state immediately before the blade PC is turned off (mainly data on the memory: information on various data, startup applications, etc.) is saved in the hard disk drive, and the saved information is stored at the next power-on. The work can be resumed from the state immediately before the power is turned off by reading from the hard disk drive to the memory.

  The above-described network boot is one of OS activation methods, and is a technique for downloading and starting an OS image via a network without starting the OS from a hard disk or the like. For example, the blade PC can be started by reading the disk image (startup disk) stored on the backup server side into the memory of the blade PC. The power on / off control of the blade PC can be executed, for example, by making a Wake-On-LAN request to the blade PC from the control box.

  In addition, when the backup server (second information processing apparatus) obtains a response that the blade PC is being used by a user in response to an inquiry about the user usage state, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) It is preferable to wait until the blade PC use end notification is received from the apparatus. In this case, the backup server performs a network boot after performing hibernation for the blade PC in response to receiving the use end notification, and executes acquisition of a backup image and storage in a storage means (image database). .

  In the above case, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) detects the end of the session for the blade PC being used by the user, and the backup server (second information processing apparatus) after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the session. ), The transmission processing of the blade PC use end notification is executed.

  Further, when the backup server (second information processing apparatus) obtains a response that the power of the blade PC is off by an inquiry about the power state of the blade PC, the blade PC is connected via the network. Power on and network boot may be performed to acquire the backup image of the blade PC and store it in the storage means (image database).

  In addition, when the backup server (second information processing apparatus) acquires or stores a backup image for a blade PC, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) requests to use the blade PC ( When the usage request received by the session management server from the terminal is received, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) is notified of the remaining time for backup image acquisition or storage processing. Is preferable. Therefore, for example, the backup server estimates the remaining time from the relationship between the total disk capacity and the backup image size in the blade PC to be backed up. The relationship between the disk capacity and the backup image size is, for example, disk capacity: backup image size = 50 Gbytes: 40 Gbytes, and the backup image size at the present time (for example, 10 minutes from the start of processing) is 30 Gbytes. The backup processing speed is 30 G / 10 min = 3 G / min. Therefore, in order to process the remaining 10 Gbytes, it can be calculated that 10G / 3G = about 3 minutes is required.

  In this case, the session management server (1 information processing device) receives the notification of the remaining time from the backup server (second information processing device), and requests the use of the blade PC to transmit this notification. It will be executed to the terminal that had been.

  Further, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) issues a use request for the blade PC from the session management server (first information processing apparatus) during the process of acquiring or storing the backup image for the blade PC. The notification may be received and the session management server (first information processing apparatus) may be notified that the blade PC is unavailable. In this case, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) receives the unusable notification from the backup server (second information processing apparatus), the session is disconnected from any terminal, and the blade is currently available. The allocation of the PC is executed to the terminal that has made the use request.

  In addition, a control box as a third information processing apparatus is installed in the chassis in which the blade PC is set. This control box (third information processing apparatus) includes storage means for storing data of the storage compartment of the blade PC in the attached chassis, for example, a correspondence table between the power supply terminal ID of the storage compartment and the storage compartment ID. And At this time, the control box detects the insertion of the blade PC into the chassis (for example, the event that the power terminal of the blade PC is connected to the power terminal on the back of the storage compartment) and the blade PC is inserted. The data of the stored storage section (for example, the storage section in which the blade PC is connected to the power terminal) is read from the storage means. Then, a process of writing information on the chassis and the storage section is executed on the BMC which is an address storage means included in the blade PC.

  At this time, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) receives a request from the blade PC detected to be inserted into the chassis and assigns a temporary IP address to the blade PC. Then, the network boot of the blade PC is executed based on the temporary IP address. A backup server that performs such IP address assignment and network boot processing is a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server and a PXE (Preboot eXecution Environment) server. The PXE server transfers a boot image to a blade PC for network booting, and remotely performs management tasks such as startup, OS installation / update, and diagnosis when the OS is down even in a system that has only a formatted hard disk installed. It can be done by operation.

  The IP address assigned to the blade PC is an IP address corresponding to the storage section in the chassis, and is assigned to the BMC and OS in the blade PC. The IP address assignment of the OS may be based on DHCP (managing the correspondence between the MAC address and the IP address), or the IP address of the BMC may be taken over. Of course, devices that communicate with the blade PC, such as the backup server and the session management server, acquire and manage the MAC address (NIC) of the blade PC in addition to the IP address as information for specifying the blade PC ( The acquisition of the MAC address may be performed by an existing method). Therefore, when an information processing device or the like exchanges data such as various inquiries or data registration to the blade PC, it performs processing using the IP address and MAC address as keys (hereinafter, processing is performed in the same manner even if not specified). ).

  The backup server (second information processing apparatus) requests the blade PC to read out the information on the chassis and the storage section written in the address storage means such as the BMC, and the information on the chassis and the storage section To get. Then, the IP address corresponding to the chassis and the storage section is read from the storage means, and the corresponding IP address is notified to the blade PC.

  On the other hand, the blade PC receives an IP address from the backup server (second information processing apparatus), and executes a process of writing the IP address to address storage means such as the BMC. The MAC address in the blade PC is transmitted to the backup server (second information processing apparatus). The backup server receives this MAC address, and updates the IP address corresponding to the storage partition and the MAC address in the correspondence table between the IP address of the storage partition in which the blade PC is inserted and the MAC address. Do. Note that it is preferable that the backup server notifies the IP address of the blade PC to another device that similarly uses the correspondence between the IP address and the MAC address.

  Further, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) may store information on necessity of restoration of the blade PC set in the storage section of the chassis in the storage unit. In this case, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) reads information on whether or not restoration is necessary in the storage unit for the blade PC on which the IP address writing process to the address storage unit has been executed. If the information indicating whether or not the restoration is necessary indicates that restoration is necessary, a network booting program for restoring the backup image for the corresponding blade PC is performed, and the backup image is read from the storage means (image database). Write to the blade PC to execute the restore process.

  In addition, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) reads information on necessity of restoration in the storage unit for the blade PC on which the IP address writing process to the address storage unit is executed, and If the information on whether restoration is necessary indicates the pool target, the stop program of the corresponding blade PC is network booted, or a power off notification is transmitted to the power control device (such as BMC) of the corresponding blade PC.

  Further, it is assumed that the session management server (first information processing apparatus) stores in the storage means information on the chassis and storage section serving as the storage destination of each blade PC, and information on the status of allocation to terminals. Then, it is assumed that an alternative blade PC request notification is received from the terminal (because the assigned blade PC cannot be used). At this time, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) identifies the blade PC whose allocation status is in the pool state from the allocation status information of the storage unit, and the replacement blade PC identified here Execute the allocation process to the terminal. This assignment process is the same as the assignment process of a blade PC to a terminal in a normal thin client connection.

  In addition, the session management server (first information processing apparatus) is configured to store the pre-replacement blade PC and the replacement blade PC, which are assigned to the terminal until the request notification is received, and the storage destination chassis and storage partition, respectively. Is transmitted to the backup server (second information processing apparatus).

  On the other hand, the backup server (second information processing apparatus) receives information on the pre-substitution blade PC and the chassis and storage compartment of the substitution blade PC from the session management server (first information processing apparatus). Then, a network boot program for restoring the backup image of the pre-substitution blade PC to the substitution blade PC is read, and the backup image is read from the storage means (image database) and written to the substitution blade PC. And perform restore processing. In addition, a notification of restoration completion is transmitted to the session management server (first information processing apparatus).

