Encapsulated Client Package Distribution via Intermediary Server
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software distribution methods are inefficient and insecure for client packages, especially when clients and distributors use different operating systems, requiring manual configuration and potentially compromising security.
Innovation Solution
A method where a distributing server encapsulates client packages within a client software repository package, transmitting it to a subscribing server that can install and extract the packages, allowing the subscribing server to serve them to clients through a local repository, even across different operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clients directly download packages from the distributor through a distribution channel, then package distribution is automated and efficient, but security is compromised and cross-platform compatibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the distributor and clients. The server receives server packages from the distributor, extracts client packages, and distributes them to clients. This intermediary architecture maintains security by preventing direct client-distributor communication while enabling automated distribution through the server's package management system.
2Reliability
If manual configuration is used to distribute client packages through servers, then security is maintained, but distribution efficiency and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the server's package management system to automatically handle client package distribution without manual administrator intervention. The server autonomously receives server packages, extracts client packages using its package management tools, and makes them available to clients through configured distribution channels, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distributor sets up separate client distribution channels, then client package distribution is enabled, but system complexity and configuration effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the server's package management system multi-functional by enabling it to handle both server packages and client packages through the same infrastructure. The server uses its existing package management capabilities to extract and distribute client packages, eliminating the need for separate client distribution channels and reducing system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different operating systems are used by distributor and clients, then platform versatility is achieved, but direct package transfer through distribution channels fails
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as an intermediary that handles operating system compatibility. It receives server packages in the distributor's OS format, extracts client packages using its package management system, and distributes them to clients regardless of OS differences. This intermediary approach enables cross-platform distribution without requiring direct compatibility between distributor and client platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of a distributing server that encapsulates a client package within a client software repository package. The client software repository package contains at least a portion of a client repository. The client repository is installed at the subscribing server and is associated with one or more clients that are not authorized to access the distributing server. The distributing server transmits the client software repository package to a subscribing server that is authorized to access the distributing server. The subscribing server then serves the client package to the clients through the client repository.