Dynamic License Allocation by Application Usage State
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license allocation systems fail to account for the actual usage state of devices, leading to inefficient allocation and unavailability of licenses for devices that need them, as they assume all logged-in devices are using the application.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for dynamically allocating licenses based on the real-time usage state of applications, reallocating licenses when the usage state changes from active to inactive, and deallocating them when no longer needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic login feature is used to allocate licenses, then license allocation is simplified and fast, but licenses are allocated to devices even when the application is not actually being used
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the usage state of the application on each device and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust license allocation. When the application is actively used, the license is allocated; when not used, the license is deallocated and returned to the pool. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures licenses are allocated based on actual usage rather than mere login status.
Solution Approach 2:
The license allocation system transitions from a static automatic login-based approach to a dynamic usage-state-based approach. The system continuously adapts license allocation based on real-time monitoring of application usage states, allowing licenses to be dynamically allocated and deallocated as usage conditions change, thereby optimizing license utilization efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If licenses are allocated based on login status, then allocation process is simple, but devices that need licenses cannot access the application due to unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous monitoring of application usage states and uses this feedback to make real-time license allocation decisions. This ensures that licenses are available to devices that actually need them based on current usage conditions, rather than relying on static login-based allocation that may not reflect actual needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The license allocation system operates autonomously by automatically detecting usage states and performing allocation or deallocation actions without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts based on monitored usage conditions, ensuring licenses are dynamically assigned to devices that need them while maintaining simple operation for users.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring of usage state is implemented, then license allocation accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where the application or device itself reports its usage state to the license management system, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring infrastructure. This self-reporting approach maintains high measurement precision while minimizing system complexity by leveraging existing system capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The usage state monitoring mechanism is integrated into the existing application framework, allowing the same system components to serve multiple functions: both application operation and usage state reporting. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining accurate usage state detection for license allocation decisions.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is method for dynamic allocation of license for accessing target application (TA) (202, 302) within organization (204), organization comprising user devices (UDs) associated with TA, method comprises, providing set of licenses (SOL) (210, 314, 400A-I) comprising license(s) (212A-B) available to be allocated to UD(s) (206, 402A-F), number of available license(s) is less than number of UDs; receiving first information (FI) for each of UDs; determining if usage state of TA for one UD is active state; when TA for UD(s) is in active state, allocating, to each of UD(s), available license (326) for accessing TA, and marking allocated license(s) as unavailable from SOL; and determining if usage state of TA for UD(s) changes from active state to inactive state; and when TA for UD(s) changes from active state to inactive state, deallocating, for each of UD(s), corresponding allocated license, and marking deallocated license(s) as available in SOL.