Information processing device, information processing system, program, and information processing method

Abstract

To provide an information processing device that supports license integration work that occurs when tenants are integrated.SOLUTION: An information processing device that manages product licenses provided to users for each tenant that organizes users includes: reception means that accepts a request to start tenant integration work from an operator; and integration support means that supports, when the tenant that accepts the start request has a contract for the same product, the integration work of the licenses of the same product performed by the operator.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing system, a program, and an information processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a company or the like that provides a service or product (hereinafter simply referred to as a product) opens a tenant for each company, organization, department, etc. that uses the product, and manages product licenses for each tenant. Note that a tenant is a concept that compiles users so that a company or the like that provides a product can perform different contracts, settings, and operations for each company, organization, department, etc. that uses the product.

[0003] Conventionally, a license transition system has been provided that consolidates multiple contract procedures and reduces management costs for image processing devices by updating software license expiration dates in association with the maintenance contract period for the image processing device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the case of a small company, a tenant is opened for each company, for example. In the case of a large company, a tenant is opened for each group, such as a department within the company, for example. In a large company, there may be a case where the tenants opened for each department are to be consolidated (merged).

[0005] However, when integrating tenants, if the tenants have contracts for the same product, the licenses cannot be simply integrated, and the integration of licenses is time-consuming. Note that Patent Document 1 does not solve the above problem.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus that supports the work of integrating licenses that occurs when integrating tenants. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing device that manages licenses of products provided to users for each tenant that groups users together, the information processing device including: a receiving unit that receives a request from a worker to start an integration work of the tenants; and a receiving unit that receives the request to start the integration work of the tenants that are the same product. License and an integration support means for supporting the integration work of the licenses of the same product performed by the worker when the worker has a contract with the licensee. the integration support means, after the worker, who is an administrator of one of the tenants that has received the start request, obtains permission for the integration work and agreement on the content of the integration work from administrators of other tenants that have received the start request, and has obtained agreement on the content of the integration work from the administrators of the other tenants, provides the worker with information for proceeding with the integration work and provides support for updating the license based on the content of the integration work; It is characterized by being an information processing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to assist in the work of integrating licenses that occurs when integrating tenants. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of an information processing terminal and a terminal device according to the present embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of tenant information. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of license information. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of contract information. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporary information. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when an operator integrates tenants; [Figure 10]FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when an operator integrates tenants; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when an operator integrates tenants; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when an operator integrates tenants; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a license integration start screen. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a license integration setting screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a license integration setting screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a process for calculating the difference in the billing amount caused by a change in the contract contents on a pro rata basis. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which a tenant administrator searches for tenants to be integrated and requests integration of the tenants. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of a process in which a tenant administrator searches for tenants to be integrated and requests integration of the tenants. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when a tenant administrator integrates tenants with permission from the tenant administrators of other tenants. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when a tenant administrator integrates tenants with permission from the tenant administrators of other tenants. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when a tenant administrator integrates tenants with permission from the tenant administrators of other tenants. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of an example of processing for supporting a license integration operation that occurs when a tenant administrator integrates tenants with permission from the tenant administrators of other tenants. [Figure 23]FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of a tenant search screen. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are image diagrams illustrating an example of a tenant integration request email and an approval / non-approval decision screen. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an image diagram of an example of an email sent when the tenant integration work is permitted. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a screen for confirming the integrated contents of a license. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] [First embodiment] <System configuration> Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 in Fig. 1 includes a service providing system 2, a terminal device 12, and a device 14. The service providing system 2, the terminal device 12, and the device 14 are communicatively connected via a network 18. The network 18 may be a public line network, the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

[0012] The service providing system 2 is realized by one or more information processing devices 10. The information processing devices 10 manage license information and the like for products provided to users for each tenant. As will be described later, the information processing devices 10 support the license integration work performed by a worker in the integration work of consolidating tenants. The service providing system 2 may also perform control so that users and devices 14 to which licenses have been assigned can use the products.

[0013] The terminal device 12 is an information processing terminal operated as an operator by an administrator (system administrator) who provides products to users. The terminal device 12 is also an information processing terminal operated as an operator by an administrator (tenant administrator) who uses the products. The terminal device 12 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a game console, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a digital camera, a wearable PC, etc.

[0014] The device 14 is a device that allows a user to use a product in accordance with a license. The device 14 may be an output device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral / Product / Printer), a PJ (Projector), an IWB (Interactive White Board: a white board with an electronic blackboard function that allows mutual communication), digital signage, a HUD (Head Up Display) device, industrial machinery, an imaging device, a sound collection device, a medical device, a network home appliance, an automobile (Connected Car), etc. The MFP is a multifunction device that realizes multiple functions such as a fax function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a copy function.

[0015] 1 is an example. For example, at least a part of the functions of the information processing device 10 may be implemented by the terminal device 12 or the device 14. At least a part of the functions of the terminal device 12 or the device 14 may be implemented by one or more information processing devices 10.

