Enterprise Entitlement Server for Dynamic eSIM Subscription Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current subscription management systems for enterprises are complex and costly, particularly when changing communication service providers, as they require manual processes for SIM card management and lack real-time updates, leading to inefficiencies in logistics and user experience.

Innovation Solution

An enterprise authorization server and entitlement server system that allows dynamic management of subscriptions, enabling enterprises to control and update subscription profiles and resources provided by third-party networks, with real-time authorization and provisioning capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual SIM card management processes are used, then enterprises can control subscription distribution, but logistics costs and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubscription managementVSAvoidlogistics process time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual SIM card distribution system with an automated eSIM provisioning system. The enterprise entitlement server automatically manages subscription profiles and distributes them digitally to devices, eliminating the need for physical SIM card logistics, manual tracking, and distribution processes while maintaining enterprise control over subscription allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If physical SIM cards are pre-ordered with unified profiles, then network service provisioning is simplified, but flexibility for different employee subscription needs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSIM card provisioningVSAvoidsubscription profile customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic subscription profile management system where the enterprise entitlement server can create, modify, and assign different subscription profiles on-demand based on employee needs and enterprise policies. The system dynamically generates customized subscription profiles for various scenarios (enterprise boundary, company buildings, global roaming) without requiring pre-configured physical SIM cards with fixed profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the subscription management into separate functional components: the enterprise entitlement server manages subscription profiles independently from the access network. This segmentation allows the enterprise to maintain multiple customized subscription profiles and assign them flexibly to different employees based on specific requirements, rather than using a unified profile for all.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If enterprises use third-party access networks for roaming, then network coverage is improved, but control over connectivity policy and subscription management is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork access coverageVSAvoidsubscription management system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an enterprise entitlement server as an intermediary between the enterprise and third-party access networks. This intermediary maintains enterprise control over subscription policies and connectivity rules while enabling access to external networks. The entitlement server acts as a policy enforcement point that mediates between enterprise requirements and third-party network capabilities, simplifying the overall management architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If manual tracking departments are established for employee service management, then service control capability is improved, but operational complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice controlVSAvoidmanagement structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service subscription management system where the enterprise entitlement server automatically handles subscription provisioning, updates, and policy enforcement without requiring manual tracking departments. The system automatically manages the entire subscription lifecycle including activation, modification, and deactivation based on enterprise policies, eliminating the need for dedicated manual management structures while maintaining reliable service control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240064133A1Enterprise Subscription Management

Publication Date: 2024.02.22 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

An enterprise entitlement server is deployed on an enterprise communication platform. The enterprise entitlement server retrieves authorization data from an authorization server controlled by an enterprise. The authorization data indicates to which one or more resources a subject of the enterprise is entitled to subscribe and/or indicates which one or more types of subscription management actions the subject is authorized to perform. The enterprise entitlement server controls management of a subscription for the subject in accordance with the authorization data.