Desktop Software IT Policy Enforcement for Mobile Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Enforcing IT policies on mobile devices that are used for both corporate and personal purposes is challenging, especially when devices are not connected to a corporate network, as existing methods struggle to manage and regulate functionality across both managed corporate and unmanaged personal aspects.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows desktop application software to determine if an IT policy is associated with a connected mobile device, restricting functionality based on the policy by using a module to hide or disable GUI elements, and enabling or disabling application components, allowing for the management of multiple devices with the same instance of desktop software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IT policies are enforced on desktop software running on a workstation computer, then corporate data security is improved, but the usability and flexibility for personal device management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different policy enforcement levels to different devices connected to the workstation. Corporate devices receive full IT policy enforcement while personal devices operate with relaxed or no policies, allowing security to be tailored locally to each device type rather than applying a uniform restriction across all connections
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are connected to a workstation without user identification, then shared access is improved, but the ability to enforce appropriate IT policies for each device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies the type of device being connected (corporate vs. personal) and applies the appropriate IT policy without requiring manual user identification or configuration. The desktop software autonomously determines which policy set to enforce based on device characteristics, eliminating the need for complex manual policy assignment
3Ease of operation
If desktop software allows full functionality for personal devices, then user experience is improved, but the ability to enforce IT policies on corporate devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements device-type-specific functionality where corporate devices receive restricted functionality according to IT policies while personal devices receive full functionality. The desktop software dynamically adjusts its behavior and available features based on the connected device type, allowing full user experience for personal use while maintaining security restrictions for corporate devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and system for enablement of desktop software functionality based on IT policy comprising determining if IT policy settings are associated with a mobile device connected to the desktop software and restricting functionality of the desktop software based on the IT policy settings for the connected mobile device.