[0016] <Hardware configuration> "computer" The information processing device 10 shown in Fig. 1 is realized, for example, by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, if the terminal device 12 shown in Fig. 1 is a PC, it is realized, for example, by a computer 500 having the hardware configuration shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer according to this embodiment.

[0017] The computer 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, a HD 504, a HDD controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

[0018] Of these, the CPU 501 controls the overall operation of the computer 500 in accordance with a program. The ROM 502 stores programs used to drive the CPU 501, such as the IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area for the CPU 501. The HD 504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls the reading and writing of various data from and to the HD 504 in accordance with the control of the CPU 501.

[0019] The display 506 displays various types of information such as a cursor, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various types of external devices. An external device is, for example, a USB memory. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network 18. The data bus 510 is an address bus, data bus, or the like that electrically connects each component such as the CPU 501.

[0020] The keyboard 511 is a type of input means having multiple keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, etc. The pointing device 512 is a type of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, etc. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading and writing of various data from a DVD-RW 513, which is an example of a removable recording medium. Note that this is not limited to a DVD-RW, and may be a DVD-R, etc. The media I / F 516 controls reading and writing (storing) of data from a recording medium 515, such as a flash memory. Note that a description of the hardware configuration of the device 14 will be omitted.

[0021] <Functional configuration> The information processing device 10 and the terminal device 12 of the information processing system 1 according to this embodiment are realized by, for example, the functional configuration shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of an example of the information processing terminal and the terminal device according to this embodiment. In the functional configuration of Fig. 3, configurations that are not necessary for explaining this embodiment are omitted as appropriate.

[0022] The information processing device 10 includes a communication unit 30, an authentication management unit 32, an email sending unit 34, a Web service processing unit 36, and a storage unit 38. The communication unit 30, the authentication management unit 32, the email sending unit 34, the Web service processing unit 36, and the storage unit 38 in Fig. 3 are realized by the CPU 501 of the information processing device 10 executing a program.

[0023] The communication unit 30 communicates with the terminal device 12. The authentication management unit 32 manages login and access restrictions for the worker who operates the terminal device 12. The email sending unit 34 performs processing for the information processing device 10 to send emails. The Web service processing unit 36 ​​has a reception unit 40 and an integration support unit 42. The reception unit 40 receives a request from the worker who operates the terminal device 12 to start tenant integration work. The integration support unit 42 supports the license integration work that occurs when tenants are integrated, in accordance with the worker's operation. The license integration work that occurs when tenants are integrated will be described in detail later.

[0024] The storage unit 38 includes a tenant information storage unit 50 , a user information storage unit 52 , a license information storage unit 54 , a contract information storage unit 56 , a temporary information storage unit 58 , and an email information storage unit 60 .

[0025] The tenant information storage unit 50 stores, for example, the tenant information shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an example of tenant information. The tenant information in FIG. 4 has the following items: tenant ID, tenant name, license ID, and contract ID. The item "tenant ID" is unique information assigned to each tenant. The item "tenant name" is information that allows a user or the like to identify a tenant, and is expressed, for example, as a character string. The item "license ID" is a list of license IDs of licenses that a tenant has contracted. The item "contract ID" is a list of contract IDs that a tenant has contracted.

[0026] The user information storage unit 52 stores, for example, the user information shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of user information. The user information in FIG. 5 has the following items: user ID, tenant ID, email address, and license ID. The item "user ID" is unique information assigned to each user. The item "tenant ID" is a list of tenant IDs of the tenant to which the user belongs. The item "email address" is an email address set for the user. The item "license ID" is a list of license IDs of licenses assigned to the user.

[0027] The license information storage unit 54 stores, for example, the license information shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the license information. The license information in Fig. 6 has the following items: license ID, license name, number of licenses, number of license allocations, and contract ID. The item "license ID" is unique information assigned to each license.

[0028] The item "License Name" is information that allows users to identify licenses, and is expressed as, for example, "Scan to XXX." The item "Number of Licenses" is the number of licenses contracted by the tenant. The item "Number of Licenses Allocated" is the number of licenses that are actually allocated to users or devices out of the number of licenses contracted by the tenant. The item "Contract ID" is the contract ID of the contract corresponding to the license.

[0029] The contract information storage unit 56 stores, for example, the contract information shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of an example of contract information. The contract information in FIG. 7 has the following items: contract ID, tenant ID, contract period, billing type, and contract plan. The item "contract ID" is unique information assigned to each contract. The item "tenant ID" is the tenant ID of the tenant who has made the contract. The item "contract period" is the contract period of the license. The item "billing type" is the type of payment for the license usage fee, such as monthly, annual, or pay-as-you-go. The item "contract plan" is the license contract plan, such as standard plan, advanced plan, or professional plan.

[0030] The temporary information storage unit 58 stores, for example, the temporary information shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an example of temporary information. The temporary information in FIG. 8 has the following items: integration content, difference, and approval / disapproval of tenant integration. The item "integration content" is the content of the license integration work, and is the item and content of the license to be integrated. The item "difference" is the difference that occurs due to license integration. The item "tenant integration approval / disapproval" is information on whether permission for tenant integration has been obtained. The email information storage unit 60 stores email information.

