Dynamic Server Enrollment via URL Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The enrollment process in mobile device management systems is inefficient due to the need for multiple pieces of user information, which can lead to confusion when determining the correct server for enrollment, especially when multiple systems are combined, resulting in derailment of enrollment efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method that dynamically determines the server for enrollment by receiving user input, such as a URL, and automatically modifying it to include extensions associated with either a management server or an application-support server, allowing the system to retrieve a second URL for initiating enrollment, which includes authentication and group ID information, thereby streamlining the enrollment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple server options are provided for enrollment, then system versatility and support capabilities are improved, but server determination complexity and enrollment failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (portal application or discovery service) that mediates between the user device and multiple server options. This intermediary automatically determines the correct server based on the provided URL, eliminating the need for users to manually select among multiple servers and reducing enrollment failure risk while maintaining system versatility
2Reliability
If multiple pieces of user information are required for enrollment, then enrollment accuracy and user identification reliability are improved, but user enrollment time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring server determination logic and URL modification rules in the portal application. The system prepares enrollment pathways in advance, allowing it to quickly determine the correct server and guide users through enrollment with minimal information input, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing enrollment time
3Ease of operation
If automatic URL modification is performed to determine server, then ease of operation and enrollment speed are improved, but potential for incorrect server selection and enrollment errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system tests modified URLs and detects error responses from servers. When a modified URL produces an error, the system receives feedback and automatically adjusts its server determination logic, allowing users to provide minimal input while maintaining high server selection accuracy through iterative validation
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein include systems and methods for dynamically determining a server for enrollment with a management system. An example method can include receiving user input at an application executing on a user device, such as a portal application that provides access to and authentication for other applications through a catalogue of application icons. If the user input includes a first URL but that URL produces an error when used in conjunction with extensions associated with a management server, the application can automatically use extensions associated with an application-support server. The application can then retrieve a second URL from the application-support server and use it for performing enrollment steps at the management server. The enrollment steps can include authenticating the user at an identity service and determining the user's group ID for enrollment, for example.