[Xorp-hackers] Configuration managment ....

[Javier Cardona]

Hi,

On Tuesday 22 March 2005 06:20 am, Timothy Griffin wrote:
> hi,
>
> perhaps this idea has been kicked around before:
> how about using an SQL database (such as MySQL) to
> manage all xorp configuration data?
> (...)
> comments?

It's a good idea: the proof is that a similar architecture is being used 
elsewhere with good success:  the WindManage suite, from Wind River 
( http://www.windriver.com/products/device_technologies/management/ ). 

Similar to what you propose, that solution uses a single database to store all 
the configuration data (termed the backplane) which is accessible through 
different interfaces (CLI, Web, XML/SOAP and SNMP).  The database is 
optimized for embedded use, linked to the different interface processes (i.e. 
no standalone db server process required), and, of course, can only run on 
the managed device.  At the time I integrated Net-SNMP with XORP I considered 
implementing a similar solution, but I wasn't sure of what was covered by 
different patent applications Wind River had filed on this.  I think the most 
relevant is 
http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?TERM1=20030115575+&Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=0&f=S&l=50
which it has been rejected recently.  (Deciphering the claims on that patent 
is beyond my capabilities, given that Legal English is not my mother tongue.)

I just thought you might be interested on that.

Cheers,

Javier

-- 
Javier Cardona
cozybit Inc.
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