[0031] 3, the terminal device 12 has a browser 80, an operation reception unit 82, and a communication unit 84. The browser 80 downloads data from the information processing device 10 in a format such as JavaScript (registered trademark) or CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and realizes a start request unit 90 and a display control unit 92.

[0032] The start request unit 90 requests the information processing device 10 to start tenant integration work based on the operator's operation. The display control unit 92 controls the display of a screen described below that supports the tenant integration work. The operation reception unit 82 receives operations for the tenant integration work from the operator. The communication unit 84 communicates with the information processing device 10.

[0033] <Processing> The following describes a process for supporting the license integration work that occurs when an operator integrates tenants.

[0034] 9 to 12 are sequence diagrams of an example of a process for supporting the license integration work that occurs when an operator integrates tenants. Figures 9 to 12 show an example in which the operator is a system administrator who provides products. Figures 9 to 12 also show the process after the system administrator logs in to the information processing system 1.

[0035] In step S10, the system administrator performs an operation to open a tenant list screen on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12. In step S12, the browser 80 installed in the terminal device 12 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to open the tenant list screen. In step S14, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to acquire a tenant information list. In steps S16 to S18, the authentication management unit 32 acquires from the tenant information storage unit 50 a tenant information list for which the system administrator can perform license integration work.

[0036] In step S20, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​acquires a tenant information list from the authentication management unit 32. In steps S22 to S24, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying a tenant list screen, and causes the browser 80 to display the tenant list screen.

[0037] In step S26, the system administrator can select multiple tenants to be integrated from the tenant list screen. Here, an example will be described in which the system administrator selects two tenants to be integrated. The system administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to select two tenants to be integrated from the tenant list screen.

[0038] In step S28, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of an instruction to support the integration work of the two tenants selected by the system administrator. In step S30, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to acquire tenant information of the two tenants selected by the system administrator. In steps S32 to S34, the authentication management unit 32 acquires the tenant information of the two tenants selected by the system administrator from the tenant information storage unit 50. In step S36, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​acquires the tenant information of the two tenants selected by the system administrator from the authentication management unit 32.

[0039] In step S38, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​refers to the two pieces of tenant information acquired in step S36 and performs processing to determine whether or not licenses with the same license ID have been contracted.

[0040] If the same license has been contracted, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​proceeds to the process of step S40. If the same license has not been contracted, the processes of steps S40 to S92 are not performed.

[0041] If the same license has been contracted, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to acquire contract information corresponding to the same license in step S40. In steps S42 to S44, the authentication management unit 32 acquires license information for the same license from the license information storage unit 54. The acquired license information includes a contract ID corresponding to the same license. Furthermore, in steps S46 to S48, the authentication management unit 32 acquires, from the contract information storage unit 56, contract information corresponding to the tenant ID of the tenant selected by the system administrator in step S26 and the contract ID included in the license information acquired in step S44. In the processing of steps S40 to S48, contract information for each tenant is acquired for the same license for the tenant selected by the system administrator in step S26.

[0042] In step S50, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​acquires contract information for each tenant corresponding to the same license from the authentication management unit 32. Then, in steps S52 to S54, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying a license integration start screen 1000 as shown in FIG.

[0043] FIG. 13 is an image diagram of an example of a license integration start screen. The license integration start screen 1000 in FIG. 13 is an example screen on which a system administrator determines whether or not to start integration work for each license. The license integration start screen 1000 in FIG. 13 is an example of the same licenses being "License A" and "License B." The license integration start screen 1000 shows the contract details for "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License A" and the contract details for "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License B." On the license integration start screen 1000 in FIG. 13, the system administrator can confirm the contract details for "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License A" and the contract details for "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License B," and select the same licenses from which to start integration work.

[0044] For example, the system administrator can start the work of integrating the contract contents of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License A" by performing an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to open a license integration setting screen 1100 for "License A" by pressing a start button 1002a on the license integration start screen 1000 of Fig. 13. Note that the system administrator can also start the work of integrating the contract contents of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" for "License B" by performing an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to open a license integration setting screen 1100 for "License B" by pressing a start button 1002b on the license integration start screen 1000 of Fig. 13.

[0045] Here, the explanation will be continued assuming that the system administrator has performed the operation of pressing the start button 1002a. In step S56, the system administrator performs an operation to open the integrated license setting screen 1100 on the operation reception unit 82. In step S58, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to open the integrated license setting screen 1100.

[0046] In steps S60 to S62, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying an integrated license setting screen 1100 as shown in FIG. 14, and causes the browser 80 to display the integrated license setting screen 1100.

[0047] Fig. 14 is an image diagram of an example of a license integration setting screen. Fig. 14(A) is an example of a license integration setting screen 1100 for newly resetting each item of the contract content (resetting from scratch). Fig. 14(B) is an example of a license integration setting screen 1100 for setting by selecting and inheriting each item of the tenant's contract content.