  On the other hand, the session management server (first information processing device) receives the restoration completion notification from the backup server (second information processing device), and connects the pre-substitution blade PC and the terminal to the thin client. Execute the process.

  The backup server (second information processing apparatus) stores information on whether or not the blade PC set in the storage section of the chassis needs to be restored in a storage unit, and whether or not the restoration is necessary for the blade PC before substitution. This information may be set during a failure, a maintenance completion notification for the pre-substitution blade PC may be received via the input interface, and the information on whether or not restoration is necessary for the pre-substitution blade PC may be changed to a pool state.

  In addition, when the session management server (first information processing apparatus) performs a restoration process on the alternative blade PC in the backup server (second information processing apparatus), a blade PC that is currently available with a session disconnected from any terminal May be executed to the terminal to which the pre-substitution blade PC has been assigned.

  In the above-described restoration process for the alternative blade PC, an application streaming service may be temporarily provided to the terminal instead of executing allocation of the blade PC for temporary use to the terminal. Application streaming is a technique for streaming an application to the terminal (or blade PC, etc.) and executing the application on the terminal cache. When applying this application streaming technology, dedicated software (eg, streaming client) is installed in the terminal. When the software is activated on the terminal, an installation image of an application that is collectively managed by a distribution server that performs streaming distribution is acquired by the terminal. This installation image can be cached in the terminal, and the application can be used in the terminal even when the distribution server and the terminal are offline. The installation image is data in which files necessary for installing the application and registry setting information are packaged.

  Note that the session management server (first information processing apparatus) receives the IP assigned to each blade PC from the backup server (second information processing apparatus) that performs IP address assignment processing to the blade PC based on DHCP. It is assumed that an address (= which can be said to be fixedly assigned to a storage partition in the chassis) is notified.

  The information processing system according to the present invention includes an address storage unit that stores information about a storage destination chassis and a storage section in the chassis, an IP address for the blade PC, and a power state of the blade PC. A blade PC comprising: means for executing a response process in response to a data request from another device based on an address; a first information processing device that executes session management between a blade PC and a terminal connected to a thin client; The storage means for storing the IP address of the blade PC corresponding to the storage compartment of the chassis, and the power status inquiry to the blade PC of the relevant storage compartment based on the IP address of the storage means, Upon receiving a response that it is ON, the user information of the corresponding blade PC is sent to the first information processing apparatus. Inquire about the status, get a response that the corresponding blade PC is not in use by the user, hibernate the blade PC, perform a network boot, and acquire a backup image and store it in the storage means (image database) And a second information processing apparatus including means for executing storage.

  In addition, the problems disclosed by the present application and the solutions thereof will be clarified by the embodiments of the present invention and the drawings.

  According to the present invention, in a thin client system, it is possible to efficiently acquire a backup image for each user reflecting a user usage state of a blade PC, and to reliably restore a backup image of a corresponding user to a blade PC as an alternative environment. Become.

--- System configuration ---
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a network configuration diagram of an information processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 manages a plurality of blade PCs 300 connected to each other via a network 140, a terminal 200 connected to the blade PC 300 and a thin client, and a thin client connection between the blade PC 300 and the terminal 200. Session management server 400 (first information processing apparatus), control box 500 (third information processing apparatus) attached to the chassis 30 having the storage section 35 into which the blade PC 300 is inserted, and the backup server 100 (first information processing apparatus). 2 information processing apparatus). The terminal 200 (or blade PC 300) may also include a distribution server 600 that performs streaming distribution of applications.

  The blade PC 300 constructs a VPN (Virtual Private Network) with the terminal 200, and receives and processes input information (operation contents of the input device) sent from the terminal 200 via the VPN. At the same time, video information indicating the processing result (desktop screen of the display device) is transmitted to the terminal 200. The blade PC 300 is a server device that is normally used without locally connecting input / output devices.

  The control box 500 is a computer device provided with a non-volatile storage unit 501 with a partition database 525 that stores data of storage partitions of the blade PC 300 in the chassis 30. The control box 500 detects the insertion of the blade PC 300 into the chassis 30, reads the data of the storage partition 35 in which the blade PC 300 is inserted from the partition database 525, and serves as an address storage means provided in the blade PC 300. The BMC 350 is provided with a partition writing means 510 that executes a process for writing information on the chassis 30 and the storage partition 35. Of course, the control box 500 naturally includes a CPU, a RAM, and a NIC that communicates with other devices as a computer device (not shown). The partition writing means 510 is generated as a program stored in the storage means 501, for example, and is realized by the CPU reading this program into the RAM and executing it.

  Next, each device constituting the information processing system 10 in the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a backup server (second information processing apparatus) according to the present embodiment. The backup server 100 reads out the program 102 stored in the hard disk drive 101 or the like so as to have the function of realizing the present embodiment, and executes it by the CPU 104 as an arithmetic unit.

  Further, the backup server 100 includes an input interface 105 such as various buttons and an output interface 106 such as a display as necessary, and exchanges data with the blade PC 300, the session management server 400, the distribution server 600, and the like. The network interface card (NIC) 107 is responsible for the above. Naturally, a MAC address is set in this NIC.

  The backup server 100 is connected to the blade PC 300 and the like via the network 107 such as the Internet or a LAN by the NIC 107, and executes data exchange. In addition, the backup server 100 includes a flash ROM 108, a bridge 109 that relays a bus connecting each functional unit, device, and the like, and a power source 120.

  The flash ROM 108 stores a BIOS 135. After the power supply 120 is turned on, the CPU 104 first accesses the flash ROM 108 and executes the BIOS 135 to recognize the system configuration of the backup server 100. The hard disk drive 101 stores an OS 136 in addition to each functional unit (means) and database. The OS 136 is a program for the CPU 104 to control each unit of the backup server 100 and execute each unit described below. In accordance with the BIOS 135, the CPU 104 loads the OS 136 from the hard disk drive 101 to the RAM 103 and executes it. As a result, the CPU 104 comprehensively controls each unit of the backup server 100.

  Subsequently, a means that the backup server 100 configures and holds based on the program 102 will be described. The backup server 100 has a CB location database 125 and an image database 126 in the hard disk drive 101. Of course, the CB location database 125 and the image database 126 may be arranged not only in the example in which the management server 100 is provided in its own hard disk drive 101 but also in other server devices arranged on the network 140.

  Based on the IP address stored in the CB location database 125, the backup server 100 makes an inquiry about the power state of the blade PC in the corresponding storage section, and returns a response that the power of the blade PC 300 is on. The first information processing apparatus is inquired about the user usage status of the corresponding blade PC, receives a response that the corresponding blade PC is not being used by the user, and hibernates the blade PC 300. And backup means 110 for performing network booting and acquiring a backup image and storing it in the image database 126.

  Further, the backup unit 110 waits until it receives a response indicating that the blade PC 300 is being used by an inquiry about the user usage state and receives from the session management server 400 a notification of the end of use of the blade PC 300. Then, the blade PC 300 is hibernated and then network booted, and a backup image is acquired and stored in the image database 126.

  Further, the backup unit 110 obtains a response that the power of the blade PC 300 is turned off in response to the inquiry about the power state, and performs power-on and network boot for the corresponding blade PC 300 via the network. The backup image is acquired and stored in the image database 126.

  Further, the backup server 100 reads the information on necessity of restoration in the CB location database 125 for the blade PC 300 for which the IP address writing processing to the BMC 350 has been executed, and the information on necessity of restoration is required to be restored. , The network booting program for restoring the backup image for the blade PC 300, reads the backup image from the image database 126, writes to the blade PC 300, and executes the restoration process. The restoration means 115 is provided.

