Enterprise Information Exchange via Segmented Partner Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current project management systems and enterprise collaborative environments face limitations in information exchange, particularly when clients need to share data with subcontractors, often requiring unnecessary access to the client's information system and potential exposure of sensitive information.
Innovation Solution
The system enables secure information exchange between an enterprise client and their partners by allowing clients to select and share specific subsets of data and screen sets directly with partners, without requiring partners to access the client's information system, and allowing clients to control access and data sharing granularly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If partners are given access to the client's information system to exchange information, then information exchange capability is improved, but security risk and exposure of sensitive information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the client's information system into multiple isolated environments (client environment, partner environment, neutral environment). Each environment maintains its own data and access controls, allowing information exchange without granting partners access to the entire client system. This segmentation enables controlled information sharing while preventing exposure of sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a neutral environment that acts as an intermediary between the client and partner environments. This mediator environment receives information from the client, processes it according to defined rules, and shares only appropriate portions with partners. The intermediary prevents direct access to the client's information system while enabling necessary information exchange.
2Productivity
If partners access the client's information system, then collaboration efficiency is improved, but system complexity and access management burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the enterprise environment into distinct segmented environments (client, partner, neutral) with predefined access rules. Partners access only their designated environment rather than navigating the entire client system, simplifying access management while maintaining collaboration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup of access rules, data formats, and communication protocols between environments before actual information exchange occurs. This advance configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time access management during collaboration, reducing system complexity while enabling efficient partnership interactions.
3Loss of information
If full access to client information system is provided to partners, then completeness of shared information is improved, but risk of exposing unintended sensitive information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments information into different categories and assigns them to appropriate environments based on sensitivity and relevance. Partners receive complete access to their designated information segments while sensitive client information remains isolated in the client environment, ensuring both completeness of shared information and protection of sensitive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different access control qualities to different parts of the information system. Each environment has tailored access rules that provide partners with complete access to relevant information while maintaining different security levels for different data types, achieving local optimization of information sharing and protection.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the exchange of information between an enterprise client and a partner within an enterprise environment are provided. In this exchange of information, the client selects, via a user interface, a subset of client data, as well as one or more screen sets, to share with a partner. Once the partner has accepted, the system then sends an account creation request or account login request to the partner. Once the partner is authenticated in the system with an account, the system creates an information exchange session for the partner, and provides, on a display of the partner's device, a user interface that shows the subset of the client data and the screen sets. Access to the rest of the customer's enterprise environment is restricted.