[0048] As shown on the license integration setting screen 1100 in Figures 14(A) and 14(B), the system administrator can select the integration method for each contract item from either "Set from the contract details of each tenant" or "Reset from scratch."

[0049] For example, on the integrated license setting screen 1100 in FIG. 14A, the system administrator resets the number of licenses, contract period, billing method, and contract plan without inheriting the previously set tenant contract details.

[0050] For example, on the license integration setting screen 1100 in FIG. 14(B), the integration method for the "Number of Licenses" item in the contract details can be selected from "Tenant A's Setting Value," "Tenant B's Setting Value," or "Total Value of Tenant A and Tenant B." Note that if the set value for the "Number of Licenses" item in the contract details is reduced after integration compared to the number of licenses allocated before integration, users who had been using the product may no longer be able to use the product after the licenses are integrated. Therefore, the license integration setting screen 1100 may be configured to display a warning 1102 if the number of licenses after tenant integration is lower than the number of licenses allocated before the tenant integration, as shown in FIG. 14(C), for example.

[0051] The contract details items "contract period," "billing type," and "contract plan" are examples of contract details items whose setting values ​​are changed due to tenant integration and do not affect the user. The license integration setting screen 1100 in FIG. 14(B) allows the user to select the integration method for the contract details items "contract period," "billing type," and "contract plan" from, for example, "tenant A's setting value" or "tenant B's setting value." For the contract details item "contract period," the longer period may be selected from, for example, "tenant A's setting value" or "tenant B's setting value."

[0052] According to the integrated license setting screen 1100 in FIG. 14, the system administrator can easily select whether to reset each item of the tenant contract details from scratch or to select and take over the tenant contract details.

[0053] In step S64, the system administrator sets the contract details items on the integrated license setting screen 1100. In step S66, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of the contract details set on the integrated license setting screen 1100. The browser 80 may store the integration method for each contract detail item selected on the integrated license setting screen 1100 and use it to create the integrated license setting screen 1100 for the second and subsequent licenses. The integrated license setting screen 1100 for the second and subsequent licenses can be set by inheriting the setting values ​​for each contract detail item set on the integrated license setting screen 1100 for the first license, as shown in FIG.

[0054] For example, the option "2020 / 01-2020 / 12 (set value for License A)" for the contract content item "Contract period" in FIG. 15 is an example of a setting value set on the license integration setting screen 1100 for the first license. The option "Annual fee (set value for License A)" for the contract content item "Billing method" in FIG. 15 is an example of a setting value set on the license integration setting screen 1100 for the first license. The option "Advanced plan (set value for License A)" for the contract content item "Contract plan" in FIG. 15 is an example of a setting value set on the license integration setting screen 1100 for the first license. On the license integration setting screen 1100 in FIG. 15, contract content items that you want to unify regardless of the license, such as the contract period, can be easily selected according to the integration method for each item of the previous contract content.

[0055] In step S68, Web service processing unit 36 ​​determines the content of the integration work for each item in the contract content. If the number of licenses after integration is less than the number of licenses assigned before integration, in steps S70 to S72, Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying license integration setting screen 1100 including warning 1102 as shown in FIG. 14(C), and causes browser 80 to display license integration setting screen 1100 including warning 1102.

[0056] If there is a change in the number of licenses, contract period, billing format, or contract plan, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​may calculate the difference in the billing amount arising from the change in the contract contents on a pro rata basis.

[0057] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the process for calculating the difference in billing amount caused by a change in the contract content on a pro rata basis. For example, if the contract content for "License A" shown on the license integration start screen 1000 in Fig. 13 is integrated into tenants in "September 2020" with a contract period of "June 2020-May 2021" and an "annual" billing method, the billing amount for "September 2020-May 2021" according to the number of licenses for Tenant A is calculated pro rata based on the annual fee of "20,000 yen" for the "Advanced Plan" contract plan.

[0058] In steps S74 to S76, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying the details of the integration work for each license and the difference in the billing amount resulting from the details of the integration work, and displays this data on the browser 80. For example, the system administrator may press the OK button 1104 on the license integration start screen 1000 in Fig. 13 to determine the integration method for each item of the contract content as the contract content set in Fig. 13.

[0059] When the work of integrating contract information corresponding to the same license is completed, in step S78 the system administrator performs an operation to display the integrated content of each license and the difference in price between each license on the operation reception unit 82. In step S80, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to display the integrated content of each license and the difference in price between each license.

[0060] In step S82, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to store the integrated content of each license and the price difference arising from each license. In steps S84 to S86, the authentication management unit 32 stores the integrated content of each license and the price difference arising from each license in the temporary information storage unit 58 as shown in FIG.

[0061] In step S88, Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified by authentication management unit 32 of the results of the processing of storing the integrated content of each license and the difference in price incurred for each license in temporary information storage unit 58. In steps S90 to S92, Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying the integrated content of each license and the difference in the billing amount incurred for each license due to the integrated content, and displays this data on browser 80.

