BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to programmable computers, and more specifically relates to programmable computers configured to implement error analysis techniques that incorporate a reinforcement learning approach to root cause analysis.

Root cause analysis is a systematic approach for locating a computer system node that is the root cause of an error in the computer system environment. A computer system has a hierarchy that includes a number of different computer nodes, such as servers, switches, and storage systems. If one of these computer nodes should cause a failure or error, the failure will affect any other computer nodes connected to that computer node in the system hierarchy. In this instance, the computer system can be programmed to issue error event messages to the administrator from a number of different computer nodes. Thus, as computer systems become more complex, it can be very difficult for an administrator to determine the computer node that is the actual root cause of the failure. Even when a root cause is identified, it can be difficult for an administrator to assign an appropriate subject matter expert (SME) to address a failing node.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a reinforcement learning approach to root cause analysis. A non-limiting example computer-implemented method includes generating a vector representation of a root node of the error based on a hierarchical topology of a computing system; generating a respective vector representation of each subject matter expert of a plurality of subject matter experts based at least in part on the hierarchical topology; selecting a subject matter expert based at least in part on the vector representation of root cause of the error; and uploading a diagnostic software to the computing system.

Other embodiments of the present invention implement features of the above-described method in computer systems and computer program products.

Additional technical features and benefits are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed subject matter. For a better understanding, refer to the detailed description and to the drawings.

