File-Based Content Sharing via Metadata Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content distribution networks rely on URL information for sharing analytics content, which can be insecure and inefficient, especially when sharing between tenants within different landscapes or regions, and may require direct URL sharing, posing security risks and performance bottlenecks.
Innovation Solution
A file-based sharing mechanism through a content distribution network where metadata is used to generate a file without actual content data, allowing secure and efficient distribution of analytics content across tenants without disclosing URL information, utilizing encryption and decryption processes to ensure integrity and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If URL information is used for content distribution, then content sharing between tenants is enabled, but security risks increase due to direct URL sharing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a content distribution network as an intermediary layer between content sources and consumers. Instead of directly sharing URLs, the system uses content identifiers that route through the distribution network, which validates and manages content delivery. This mediator approach enables content sharing while maintaining security by preventing direct exposure of internal system URLs and authentication mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complete content data is distributed to all tenants, then content availability is improved, but performance bottlenecks occur due to data redundancy and transmission overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments content into metadata and actual data components. Metadata (including content identifiers, descriptors, and routing information) is distributed across the network to enable efficient location and retrieval, while the actual content data remains centralized or is retrieved on-demand from source systems. This segmentation eliminates the need to replicate and transmit complete content datasets to all tenants, significantly reducing network overhead and improving distribution efficiency.
3Productivity
If metadata-only files are used for sharing, then security and efficiency are improved, but complexity increases in processing and verifying content integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-generating and embedding cryptographic hash values or digital signatures within the metadata during content creation. When content is shared, the receiving system can immediately verify integrity by comparing received content against these pre-computed values, eliminating the need for complex real-time verification algorithms. This upfront preparation simplifies the verification process while maintaining robust security checks.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to file-based sharing of content through a content distribution network. A request is received from a source to disseminate content to a target consumer. The request does not include target consumer URL information. Based upon the request, content metadata stored in a database with content data, is referenced to generate a file including metadata comprising a portion of the content metadata. The file does not include the content data. The file is exported to the source. The source delivers the file to the target consumer through a communication channel (e.g., shared folder, email) located outside of the distribution network. The file is imported from the target consumer. The metadata of the file is processed to examine its integrity. The metadata may comprise a key for reference during this process. Upon confirming integrity of the file, the content data and the content metadata are distributed to the target consumer.