[0062] In step S94, the system administrator operates the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to send a confirmation email to the administrator (tenant administrator) who will be using the product to confirm whether it is okay to perform the integration based on the integrated contents of each license.

[0063] In step S96, the browser 80 issues a command to send a confirmation email to the Web service processing unit 36. In step S98, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to send a confirmation email to the tenant administrator of the tenant to be integrated. In step S100, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a confirmation email to the tenant administrator of the tenant to be integrated.

[0064] In step S102, the email sending unit 34 sends a confirmation email to the tenant administrator of the tenant to be integrated. In step S104, the email sending unit 34 notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of transmission. In step S106, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified by the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of transmission of the confirmation email. In steps S108 to S110, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that the confirmation email has been sent to the tenant administrator, and causes the browser 80 to display that the confirmation email has been sent to the tenant administrator.

[0065] Therefore, the tenant administrator who receives the confirmation email can check the integration details of each license described in the confirmation email and then decide whether to approve or reject the license integration. After the tenant administrator gives approval, the system administrator logs in to the information processing system 1.

[0066] In step S112, the system administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to integrate the licenses approved by the tenant administrator from among the integrated contents of each license stored in the temporary information storage unit 58. In step S114, the browser 80 of the terminal device 12 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to integrate the licenses approved by the tenant administrator.

[0067] In step S116, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to integrate the licenses approved by the tenant administrator. In steps S118 to S120, the authentication management unit 32 specifies the tenant IDs of the two tenants whose licenses are to be integrated, and obtains the integrated contents of each license stored in the temporary information storage unit 58.

[0068] The processing of steps S122 to S132 is performed for each license to be integrated. In steps S122 to S124, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract content of the contract information stored in the contract information storage unit 56, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, in accordance with the integrated content of each license, and updates the contract ID to a new contract ID.

[0069] In steps S126 to S128, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract ID of the license information, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, stored in the license information storage unit 54, to a new contract ID. In steps S130 to S132, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract ID of the tenant information, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, stored in the tenant information storage unit 50, to a new contract ID.

[0070] In step S134, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a completion email to the tenant administrator of the integrated tenant. In step S136, the email sending unit 34 sends a completion email to the tenant administrator of the integrated tenant notifying that the license integration has been completed.

[0071] Furthermore, in step S138, the email sending unit 34 notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of sending of the completion email. In step S140, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified of the completion of license integration by the authentication management unit 32. In steps S142 to S144, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that the license integration has been completed, and causes the browser 80 to display that the license integration has been completed.

[0072] According to this embodiment, it is possible to assist a system administrator in easily integrating licenses that occurs when integrating multiple tenants.

[0073] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, an example in which the worker is a system administrator is described. In the second embodiment, an example in which the worker is an administrator (tenant administrator) who uses the product is described. In the second embodiment, a tenant administrator integrates licenses after obtaining consent from tenant administrators of other tenants. Note that the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment with some exceptions, and therefore the description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0074] 17 and 18 are sequence diagrams of an example of a process in which a tenant administrator searches for tenants that they want to integrate and requests that the tenants be integrated. Hereinafter, the tenant administrator of "tenant A" will be referred to as the "tenant A administrator." The tenant administrator of "tenant B" will be referred to as the "tenant B administrator."

[0075] It is assumed that "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" belong to the same organization and can be integrated. In step S200, the Tenant A administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to open a tenant search screen. In step S202, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of an instruction to open the tenant search screen. In steps S204 to S206, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying a tenant search screen 1200 as shown in FIG. 23 and causes the browser 80 to display the tenant search screen 1200.

[0076] Fig. 23 is an image diagram of an example of a tenant search screen. The tenant search screen 1200 in Fig. 23 is used by the Tenant A administrator to search for "Tenant B" that the Tenant A administrator wants to integrate with "Tenant A" and to ask the Tenant B administrator for approval or disapproval of the tenant integration work.

[0077] In step S208, the Tenant A administrator enters the tenant ID of "Tenant B" in the input field for "Tenant ID to be merged" on the tenant search screen 1200 of Figure 23 (A), enters the user ID of the Tenant B administrator in the input field for "Administrator ID of tenant to be merged," and presses the OK button 1202.

[0078] In step S210, the browser 80 issues a search command for "Tenant B" and the Tenant B administrator to the Web service processing unit 36. In step S212, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to search for "Tenant B" and the Tenant B administrator by specifying the tenant ID and user ID. In steps S214 to S216, the authentication management unit 32 searches for tenant information stored in the tenant information storage unit 50 using the specified tenant ID and user ID, and confirms whether a tenant with the tenant ID and a tenant administrator with the user ID entered on the tenant search screen 1200 exist.

[0079] In step S218, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​obtains from the authentication management unit 32 a confirmation result as to whether or not a tenant administrator for the tenant ID and user ID entered on the tenant search screen 1200 exists. Here, it is assumed that a tenant administrator for the tenant ID and user ID entered on the tenant search screen 1200 exists.