  The restoration unit 115 reads information on necessity of restoration in the CB location database 125 for the blade PC 300 for which the IP address writing process to the BMC 350 has been executed, and the information on necessity of restoration is determined as a pool target. If this is the case, the stop program of the blade PC 300 is network booted, or a power-off notification is transmitted to the power control device = BMC 350 of the blade PC 300.

  Further, the backup server 100 receives a use request for the blade PC 300 from the session management server 400 during the process of acquiring or storing the backup image for the blade PC 300, and the rest of the processing for acquiring or storing the backup image. Remaining time calculation means 111 for executing notification of time to the session management server 400 is provided.

  The backup server 100 receives a use request for the blade PC from the session management server 400 during the process of acquiring or storing a backup image for the blade PC 300, and notifies the session management server 400 that the blade PC cannot be used. The management server 400 includes an unusable notification unit 112 that is executed.

  Further, the backup server 100 receives a request from the blade PC 300 that is detected to be inserted into the chassis 30 and assigns a temporary IP address to the blade PC 300, and based on the temporary IP address, the network of the blade PC 300 is assigned. Temporary IP assigning means 113 for executing work boot is provided.

  Further, the backup server 100 requests the blade PC 300 to read the information of the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 written in the BMC 350 serving as the address storage means, and acquires the information of the chassis 30 and the storage section 35. Then, an IP address notifying unit 114 is provided, which reads out an IP address corresponding to the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 from the CB location database 125 and notifies the blade PC 300 of the corresponding IP address.

  The restoration unit 115 receives information on the pre-substitution blade PC and the chassis 30 and storage section 35 of the pre-substitution blade PC from the session management server 400, and stores a backup image of the pre-substitution blade PC on the substitution blade PC. A network boot is performed for a program for restoration, the backup image is read from the image database 126, written to the alternative blade PC, the restoration process is executed, and a notification of restoration completion is sent to the session management server 400. Send.

  In the CB location database 125, the backup server 100 sets the information indicating whether or not the restoration is necessary for the pre-substitution blade PC during failure, and receives a maintenance completion notification for the pre-substitution blade PC via the input interface 105. Then, a state setting unit 116 is provided for changing the information on necessity of restoration for the pre-substitution blade PC to the pool state.

  Further, the backup server 100 includes data on the IP address of the temporary use blade PC for the distribution server 600 based on the IP address of the temporary use blade PC assigned to the terminal of the predetermined user. Means for transmitting the application streaming distribution request via the NIC 107 may be provided.

  Next, the terminal 200 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the terminal 200 of the present embodiment. On the other hand, the terminal 200 is a device that uses the blade PC 300 via the network 140 by the use allocation process of the session management server 400, and stores the program 202 stored in the TPM 201 to have a function necessary as a thin client in the RAM 203. And is executed by the CPU 204 which is an arithmetic unit.

  The terminal 200 is connected to an input interface 205 such as various keyboards and buttons generally provided in a computer device, an output interface 206 such as a display, the blade PC 300, the session management server 400, the distribution server 600, and the like. It has a NIC 207 that handles data exchange.

  The terminal 200 is connected to the blade PC 300, the session management server 400, and the like via the NIC 207 via a network 140 such as the Internet or a LAN, and executes data exchange.

  In this embodiment, a so-called HDD-less thin client terminal is assumed as such a terminal 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a terminal obtained by converting an existing PC having a normal HDD into a thin client may be assumed. . Regarding the technology for converting a general PC into a thin client terminal, an existing technology (such as connecting a USB memory built in an OS to a USB interface of a general PC and executing a series of thin client processes such as OS activation, VPN connection, management server authentication) Reference: http://www.hitachi-ics.co.jp/product/seihin/jyourou/sec/sec.html)

  The terminal 200 includes a USB port 244 for connecting various devices, a flash ROM 208, an I / O connector 260 for connecting a keyboard and a mouse, a video card 230 for connecting a display, and each of these units 201 to 201. A bridge 209 that relays a bus connected to the power supply 260 and a power source 220 are included. After the power source 220 is turned on, the CPU 204 first accesses the flash ROM 208 and executes the BIOS 235 to recognize the system configuration of the terminal 200.

  The OS 236 in the flash ROM 208 is a program for the CPU 204 to control each unit 201 to 260 of the terminal 200 and execute a program corresponding to each unit described later. In accordance with the BIOS 235, the CPU 204 loads the OS 236 from the flash ROM 208 to the RAM 203 and executes it. Note that the OS 236 of this embodiment uses a relatively small size that can be stored in the flash ROM 208 such as an embedded OS.

  The terminal 200 receives the certificate information about the user stored in the portable storage medium 50 (USB memory) connected to the USB port 244 and the user ID and password information input through the input interface 205. As a matter of course, the thin client terminal has a function of executing the blade PC allocation request processing for the session management server 400 used and the connection establishment processing with the blade PC 300.

  Examples of the portable storage medium 50 include, for example, a USB device in which the IC chip 55 is stored in an appropriate storage case such as a plastic housing and connected to the USB port 244 of the terminal 200 so as to allow data communication. . Such an IC chip 55 includes a CPU and a memory. As the portable storage medium 50, an authentication device (in which a personal certificate, a private key, a password, and various application software necessary for mobile use are preinstalled in a memory card in which an IC card unit and a flash memory are integrated) Trade name: KeyMobile) can be used. Information stored in the memory of the portable storage medium 50 includes a chip ID, authentication information storing a personal certificate, a secret key, and a password, and a management server that performs a use allocation process between the terminal 200 and the blade PC 300 400 IP addresses and software (such as OS and software for executing personal authentication processing regarding the user of the portable storage medium 50) can be assumed.

  Further, as the connection establishment process with the blade PC 300 is executed, the terminal 200 transmits the operation information input through the input interface 205 of the terminal 200 to the address of the blade PC 300, and corresponds to the operation information. The thin client terminal naturally has a function of receiving the received video information from the blade PC 300 and displaying it on the output interface 206 of the terminal 200.

  The terminal 200 includes a remote client program 270 and an encrypted communication program 271 in the TPM 201. The remote client program 270 is a program for the terminal 200 to remotely access the desktop of the blade PC 300, and is, for example, a VNC client (viewer) program. In accordance with the OS 236, the CPU 204 loads the remote client program 270 from the TPM 201 into the RAM 203 and executes it. As a result, the CPU 204 transmits input information (operation contents of the keyboard and mouse) of the I / O connector 260 to the blade PC 300 via the network 140 such as VPN, and the blade via the network 140 such as VPN. The video information (display desktop screen) sent from the PC 300 is output to an output interface 206 such as a display connected to the video card 230.

  The encrypted communication program 271 is a communication program for building a secure communication network such as VPN with the blade PC 300 having the address notified from the remote client program 270. For example, a communication program using IPsec can be assumed. The CPU 204 loads the encrypted communication program 271 from the TPM 201 to the RAM 203 and executes it in accordance with the OS 236. As a result, the CPU 204 transmits a communication start request to the blade PC 300 assigned to the terminal 200 via the NIC 207, constructs a network such as a VPN with the blade PC 300, and transmits the request via the VPN. It communicates with the blade PC 300.

  Further, the terminal 200 in the present embodiment includes device information 273 in the TPM 201. The device information 273 is authentication information of the terminal 200 included in the connection establishment request or the like when a connection establishment request or the like is transmitted from the terminal 200. Specifically, for example, the ID, model number, and MAC address of the terminal 200 can be assumed.

