Dynamic Application Provisioning During Device Initialization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-installing applications on computing devices before delivery to end-users can result in unwanted software and missed opportunities for application publishers to provide desired applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for providing applications to devices during initialization, allowing users to select from a set of available applications based on publisher promotions, with options for silent or user-approved installations, and dynamic real-time updates, using a client-server architecture with a management interface for application providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If applications are pre-installed on devices before delivery, then the device is ready to use with basic functionality, but the user may receive unwanted software and the publisher may miss the opportunity to provide desired applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by preparing the device with basic functionality and pre-configuring the application distribution system before delivery. The device is initialized with a client that can receive and install applications during first boot, combining the benefits of pre-preparation with post-delivery flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static pre-installed model to a dynamic on-demand installation model. Applications are not fixed before delivery but can be dynamically selected and installed by users after device delivery, allowing the system to adapt to user preferences while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Productivity
If applications are pre-installed by manufacturer or network operator, then basic device functionality is provided, but user choice and publisher promotion opportunities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
An application distribution server acts as an intermediary between the device and application sources (manufacturers, network operators, publishers). This mediator receives installation requests, manages application delivery, and enables users to select from multiple sources, combining efficient functionality delivery with user choice.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing users to autonomously select and install applications from the distribution server during device initialization. Users can choose which applications to install based on their preferences, while the system automatically handles the installation process.
3Ease of operation
If applications are installed during device initialization, then the user experience is enhanced with desired applications, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The application distribution server serves as an external intermediary that handles the complexity of application management, hosting, and delivery. This externalizes the system complexity away from the device itself, allowing the device to remain relatively simple while still providing enhanced application selection capabilities during initialization.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for installing applications on a mobile device at first device initialization. An installation client communicates with a management server at an initial start-up state of a mobile device. The management server identifies a set of applications that are available for installation on the client device, and provides the installation files to the device. This initialization-installation of application programs allows the user to have the experience of having access to pre-installed applications at device initialization, while allowing application providers and mobile network operators real-time management of application programs being offered, without requiring pre-installing a bundle of applications on a device prior to device distribution.