[0080] In steps S220 to S222, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that a tenant with the tenant ID and a tenant administrator with the user ID entered on the tenant search screen 1200 exists, and displays the data on the browser 80. If the tenant with the tenant ID and a tenant administrator with the user ID entered on the tenant search screen 1200 do not exist, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​may create data for displaying the tenant search screen 1200 including a message as shown in FIG. 23(B), and display the data on the browser 80.

[0081] Here, the explanation will continue assuming that the Tenant A administrator has performed an operation to send a tenant integration request email to the Tenant B administrator of the searched "Tenant B." In step S224, the Tenant A administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 to send a tenant integration request email to the Tenant B administrator of the searched "Tenant B." In step S226, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to send a tenant integration request email to the Tenant B administrator of the searched "Tenant B."

[0082] In step S228, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to send a tenant integration request email to the administrator of tenant B. In step S230, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a tenant integration request email to the administrator of tenant B.

[0083] In step S232, the email sending unit 34 sends a tenant integration request email 1300, for example, as shown in Figure 24(A), to the administrator of tenant B. Figure 24 is an image diagram of an example of the tenant integration request email and the approval / rejection screen. For example, the tenant integration request email 1300 in Figure 24(A) states that "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" would like to be integrated. Furthermore, the tenant integration request email 1300 in Figure 24(A) displays a link for opening the approval / rejection screen 1350 in Figure 24(B).

[0084] In step S234, the email sending unit 34 notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of sending the tenant integration request email to the administrator of tenant B. In step S236, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified by the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of sending the tenant integration request email to the administrator of tenant B.

[0085] In steps S238 to S240, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data to display that the sending of the tenant integration request email to the Tenant B administrator has been completed, and causes the browser 80 to display that the sending of the tenant integration request email to the Tenant B administrator has been completed.

[0086] The Tenant B administrator who has received the tenant integration request email logs in to the information processing system 1. In step S242, the Tenant B administrator operates the link in the tenant integration request email 1300 in FIG. 24(A) to open, for example, the approval / rejection decision screen 1350 in FIG. 24(B).

[0087] In step S244, browser 80 notifies Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to open approval / rejection decision screen 1350. In steps S246 to S248, Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying approval / rejection decision screen 1350 of FIG. 24(B), and causes browser 80 to display approval / rejection decision screen 1350.

[0088] The Tenant B administrator can deny the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" by pressing the Reject button 1302 on the approval / rejection decision screen 1350. The Tenant B administrator can also approve the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" by pressing the Allow button 1304 on the approval / rejection decision screen 1350.

[0089] In step S250, the Tenant B administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 by pressing the Reject button 1302 or the Allow button 1304 on the approval / rejection decision screen 1350. In step S252, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of the denial or approval of the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B." In step S254, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the denial or approval of the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B."

[0090] If the denial of the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" is notified, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a denial notification email to the Tenant A administrator in step S256. In step S258, the email sending unit 34 sends the denial notification email to the Tenant A administrator. In addition, in step S260, the authentication management unit 32 notifies the authentication management unit 32 that the transmission of the denial notification email has been completed.

[0091] In steps S262 to S264, the authentication management unit 32 updates the item "tenant integration approval / denial" of the temporary information stored in the temporary information storage unit 58, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, to "denial."

[0092] When approval of the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" is notified, in step S266 the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send an approval notification email to the Tenant A administrator. In step S268, the email sending unit 34 sends the approval notification email to the Tenant A administrator.

[0093] The approval notification email may have the content shown in Fig. 25, for example. Fig. 25 is an image diagram of an example of the email sent when the tenant integration work is permitted. The email in Fig. 25 displays a link to proceed to the license integration work for "Tenant A" and "Tenant B." Furthermore, in step S270, the authentication management unit 32 notifies the authentication management unit 32 that the approval notification email has been sent.

[0094] In steps S272 to S274, the authentication management unit 32 updates the item "tenant integration approval / disapproval" of the temporary information stored in the temporary information storage unit 58, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, to approval.

[0095] In step S276, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified by the authentication management unit 32 that the transmission of the notification email of approval or denial to the Tenant A administrator has been completed. In steps S278 to S280, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that the transmission of the notification email to the Tenant A administrator has been completed, and displays this data on the browser 80 of the terminal device 12 operated by the Tenant B administrator.

[0096] After the Tenant B administrator approves the integration of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B," the Tenant A administrator logs in to the information processing system 1. In step S300, the Tenant A administrator operates the link in the email 1400 in FIG. 25 to open the license integration start screen 1000.

[0097] In step S302, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to start the integration work of the tenants corresponding to the operated link. In step S304, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to acquire the item "approval or non-approval of tenant integration" of the temporary information of the integration work of the tenants corresponding to the operated link. In steps S306 to S308, the authentication management unit 32 acquires the item "approval or non-approval of tenant integration" of the temporary information of the integration work of the tenants corresponding to the operated link.