  The TPM 201 has a function similar to that of a security chip mounted on a smart card (IC card), a calculation function using an asymmetric key, and a tamper-resistant hardware for storing these keys safely. Chip. The functions of the TPM 201 include, for example, RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman Scheme) private key generation / storage, RSA private key computation (signature, encryption, decryption), SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm 1) hash Calculation, platform state information (software measurement) retention (PCR), key, certificate, credential trust chain retention, high-quality random number generation, non-volatile memory, other opt-in and I / O It is done.

  The TPM 201 has a function of securely storing and notifying platform state information (measured values of software) in a register PCR (Platform Configuration Registers) in the TPM, in addition to a function of generating, storing and calculating an encryption key (asymmetric key). Have. In the latest specification of TPM, functions such as locality and delegation (authority delegation) are further added. The TPM 201 is physically attached to platform parts (motherboard or the like).

  Here, the terminal 200 can be a terminal that receives application streaming distribution from the distribution server 600 for the purpose of temporary use until an alternative blade PC is assigned. Of course, the target of streaming distribution from the distribution server 600 may be the blade PC 300 instead of the terminal 200. In this case, the desktop image of the application stream-distributed to the blade PC 300 is transferred from the blade PC 300 to the terminal 200 (of course, the connection with the blade PC 300 is established).

  The terminal 200 when receiving streaming distribution of an application from the distribution server 600 can be assumed to include dedicated software (eg, streaming client 210) in the TPM 201. The streaming client 210 activated in the terminal 200 acquires an installation image of applications that are collectively managed by the distribution server 600. This installation image can be cached in the terminal 200, and even if the distribution server 600 and the terminal 200 are in an offline state, the application can be used on the terminal 200. The installation image is data in which files necessary for installing the application and registry setting information are packaged.

  The distribution server 600 stores a streaming server program 610 for executing application streaming, a distribution destination list 611, and an application database 612 storing applications to be distributed in an appropriate storage unit 601 such as a hard disk drive. is doing. In the distribution destination list 611, data of application use applicants for temporary use (users, terminals 200, IDs or IP addresses of blade PCs 300, etc.) are stored by the backup server 100.

  Further, the distribution server 600 receives a streaming distribution request from the backup server 100, and executes the streaming distribution of the application to the terminal 200 (or the blade PC 300) in response to the request. The streaming distribution request includes the ID of the application to be distributed, the ID of the terminal 200 serving as the distribution destination, the address on the network, the ID of the terminal user, and the like.

  In the distribution server 600 that has received the streaming distribution request, a streaming server program is activated. The streaming server program searches and identifies the application to be distributed in the application database based on the application ID included in the distribution request. In addition, for the application specified here, the streaming server program executes streaming distribution to, for example, the IP address of the terminal 200 of the user. This streaming server program executes the streaming distribution while communicating with a streaming client 210 provided in the terminal 200.

  Next, the blade PC 300 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the blade PC 300 according to the present embodiment. Meanwhile, the blade PC 300 is a server device that is used by being inserted into a chassis 30 installed in a data center or the like and forms a thin client connection with the terminal 200. The chassis 30 includes a plurality of storage compartments 35, and can accept insertion of the blade PC 300 for each storage compartment 35. The blade PC 300 is a device that accepts usage from the terminal 200 via the network by the usage allocation processing of the session management server 400, and is a device that is a target of deployment processing by the backup server 100, A program 302 stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 301 or the like so as to have a necessary function is read into the RAM 303 and executed by the CPU 304 as an arithmetic unit.

  Further, the blade PC 300 includes an input interface 305 such as various keyboards and buttons generally provided in a computer device, and an output interface 306 such as a display as necessary, and also includes a backup server 100, a terminal 200, and session management. A NIC 307 responsible for data exchange with the server 400 or the distribution server 600 is provided.

  The blade PC 300 is connected to the backup server 100, the terminal 200, and the session management server 400 via the NIC 307 via a network 140 such as the Internet or a LAN, and executes data exchange. In addition, the blade PC 300 includes a flash ROM (Read Only Memory) 308, a video card 330 that generates desktop video information, a bridge 309 that relays these units 301 to 330 and the bus, and a power source 320. And have.

  The flash ROM 308 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) 335. After the power source 320 is turned on, the CPU 304 first accesses the flash ROM 308 and executes the BIOS 335 to recognize the system configuration of the blade PC 300.

  The blade PC 300 stores a remote server program 370, an encrypted communication program 371, an OS (Operating System) 336, and a session management agent 390 in the HDD 301. The OS 336 is a program for the CPU 304 to control each unit 301 to 330 of the blade PC 300 and execute each program that implements each unit. The CPU 304 loads the OS 336 from the HDD 301 to the RAM 303 and executes it in accordance with the BIOS 335. As a result, the CPU 304 comprehensively controls the units 301 to 330 of the blade PC 300.

  The remote server program 370 is a program for enabling the desktop of the blade PC 300 to be remotely operated from the terminal 200, and is, for example, a VNC (Virtual Network Computing) server program developed at AT & T Cambridge Laboratory. The CPU 304 loads the remote server program 370 from the HDD 301 to the RAM 303 and executes it in accordance with the OS 336. As a result, the CPU 304 receives and processes the input information (keyboard and mouse operation contents) sent from the terminal 200 via the network 140 such as VPN, and also displays video information indicating the processing result (display desktop screen). Is transmitted to the terminal 200 via the network 140 such as VPN.

  The encrypted communication program 371 is a communication program for establishing a network 140 such as VPN with the terminal 200, and is a communication program using, for example, IPsec (Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol). The CPU 304 loads the encrypted communication program 371 from the HDD 301 to the RAM 303 and executes it in accordance with the OS 336. As a result, the CPU 304 establishes a secure network 140 such as VPN with the terminal 200 in accordance with the connection establishment request received from the terminal 200 via the NIC 307, and communicates with the terminal 200 via this VPN. .

  In addition, when receiving the streaming distribution of the application from the distribution server 600, the blade PC 300 can be assumed to include dedicated software (eg, streaming client 310) in the HDD 301.

  The blade PC 300 includes a BMC 350 (address storage means) that stores information on the chassis 30 that is the storage destination of the blade PC 300 and information on the storage section 35 in the chassis 30 and an IP address for the blade PC. The BMC 350 also serves as means for executing a response process in response to a data request from another device (backup server 100) based on the IP address with respect to the power state of the blade PC.

  The BMC 350, that is, the baseboard management controller, supports IPMI specifications, communicates with various sensors (temperature, voltage, fan, bus, etc.) on the system board in the blade PC 300, monitors predetermined events, and parameters are When the reference value is exceeded, a warning and log event are sent, and remote control of the power supply etc. is performed.

  The blade PC 300 includes an IP writing unit 311 that receives an IP address from the backup server 100 and executes a process of writing the IP address to the BMC 350 serving as the address storage unit. The IP writing unit 311 is a unit configured and held by the blade PC 300 based on the program 302, for example.

  The session management agent 390 is an agent that manages a session state in a thin client connection with the terminal 200 assigned via the session management server 400. For example, the end of the thin client connection with the terminal 200 is monitored, and when the session ends, the fact is notified to the session management server 400.

  Next, the session management server 400 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the session management server (first information processing apparatus) according to the present embodiment. The session management server 400 includes the storage information of the portable storage medium 50 used by each user of the terminal 200 and the address of the blade PC 300 that is the allocation destination of the terminal 200 associated with the portable storage medium 50. In a thin client system having an allocation management database for storing correspondence relationships in an appropriate storage device such as a hard disk, and performing allocation processing of the blade PC 300 to the terminal 200 at the time of connection establishment processing between the terminal 200 and the blade PC 300 A general management server can be assumed.

