Database Content Sharing via Web Server Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for sharing documents between organizations are limited, as they often rely on email attachments, which lack functionality and control over access and tracking of document views.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for sharing database content with third parties using a publicly accessible network address, allowing secure access, tracking of views, and automated alerts, with options for password protection, IP address restrictions, and customizable access settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If documents are shared via email attachments, then documents can be sent to external users, but access control and view tracking functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary web server that acts as a mediator between the database system and external users. This web server receives requests from external users, retrieves documents from the database, and delivers them while maintaining access control. The intermediary preserves both document sharing capability and access control functionality by managing the interaction between internal database and external users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the document sharing process into distinct components: document storage in database, web server mediation, and external user access. This segmentation allows different functions (storage, access control, delivery, tracking) to be performed by separate system components, enabling both email-like simplicity and enterprise-grade control simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If documents are converted to in-browser format, then universal access across browsers and operating systems is enabled, but conversion time and processing resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary conversion of documents to web-compatible formats (such as PDF or HTML) when documents are first uploaded to the database. This pre-conversion eliminates the need for real-time conversion when external users access documents, reducing wait time while maintaining universal browser compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the format parameter of documents from native application formats to web-compatible formats (PDF, HTML). This parameter change enables documents to be rendered in any browser without conversion, as these formats are natively supported by web browsers across different operating systems.
3Reliability
If security measures like passwords and IP restrictions are implemented, then document access is protected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The web server automatically handles security verification by checking user credentials, IP addresses, and document access permissions without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach to security management reduces operational complexity while maintaining strong security controls through automated authentication and authorization processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server implements multiple security functions (password authentication, IP address filtering, session management, permission verification) within a single unified system. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate security mechanisms into one coherent platform, reducing overall system complexity while comprehensive security coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanisms and methods for sharing database content stored by a first organization with a third party are provided. A network address is provided to the third party, which can enable control of the access to the content and tracking of the views of the content. For example, the network address can include an encrypted key that contains information about the organization that created content and the specific distribution ID for delivering the content when requested by the third party using the address. A distribution can be created in numerous ways, with various restrictions on the access to the document of a distribution.