[0098] If the value of the item "Tenant integration approval / disapproval" in the acquired temporary information is not "approved," the authentication management unit 32 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​in step S310 that the integration work for the tenant corresponding to the operated link has not been approved.

[0099] In steps S312 to S314, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for display to prompt the Tenant A administrator to start the tenant integration work after approval by the Tenant B administrator, and displays the data on the browser 80 of the Tenant A administrator's terminal device 12.

[0100] If the value of the item "tenant integration approval / disapproval" in the acquired temporary information is not "approved," the authentication management unit 32 proceeds to the processing of step S316. Note that the processing of steps S316 to S362 is the same as steps S32 to S76 shown in Figures 9 and 10, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0101] In step S364, the Tenant A administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 of the terminal device 12 to send a confirmation email to the Tenant B administrator to confirm whether or not it is OK to integrate the licenses according to the integrated content of each license.

[0102] In step S366, the browser 80 issues a command to send a confirmation email to the Web service processing unit 36. In step S368, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​requests the authentication management unit 32 to send a confirmation email to the tenant B administrator.

[0103] In steps S370 to S372, the authentication management unit 32 stores the integrated contents of each license and the difference in price between each license in the temporary information storage unit 58 as temporary information as shown in Fig. 8. In step S374, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a confirmation email to the tenant B administrator.

[0104] In step S374, the email sending unit 34 sends a confirmation email to the Tenant B administrator. Furthermore, in step S378, the email sending unit 34 notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of transmission. In step S380, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified by the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of transmission of the confirmation email. In steps S382 to S384, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that the confirmation email has been sent, and causes the browser 80 of the terminal device 12 of the Tenant A administrator to display that the confirmation email has been sent to the Tenant B administrator.

[0105] Therefore, the Tenant B administrator who receives the confirmation email can recognize that approval or denial of the license integration is required. The Tenant B administrator who receives the confirmation email logs in to the information processing system 1. In step S386, the Tenant B administrator performs an operation to open, for example, the license integration content confirmation screen 1500 in FIG. 26 .

[0106] Fig. 26 is an image diagram of an example of an integrated license content confirmation screen. The integrated license content confirmation screen 1500 in Fig. 26 is provided with a "Reject" button 1502 and an "Allow" button 1504. The Tenant B administrator can reject the integrated license content displayed on the integrated license content confirmation screen 1500 in Fig. 26 by pressing the "Reject" button 1502. The Tenant B administrator can also approve the integrated license content displayed on the integrated license content confirmation screen 1500 in Fig. 26 by pressing the "Allow" button 1504.

[0107] In step S388, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of a command to open the integrated content confirmation screen 1500. In steps S390 to S396, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​obtains temporary information on the integrated licenses of "Tenant A" and "Tenant B" from the temporary information storage unit 58 via the authentication management unit 32. In steps S398 to S400, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying the integrated content confirmation screen 1500, and causes the browser 80 of the terminal device 12 of the Tenant B administrator to display the integrated content confirmation screen 1500.

[0108] In step S402, the Tenant B administrator performs an operation on the operation reception unit 82 to press the "Reject" button 1502 or the "Allow" button 1504 on the integrated content confirmation screen 1500. Note that the license integrated content confirmation screen 1500 in FIG. 26 is an example where the reason for refusal can be entered. The Tenant B administrator may perform an operation on the operation reception unit 82 to input the reason for refusal.

[0109] In step S404, the browser 80 notifies the Web service processing unit 36 ​​of the tenant B administrator's denial or approval of the integrated license contents. In step S406, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the denial or approval of the integrated license contents. If the denial of the integrated license contents is notified, in step S408 the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a denial notification email to the tenant A administrator. In step S410, the email sending unit 34 sends the denial notification email to the tenant A administrator. Furthermore, in step S412, the authentication management unit 32 notifies the authentication management unit 32 that transmission of the denial notification email has been completed.

[0110] If approval of the integrated license contents is notified, the processes of steps S414 to S424 are performed for each integrated license. In steps S414 to S416, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract contents of the contract information stored in the contract information storage unit 56, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, in accordance with the integrated license contents of each license, and updates the contract ID to a new contract ID.

[0111] In steps S418 to S420, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract ID of the license information, for example, as shown in Fig. 6, stored in the license information storage unit 54, to a new contract ID. In steps S422 to S424, the authentication management unit 32 updates the contract ID of the tenant information, for example, as shown in Fig. 4, stored in the tenant information storage unit 50, to a new contract ID.

[0112] In step S426, the authentication management unit 32 requests the email sending unit 34 to send a completion email to the administrator of tenant A. In step S428, the email sending unit 34 sends a completion email to the administrator of tenant A notifying that the integration of the licenses has been completed.

[0113] Furthermore, in step S430, the email sending unit 34 notifies the authentication management unit 32 of the completion of sending of the completion email. In step S432, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​is notified of the completion of license integration by the authentication management unit 32. In steps S434 to S436, the Web service processing unit 36 ​​creates data for displaying that the license integration has been completed, and causes the browser 80 of the terminal device 12 of the tenant B administrator to display that the license integration has been completed.