  The session management server 400 shown in the figure reads out a program 402 stored in the hard disk drive 401 or the like so as to have a function for realizing the present embodiment, and executes it by the CPU 404 as an arithmetic unit.

  In addition, the session management server 400 includes an input interface 405 such as various buttons and an output interface 406 such as a display as necessary, and exchanges data with the blade PC 300, the terminal 200, the backup server 100, and the like. It has a NIC (Network Interface Card) 407 to carry.

  The session management server 400 is connected to the blade PC 300 and the terminals 200 via the network 140 such as the Internet or LAN by the NIC 407, and executes data exchange. In addition, the session management server 400 includes a flash ROM 408, a bridge 409 that relays a bus connecting each functional unit, device, and the like, and a power source 420.

  The flash ROM 408 stores a BIOS 435. After the power supply 420 is turned on, the CPU 404 first accesses the flash ROM 408 and executes the BIOS 435 to recognize the system configuration of the session management server 400. The hard disk drive 401 stores an OS 436 in addition to the functional units (means) and databases. The OS 436 is a program for the CPU 404 to control each unit of the session management server 400 and execute each unit described below. In accordance with the BIOS 435, the CPU 404 loads the OS 436 from the hard disk drive 401 to the RAM 403 and executes it. As a result, the CPU 404 comprehensively controls each unit of the session management server 400.

  Next, the means that the session management server 400 configures and holds based on the program 402 will be described. It is assumed that the session management server 400 has an allocation management database 425 in the hard disk drive 401. Of course, the allocation management database 425 may be arranged not only in the example in which the session management server 400 is provided in its own hard disk drive 401, but also in other server devices arranged on the network 140.

  The session management server 400 includes a session management unit 410 that performs session management between the blade PC 300 and the terminal 200 connected to a thin client. The session management unit 410 receives a restore completion notification from the backup server 100 and executes a thin client connection process between the pre-substitution blade PC and the terminal 200.

  In addition, the session management server 400 has an allocation management database 425 that stores information on the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 serving as the storage destination of each blade PC 300, an IP address corresponding to the storage section 35, and information on the status of allocation to terminals. Is provided. This allocation management database 425 has the same data configuration as the CB location database 125 provided in the backup server 100, and it is preferable if the backup server 100 and the session management server 400 are synchronized with each other. is there.

  In addition, the session management server 400 detects the end of the session for the blade PC 300 being used by the user, and executes a process of transmitting the use end notification of the blade PC 300 to the backup server 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the session. , End notification means 411 is provided. Note that the end of the session is detected upon receiving a notification from the session management agent 390 set in the blade PC 300.

  Further, the session management server 400 receives a notification of the remaining time from the backup server 100, and transmits a notification of the remaining time to the terminal 200 that has requested the use of the blade PC 300. Prepare.

  The session management server 400 receives the unusable notification from the backup server 100, and executes allocation of blade PCs that have been disconnected from any terminal and are currently available to the terminal 200 that has made the use request. Temporary allocation means 413 is provided. The temporary allocating unit 413 allocates a blade PC that is currently available after a session is disconnected from any terminal to the terminal to which the pre-substitution blade PC has been allocated during the restoration process for the replacement blade PC in the backup server 100. Execute.

  The session management server 400 receives the request notification of the alternative blade PC from the terminal 200, identifies the blade PC whose allocation status is in the pool state from the allocation status information in the allocation management database 425, and specifies it here. An alternative assignment unit 414 is provided for executing an assignment process of the substitute blade PC to the terminal 200.

  In addition, the session management server 400 stores information on the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 that are the storage destinations of the pre-substitution blade PC and the substitution blade PC, which are allocated to the terminal 200 until the request notification is received, respectively. Substitution information notifying means 415 for transmitting to the backup server 100 is provided.

  The units 110 to 116, 210, 310 to 311, 410 to 415, etc. in each device constituting the information processing system 10 described so far may be realized as hardware, a memory, an HDD (Hard Disk), or the like. It may be realized as a program stored in an appropriate storage device such as (Drive). In this case, each CPU reads the corresponding program from the storage device into the RAM and executes it in accordance with the program execution.

  In addition to the Internet and LAN, the network 140 may employ various networks such as an ATM line, a dedicated line, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a power line network, a wireless network, a public line network, and a mobile phone network. I can do it. If a virtual private network technology such as VPN (Virtual Private Network) is used, communication with improved security is established when the Internet is adopted.

--- Database structure ---
Next, the structure of the database used in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of data structures of (a) the CB position database 125 and (b) the image database 126 in the present embodiment.

  The CB location database 125 is a database provided in the storage unit 101 of the backup server 100. For example, an IP address corresponding to the storage partition is inserted into the storage partition using the ID of the storage partition 35 of the chassis 30 as a key. ID of the blade PC 300 and its MAC address, the backup image name acquired for the blade PC 300 and its storage location information, status information about the blade PC 300 (MAC address unregistered, IP address assigned, pool status, restore required / (No, during failure, etc.).

  Further, the image database 126 is a database provided in the storage unit 101 of the backup server 100. For example, the backup image acquired for the blade PC 300 includes a chassis ID, an ID of the storage section, a user ID, and a MAC of the blade PC 300. It has a structure in which it is stored in association with the address, image acquisition date and time.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing examples of data structures of (a) the allocation management database 425 and (b) the partition database 525 in the present embodiment. The allocation management database 425 is a database provided in the storage unit 401 of the session management server 400. For example, for each blade PC 300, the allocation destination user ID (or terminal ID), the storage destination chassis 30 and the storage partition The data structure stores information of 35 (acquired from the backup server 100), IP address (acquired from the backup server 100) according to the storage section, MAC address, session state, and allocation status to the terminal 200. . This allocation management database 425 has the same data configuration as the CB location database 125 provided in the backup server 100, and it is preferable if the backup server 100 and the session management server 400 are synchronized with each other. is there. Existing technology may be used for data synchronization between databases.

  The partition database 525 is provided in the storage unit 501 of the control box 500, and is a database that stores information on the ID and position of the storage partition 35 provided in the chassis 30 to be managed.

--- Processing flow example 1 ---
Hereinafter, the actual procedure of the information processing method in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow example 1 of the information processing method in the present embodiment. Note that various operations corresponding to the information processing method described below are realized by programs that are read into the RAM and executed by the devices constituting the information processing system 10. And this program is comprised from the code | cord | chord for performing the various operation | movement demonstrated below.

  Here, an example will be described in which the use of the blade PC 300 by the terminal 200 and the blade PC 300 assigned to the terminal 200 are prevented from colliding with the backup processing by the backup server 100 and appropriate processing is executed. In this case, it is assumed that a terminal 200 of a certain user first makes a use request for the blade PC 300 to the session management server 400 (s10). This request is the same as the procedure for normal thin client connection.

  The session management server 400 receives the usage request from the terminal 200, and the session management unit 410 executes authentication based on authentication information such as a user ID included in the usage request. For the usage request that has passed the authentication process without any problem, the allocation management database 425 executes a search for the allocation blade PC 300 based on the user ID (for example, 'u00016'). As a result, the session management server 400 identifies the blade PC 300 ‘bp0101’ assigned to the user ‘u000016’ and its location and IP address.

