Implementing a policy-based agent with plugin infrastructure

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to implementing, updating, and managing operation of a client agent on a client device (e.g., computing device, virtual device) in a way that enables isolation of features and functionality while also allowing the client agent to self-heal and intelligently update discrete features thereon. The client agent includes a collection of plugins that are isolated and run in accordance with respective plugin policies. The client agent makes use of device-level, agent-level, and plugin-level health monitors that collectively monitor a health status of discrete components of the client agent in a way that enables the client agent to selectively discontinue scheduling certain plugins without interrupting functionality of other plugins or of the client agent as a whole. Indeed, features described herein enable the client agent to intelligently update and self-heal with respect to individual plugins based on information obtained by the respective health monitors.