[0114] According to this embodiment, it is possible to assist one tenant administrator in easily integrating licenses when integrating multiple tenants after obtaining consent from the tenant administrators of the other tenants.

[0115] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by electronic circuits, as well as devices designed to perform each function described above, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a conventional circuit module. The devices described in the examples merely represent one of multiple computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1. Information Processing Systems 2. Service provision system 10. Information processing equipment 12 Terminal equipment 14 Equipment 18 Network 30 Communications Department 32 Authentication Management Department 34 Email sending section 36 Web service processing section 38 Memory section 40 Reception 42 Integration Support Department 50 Tenant information storage unit 52 User information storage unit 54 License information storage unit 56 Contract information storage unit 58 Temporary information storage unit 60 Mail information storage unit 80 browsers 82 Operation reception section 84 Communications Department 90 Start Request Department 92 Display control unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0117] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-178845

Claims

1. An information processing device that manages licenses of products provided to users for each tenant that groups users together, a receiving means for receiving a request from a worker to start the integration work of the tenants; an integration support means for supporting the worker in integrating licenses of the same product when the tenant that has received the start request has contracted licenses of the same product; and the integration support means allows the worker, who is an administrator of one of the tenants that has received the start request, to obtain permission for the integration work and agreement on the content of the integration work from administrators of other tenants that have received the start request, and after agreement on the content of the integration work has been obtained from the other tenant administrators, provides the worker with information for proceeding with the integration work and supports updating the license based on the content of the integration work; Information processing device.

2. the integration support means supports the integration work performed by the worker who is a manager on the side that provides the product.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

3. The integration support means does not permit the integration work by the worker who is an administrator of the one tenant unless permission for the integration work is obtained from the administrator of the other tenant.

2. The information processing device according to claim 1.

4. The integration support means supports the integration of the licenses of the same product by having the worker select from the setting values ​​of each item of the contract contents of any of the licenses of the tenant that has accepted the start request, or by having the worker reset the setting values. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

5. The integration support means supports the integration of the number of licenses, contract period, billing format, and contract plan indicated by the license. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

6. The integration support means adds up the number of licenses indicated by the licenses of the tenants that have accepted the start request and prompts the worker to select a license number.

6. The information processing device according to claim 5.

7. The integration support means causes the worker to select a longer contract period from among the contract periods indicated by the licenses of the tenants that have accepted the start request.

7. The information processing device according to claim 5 or 6.

8. When the tenant that has received the start request has contracts for a plurality of sets of the same products, the integration support means supports the integration work based on the content of the integration work for the products that the worker has just performed. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. The integration support means calculates the difference in the invoice amount of the product that occurs due to the integration of the tenants and notifies the manager of the tenant of the difference. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. An information processing system in which an information processing device that manages licenses of products provided to users for each tenant that groups users together and a terminal device operated by an operator are communicably connected, The information processing device includes: an integration reception means for receiving a request from the terminal device to start the integration work of the tenants; an integration support means for supporting the worker in integrating licenses of the same product when the tenant that has received the integration request has contracted licenses of the same product; and The terminal device a start request means for making the start request to the information processing device based on an operation by the worker; a display control means for displaying a screen for supporting the integration work based on the data received from the information processing device; a communication means for transmitting the content of the integrated work received from the worker to the information processing device; and the integration support means allows the worker, who is an administrator of one of the tenants that has received the start request, to obtain permission for the integration work and agreement on the content of the integration work from administrators of other tenants that have received the start request, and after agreement on the content of the integration work has been obtained from the other tenant administrators, provides the worker with information for proceeding with the integration work and supports updating the license based on the content of the integration work; Information processing system.

11. An information processing device that manages licenses of products provided to users for each tenant that groups users together, a step of receiving a request from a worker to start the integration work of the tenants; a procedure for supporting the worker in integrating licenses of the same product when the tenant that has accepted the request for initiation has contracted licenses of the same product; Execute The procedure for supporting the integration work is as follows: the worker, who is an administrator of one of the tenants that has received the request to start, obtains permission for the integration work and agreement on the content of the integration work from administrators of other tenants that have received the request to start, and after agreement on the content of the integration work is obtained from the administrators of the other tenants, provides the worker with information for proceeding with the integration work and provides support for updating the license based on the content of the integration work. program.

12. an information processing device that manages licenses of products provided to users for each tenant that groups users together; a step of receiving a request from a worker to start the integration work of the tenants; a procedure for supporting the worker in integrating licenses of the same product when the tenant that has accepted the request for initiation has contracted licenses of the same product; Run The procedure for supporting the integration work is as follows: the worker, who is an administrator of one of the tenants that has received the request to start, obtains permission for the integration work and agreement on the content of the integration work from administrators of other tenants that have received the request to start, and after agreement on the content of the integration work is obtained from the administrators of the other tenants, provides the worker with information for proceeding with the integration work and provides support for updating the license based on the content of the integration work. Information processing methods.

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