  The session management server 400 inquires of the backup server 100 about the status of the identified blade PC 300 (s11). In response to the inquiry, the backup server 100 confirms whether backup processing such as acquisition or storage of a backup image is in progress for the blade PC 'bp0101' (the backup server itself is executing backup processing since it is processing by the backup server itself). Just check it yourself). If the blade PC 300 is not undergoing backup processing, the unusable notifying unit 112 notifies the session management server 400 that the blade PC ‘bp0101’ is available (s12).

  Meanwhile, the session management server 400 receives a notification that the blade PC 300 can be used from the backup server 100, and transmits it to the terminal 200 together with data for establishing a session for the blade PC ‘bp0101’ (s13). The terminal 200 establishes a thin client connection with the blade PC ‘bp0101’ based on data for session establishment and the like, and starts using it (s14).

--- Processing flow example 2 ---
On the other hand, it is assumed that a backup process is being executed for the blade PC corresponding to the use request. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow example 2 of the information processing method in the present embodiment. In this case, it is assumed that a terminal 200 of a certain user first makes a use request for the blade PC 300 to the session management server 400 (s20). This request is the same as the procedure for normal thin client connection.

  The session management server 400 receives the usage request from the terminal 200, and the session management unit 410 executes authentication based on authentication information such as a user ID included in the usage request. For the usage request that has passed the authentication process without any problem, the allocation management database 425 searches the allocation blade PC 300 based on the user ID (for example, 'u00005'). As a result, the session management server 400 identifies the blade PC 300 ‘bp0011’ assigned to the user ‘u00005’ and its location and IP address. The session management server 400 inquires of the backup server 100 about the status of the identified blade PC 300 (s21). In response to the inquiry, the backup server 100 confirms whether backup processing such as acquisition or storage of a backup image is being performed for the blade PC 'bp0011'. Just check it yourself). If the blade PC 300 is being backed up, the remaining time calculating unit 111 calculates the remaining time for acquiring or storing the backup image for the blade PC 300 and notifies the session management server 400 of the remaining time (s22). At this time, the unusable notifying unit 112 also notifies the session management server 400 that the corresponding blade PC 'bp0011' is unusable.

  On the other hand, the remaining time notification means 412 of the session management server 400 receives the notification that the remaining time is not available and the remaining time notification, and transmits these notifications to the terminal 200 that has requested the use of the blade PC 'bp0011'. (S23). Further, at this time, the temporary allocation means 413 of the session management server 400, in response to the notification of the unusability, the terminal that has made a request for the allocation of a blade PC that has been disconnected from any terminal and is currently available. 200. The temporary allocation unit 413 specifies, for example, a blade PC 'bp0002' whose allocation status is "pool" in the allocation management database 425, and notifies the terminal 200 of data for establishing a session with this blade PC. Will be.

  The terminal 200 establishes a thin client connection with the blade PC ‘bp0002’ for temporary use based on session establishment data and the like, and starts using the blade PC ‘bp0002’ (s24).

--- Processing flow example 3 ---
Next, a procedure for performing backup processing by the backup server 100 after waiting for the terminal 200 to finish using the blade PC 300 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow example 3 of the information processing method according to the present embodiment. In the backup server 100, it is assumed that the administrator sets the backup start time in advance.

  Here, the backup unit 110 of the backup server 100 makes an inquiry about the power status of the blade PC 300 based on the IP address stored in the CB location database 125 for the blade PC 300 whose backup time has come (s100). . In the blade PC 300, the BMC 350 responds to the inquiry and returns power state data of the blade PC 300.

  For example, when the data returned from the BMC 350 is a response that “the power is on”, the backup unit 110 of the backup server 100 notifies the session management server 400 of the user usage state of the blade PC. An inquiry is made (s101).

  It is assumed that the session management server 400 confirms the allocation status of the blade PC 300 in the allocation management database 425 and returns a response “in use” to the backup server 100 (s102). At this time, the backup unit 110 of the backup server 100 waits until it receives a use end notification of the blade PC 300 from the session management server 400.

  On the other hand, the end notification unit 411 of the session management server 400 monitors the session state of the blade PC 300 being used by the user. Further, it is assumed that a session end instruction is issued from the terminal 200 that is using the blade PC 300 (s103). In the blade PC 300 that has received this instruction, the session management agent 390 transmits a use end notification to the session management server 400 (s104). The session management server 400 also detects the end of use of the blade PC 300 by receiving this notification, and executes transmission processing of the end of use notification of the blade PC 300 to the backup server 100 after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the session ( s105).

  On the other hand, on the backup server 100 side, the backup means 110 inquires about the power status of the blade PC 300 that has been recognized as being used, based on the IP address stored in the CB location database 125. If the power is on, the blade PC 300 is hibernated (s106). If a response that the blade PC 300 is “power off” is obtained as a result of the inquiry about the power state, the blade PC 300 is turned on via a network (for example, by wake-on-lan or the like). .

  Further, the backup unit 110 performs a network boot request to the blade PC 300 after performing the hibernation (s107). In response to the network boot image request (s108) from the blade PC 300, the network boot image is transmitted (s109). In the blade PC 300, an application for backup processing is activated by the network boot image, acquires a backup image for its own storage means, and transmits it to the backup server 100 (s110). The backup server 100 receives and acquires this backup image and stores it in the image database 126. Thus, the disk image of the blade PC 300 is backed up.

--- Processing flow example 4 ---
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow example 4 of the information processing method according to the present embodiment. Next, processing when a new blade PC 300 is set in the storage section 35 of the chassis 30 will be described. First, it is assumed that a new blade PC 300 is inserted into an empty storage section 35 in a certain chassis 30.

  At this time, the section writing means 510 of the control box 500 managing the chassis 30 inserts the blade PC 300 into, for example, an electrical contact or a network terminal provided for each storage section and a terminal on the blade PC side. It is detected by recognizing the connection (s150). Further, the partition writing means 510 reads information (for example, chassis ID and storage partition ID) of the storage partition 35 in which the blade PC 300 is inserted from the partition database 525, and serves as an address storage unit provided in the blade PC 300. A process of writing information on the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 is executed on the BMC 350 (s151). Subsequently, for example, the control box 500 makes a Wake-On-LAN request to the blade PC 300 to activate the blade PC 300 (s152). The blade PC 300 activated here multicasts its own IP address request to the network 140 according to DHCP, for example (s153).

  Meanwhile, the temporary IP assignment unit 113 of the backup server 100 receives the IP address request from the blade PC 300 and assigns a temporary IP address (s154). Based on the temporary IP address, the network boot of the blade PC 300 (network boot activation request → network boot image request reception → network boot image transmission → activation) is executed (s155). The blade PC 300 receives the network boot image from the backup server 100 and starts the system (s156).

  Further, the IP address notifying unit 114 of the backup server 100 requests the blade PC 300 to read the information of the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 written in the BMC 350 serving as the address storing unit, and stores the chassis 30 and the storage. Information on the partition 35 is acquired (s157). For example, the IP address “192.168... 13” corresponding to the chassis ID (for example, “s0001”) and the storage partition ID (for example, “c1004”) acquired here is read from the CB location database 125 and the corresponding IP An address notification is executed to the blade PC 300 (s158).

  On the other hand, the IP writing unit 311 of the blade PC 300 receives the IP address from the backup server 100 and performs a writing process to the BMC 350 serving as the address storage unit (s159). Further, the blade PC 300 transmits its own MAC address to the backup server 100 (s160). On the backup server side, this MAC address is received and stored in association with the IP address in the CB location database 125.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that all the blade PCs 300 that perform backup processing have been confirmed and set in advance for such chassis ID, storage partition ID, IP address, and MAC address.

