Business Application Aggregation Platform via Connector Framework

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marketplaces for business applications are not technology agnostic, requiring expert knowledge and limiting the integration and hosting of applications developed on different technologies, thus restricting the scope of app development and participation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for aggregating and transacting business applications, featuring a connector framework, registration module, microsite creation, searching, browsing, interaction, purchase, license management, and launching modules, allowing integration of applications across different technologies and enabling a single marketplace for sales and consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing marketplaces are developed on a particular technology, then the platform can provide specialized functionality, but it restricts the integration of applications developed on different technologies and requires expert knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetechnology agnosticismVSAvoidplatform architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer (API gateway, adapter pattern, or integration platform) that sits between the marketplace and various business applications. This intermediary handles technology translation and communication protocols, allowing the marketplace to remain technology-agnostic while supporting multiple application technologies without requiring expert knowledge for each specific technology stack

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The marketplace platform is designed with universal interfaces and standardized protocols that can work with multiple technology stacks. By implementing a unified architecture with common communication standards (such as REST APIs, event-driven interfaces), the platform can aggregate and manage diverse business applications from different technology domains without requiring specialized expertise for each application type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing platforms require applications to be developed in the same technology domain and hosted within the platform, then integration is simplified, but the scope of app development and participation is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication integration scopeVSAvoidintegration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediary layer acts as a bridge between externally hosted applications and the marketplace, handling authentication, data exchange, and synchronization without requiring applications to be re-hosted or redeveloped. This enables broad application integration while maintaining ease of operation through automated connection management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The integration architecture is segmented into independent modules: marketplace core, application adapters, authentication services, and data synchronization components. Each segment handles specific integration tasks independently, allowing new application types to be integrated by adding modular adapter components rather than redesigning the entire system, thus expanding scope while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If expert knowledge is required to work on technology-specific platforms, then specialized functionality can be optimized, but accessibility for general users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform functionalityVSAvoiduser accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The platform implements self-service capabilities including automated application registration, configuration wizards, and self-documenting APIs that guide users through integration processes without requiring expert knowledge. The system automatically detects application types, configures appropriate adapters, and provides contextual help, enabling general users to reliably integrate and manage applications independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11328376B2Method, system, and non-transitory computer-readable medium for aggregating, accessing, and transacting a plurality of business applications
Publication Date: 2022.05.10 TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES LTD
  • US11328376B2 patent drawing
  • US11328376B2 patent drawing
  • US11328376B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for aggregating, accessing and transacting a plurality of business application has been described. The system is a conglomeration of the plurality of business applications which provide point solutions to everyday problems of small and medium businesses. The system allows the business application owners to register their business application on the platform. Further the system enables business owners to browse, view details, avail demos and purchase subscriptions to the business applications on the platform. The system further enables business application owners to provide a sales and access point to a wider business customer audience through a one stop shop for the plurality of business applications.