--- Processing flow example 5 ---
Next, the restore process will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow example 5 of the information processing method according to the present embodiment. The restore process here assumes a restore process for the blade PC 300 newly inserted in the storage section 35 of the chassis 30.

  In this case, the restoration unit 115 of the backup server 100 uses the CB location database 125 for the blade PC 300 (processed in the above-described process flow example 4) for which the IP address writing process to the BMC 350 has been executed. Information on necessity of restoration is read (s170).

  If the restoration necessity information indicates “restore necessary”, the restoration unit 115 network boots a program for restoring the backup image for the blade PC 300 (s171). Further, using the ID of the blade PC 300 as a key, the session management server 400 is requested to search for a user to whom the blade PC 300 is assigned. Thus, the backup image of the user is read from the image database 126 using the user ID obtained from the session management server 400 as a key (s172). Then, the backup image is written to the blade PC 300 to execute a restore process (s173).

  On the other hand, if the restoration necessity information indicates “pool”, the restoration unit 115 performs a network boot with the stop program of the corresponding blade PC 300 or sets the power control device of the corresponding blade PC 300 to BMC 350. A notification of power off is transmitted.

--- Processing flow example 6 ---
Next, a situation is assumed in which a failure has occurred in the blade PC and there is a request for an alternative device from a user who has used this. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processing flow example 6 of the information processing method in the present embodiment. It is assumed that session establishment fails when the terminal 200 tries to use the blade PC originally assigned (s200).

  Here, the alternative assignment unit 414 of the session management server 400 receives the request notification of the alternative blade PC from the terminal 200 (s201). Then, the blade PC 300 whose allocation status is in the “pool” state is specified from the allocation status information in the allocation management database 425. Moreover, the allocation process to the terminal 200 of the alternative blade PC specified here is executed.

  Further, the substitute information notifying means 415 of the session management server 400 includes the chassis 30 that is the storage destination of the pre-substitution blade PC assigned to the terminal 200 and the substitute blade PC until the request notification is received, and the storage 30 The ID of the partition 35 is transmitted to the backup server 100 (s202).

  On the other hand, the status setting unit 116 of the backup server 100 sets the information indicating whether or not restoration is necessary for the pre-substitution blade PC in the CB location database 125. For the alternative blade PC, the information on whether or not restoration is necessary is set to “restore necessary”.

  Further, the restoration unit 115 of the backup server 100 receives information about the pre-substitution blade PC and the chassis 30 and the storage section 35 of the substitution blade PC from the session management server 400, and sends the information to the substitution blade PC before the substitution. In order to restore the backup image of the blade PC, a network boot activation request is notified to the alternative blade PC (s203). A network boot image request is received from the substitute blade PC (s204), and the network boot image is returned (s205). The alternative blade PC is activated by the network boot image.

  On the other hand, the restoration unit 115 of the backup server 100 reads the backup image corresponding to the user ID from the image database 126, transmits and writes it to the alternative blade PC, and executes the restore process (s206). . Note that the remaining time notifying unit 412 performs estimation of the remaining time of the restore processing and notification processing to the session management server 400 (s207). For this reason, the remaining time notifying unit 412 estimates the remaining time from, for example, a writing speed of data of a predetermined size for the alternative blade PC to be restored. For example, when the data writing speed on the alternative blade PC is 2 Gbytes / minute and the backup image that has not been written at this time is 30 Gbytes, the remaining restoration time is 30 G / 2 G = 15 minutes. .

  On the other hand, the temporary allocation unit 413 of the session management server 400 receives a notification of the estimated time until the restoration is completed from the backup server 100, and also disconnects any terminal from the currently used temporary use-purpose blade PC. The assignment is executed to the terminal to which the pre-substitution blade PC is assigned. Then, information on the estimated time until the restoration is completed and information on the blade PC for temporary use (for session establishment) are transmitted to the terminal 200 (s208).

  The terminal 200 obtains information on the blade PC for temporary use, establishes a session with the blade PC, and starts using it (s209). In the above example, it will be used for about 15 minutes until the restoration is completed.

  Thereafter, when time elapses and the writing of the backup image to the alternative blade PC, that is, the restore process is completed, the restore unit 115 of the backup server 100 transmits a restore completion notification to the session management server 400 (s210). ). At this time, the session management unit 410 of the session management server 400 receives a notification of restoration completion from the backup server 100 and, together with the restoration completion notification, notifies the terminal 200 for session establishment with the blade PC before substitution. Data is transmitted (s211). Further, in response to a request from the terminal 200, thin client connection processing between the terminal 200 and the alternative blade PC is executed. As a result, the user of the terminal 200 can start using the replacement blade PC reflecting his own use environment until immediately before the failure, instead of the blade PC before replacement in which the failure has occurred.

  Note that during the restore process, another environment (such as an application streaming environment) may be provided instead of assigning the blade PC for temporary use to the terminal 200. When providing such an environment for temporary use, for example, the backup server 100 or the session management server 400 transmits environment selection screen data or the like to the terminal 200, and accepts the user's environment selection using this screen as an interface. It is good. Further, the pre-substitution blade PC in which a failure has occurred may be initialized and set in the CB location database 125 as a blade PC in the “pool” state. In this case, the status setting unit 116 of the backup server 100 receives the maintenance completion notification for the pre-substitution blade PC via the input interface 105, and information on whether or not restoration is necessary for the pre-substitution blade PC in the CB location database 125. To the “pool” state.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the situation where an alternative environment is provided to the user side, an alternative environment having contents corresponding to the latest usage state (by hibernation or the like) of the corresponding user is provided, and the user needs Applications and data are provided in an alternative environment. Further, when a backup is acquired with a disk image, it is not necessary to force the user to interrupt the work for the backup process because the backup operation is started after confirming whether or not the user is in use.

  Further, for a user who has failed in the assigned blade PC, the backup image of the corresponding user is surely identified for the newly assigned alternative blade PC, and this is determined according to the IP location corresponding to the set location of the alternative blade PC. It is possible to restore using the address. In this embodiment, the IP address has a fixed relationship with the storage compartment in the chassis, and the IP address of the blade PC inserted into the storage compartment is automatically determined corresponding to the storage compartment. Therefore, a situation in which IP addresses are mixed and set across many storage partitions in many chassis does not occur. For example, the IP addresses in the present embodiment are always set and managed in the order in which the storage sections are arranged, and the management is very easy.

  Therefore, in the thin client system, it is possible to efficiently acquire a backup image for each user reflecting the user usage state of the blade PC, and to reliably restore the backup image of the corresponding user to the blade PC as an alternative environment.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described concretely based on the embodiment, it is not limited to this and can be variously changed in the range which does not deviate from the summary.

It is a network block diagram of the information processing system of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the backup server (2nd information processing apparatus) of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the thin client of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of blade PC of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the session management server (1st information processing apparatus) of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows each data structure example of (a) CB position database and (b) image database in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows each data structure example of (a) database between allocation and (b) division database in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow example 1 of the information processing method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow example 2 of the information processing method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow example 3 of the information processing method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow example 4 of the information processing method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow example 5 of the information processing method in this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow example 6 of the information processing method in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Information processing system 30 Chassis 35 Storage compartment 50 Portable storage medium 55 IC chip 100 Backup server (2nd information processing apparatus)
101, 301, 401, 501 HDD (Hard Disk Drive)
102, 202, 302, 402 Program 103, 303, 403 RAM (Random Access Memory)
104, 204, 304, 404 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
105, 205, 305, 405 Input interface 106, 206, 306, 406 Output interface 107, 207, 307, 407 Communication device, NIC (Network Interface Card)
108, 208, 308, 409 Flash ROM
109, 209, 309, 409 Bridge 110 Backup unit 111 Remaining time calculation unit 112 Unusable notification unit 113 Temporary IP allocation unit 114 IP address notification unit 115 Restore unit 116 Status setting unit 136, 236, 336, 436 OS
120, 220, 320, 420 Power supply 125 CB location database 126 Image database 230, 330 Video card 135, 235, 335, 435 BIOS
140 network 200 terminal (thin client)
201 TPM (Trusted Platform Module)
203 RAM (Random Access Memory)
210, 310 Streaming client 244 USB port 260 I / O connector 270 Remote client program 271, 371 Encrypted communication program 273 Device information 300 Blade PC
370 Remote server program 390 Session management agent 400 Session management server (first information processing apparatus)
410 Session management unit 411 End notification unit 412 Remaining time notification unit 413 Temporary allocation unit 414 Alternative allocation unit 415 Alternative information notification unit 425 Allocation management database 500 Control box (third information processing apparatus)
510 partition writing means 525 partition database 600 distribution server 610 streaming server program 611 distribution list 612 application database

Claims (13)

The blade PC stores information on the storage destination chassis and the storage section in the chassis and the IP address for the blade PC in the address storage means, and the power state of the blade PC is based on the IP address. Execute response processing in response to data requests from other devices,
The first information processing apparatus executes session management between the blade PC and the terminal connected to the thin client,
The second information processing apparatus
The blade PC IP address corresponding to the storage compartment of the chassis is stored in the storage means,
An inquiry about the power state of the blade PC in the corresponding storage section is executed based on the IP address of the storage means, and a response that the power of the blade PC is on is obtained. Inquires about the user usage status of the blade PC, obtains a response that the blade PC is not in use, performs hibernation on the blade PC, performs network boot, and acquires and stores a backup image Execute storage to the means,
An information processing method characterized by the above. The second information processing apparatus is
In response to the inquiry about the user usage status, a response is received that the blade PC is being used by the user, and a wait is received until the blade PC usage end notification is received from the first information processing apparatus. Network boot after hibernation, backup image acquisition and storage to storage means,
The information processing method according to claim 1. The first information processing apparatus is
The end of the session is detected for the blade PC being used by the user, and a process of sending a use end notification of the blade PC is executed to the second information processing apparatus after a predetermined time has elapsed since the end of the session.
The information processing method according to claim 1 or 2. The second information processing apparatus is
Obtaining a response indicating that the power of the blade PC is off by the inquiry about the power status, performing power-on and network booting for the blade PC via the network, and acquiring and storing a backup image of the blade PC To store to,
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second information processing apparatus is
During the process of acquiring or storing the backup image for the blade PC, a use request for the corresponding blade PC is received from the first information processing apparatus, and a notification of the remaining time of the process of acquiring or storing the backup image is sent. 1 information processing device,
The one information processing apparatus is
Receiving the notification of the remaining time from the second information processing apparatus, and transmitting the notification to the terminal that has requested the use of the blade PC;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The second information processing apparatus is
During a process of acquiring or storing a backup image for a blade PC, a use request for the blade PC is received from the first information processing apparatus, and a notification that the blade PC is unavailable is sent to the first information processing apparatus. Run on the device,
The one information processing apparatus is
Receiving the notification of the unavailability from the second information processing apparatus, and allocating a blade PC that has been disconnected from any terminal and is currently available to the terminal that has made the use request;
The information processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The third information processing apparatus
A storage means for storing data of a storage section of the blade PC in the chassis;
Processing for detecting the insertion of the blade PC into the chassis, reading the data of the storage section in which the blade PC is inserted from the storage means, and writing the information of the chassis and the storage section to the address storage means provided in the blade PC Run
The second information processing apparatus is
In response to a request from a blade PC detected to be inserted into the chassis, a temporary IP address is assigned to the blade PC, and a network boot of the blade PC is executed based on the temporary IP address.
The blade PC is requested to read the information of the chassis and the storage section written in the address storage means, and the information of the chassis and the storage section is obtained, and the IP address corresponding to the chassis and the storage section is obtained. Read from the storage means, execute the notification of the corresponding IP address to the blade PC,
The blade PC is
Receiving an IP address from the second information processing apparatus and executing a process of writing the IP address to the address storage unit;
The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein: The second information processing apparatus is
Information on necessity of restoration of blade PC set in the storage compartment of the chassis is stored in the storage means,
For the blade PC for which the IP address writing process to the address storage unit has been executed, if the storage unit reads information on whether or not restoration is necessary, and if the information on whether or not restoration is necessary indicates that restoration is necessary, Network booting a program for restoring a backup image for the blade PC, reading the backup image from the storage means, writing to the blade PC, and executing a restore process;
The information processing method according to claim 7. The second information processing apparatus is
For the blade PC on which the IP address writing process to the address storage unit has been executed, if the storage unit reads information on necessity of restoration and the information on necessity of restoration indicates a pool target, Network boot the stop program of the relevant blade PC, or send a power off notification to the power control device of the relevant blade PC,
The information processing method according to claim 8. The first information processing apparatus is
Information on the chassis and storage section serving as the storage destination of each blade PC, the IP address corresponding to the storage section, and information on the allocation status to the terminal are stored in the storage means,
Upon receiving the request for the substitute blade PC from the terminal, the blade PC whose assignment status is in the pool state is specified from the information on the assignment status of the storage means, and the assignment of the specified substitute blade PC to the terminal is specified here Execute the process,
The information on the chassis and the storage section that are the storage destinations of the pre-substitution blade PC and the substitution blade PC allocated to the terminal until the request notification is received is transmitted to the second information processing apparatus,
The second information processing apparatus is
A program for receiving information on the pre-substitution blade PC and the chassis and storage compartment of the substitution blade PC from the first information processing apparatus, and restoring a backup image of the substitution blade PC on the substitution blade PC Network boot, read the backup image from the storage means, write to the alternative blade PC to execute the restore process, send a restore completion notification to the first information processing apparatus,
The first information processing apparatus is
The restoration completion notification is received from the second information processing apparatus, and thin client connection processing between the pre-substitution blade PC and the terminal is executed.
The information processing method according to claim 7. The second information processing apparatus is
Information on necessity of restoration of blade PC set in the storage compartment of the chassis is stored in the storage means,
The restoration necessity information for the pre-substitution blade PC is set during failure, the maintenance completion notification for the pre-substitution blade PC is received via the input interface, and the restoration necessity information for the pre-substitution blade PC is received. Change to pool state,
The information processing method according to claim 10. The first information processing apparatus is
In the restoration process for the substitute blade PC in the second information processing apparatus, the assignment of the blade PC that is currently available after the session is disconnected from any terminal is executed to the terminal to which the blade PC before substitution is assigned.
The information processing method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that: A data request from another device based on the IP address for the storage destination chassis and the storage section information in the chassis, the address storage means for storing the IP address for the blade PC, and the power status of the blade PC A blade PC comprising: means for executing response processing in response to
A first information processing apparatus for performing session management between a blade PC and a terminal connected to a thin client;
The storage means for storing the IP address of the blade PC corresponding to the storage compartment of the chassis, and the power status inquiry to the blade PC of the relevant storage compartment based on the IP address of the storage means, A response indicating that the corresponding blade PC is in use is obtained from the first information processing apparatus by obtaining a response indicating that the corresponding blade PC is not being used by the user. A second information processing apparatus comprising: a network boot after performing hibernation on a PC; and a means for executing acquisition of a backup image and storage in a storage means;
Information processing system including

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