Mobile Device Management System for Enterprise Application Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The deployment, management, and security of applications on mobile devices in enterprise environments are challenging due to the variety of device types, applications, and network security concerns, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A mobile device management system that allows network administrators to control the distribution of authorized applications, monitor installations, and enforce security policies across mobile devices, using a control client application to synchronize device states and log usage data for centralized management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mobile devices are allowed to install various applications freely, then application functionality and user capability are improved, but network security and device management control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication functionalityVSAvoidnetwork security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile device management system as an intermediary between users and mobile devices. This system includes a server that communicates with mobile devices through client applications, enabling centralized control over application installation, device configuration, and security policy enforcement. The intermediary manages the balance between application versatility and network security by controlling what applications can be installed and how devices can be used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If diverse mobile device types and applications are supported, then system versatility is improved, but deployment complexity and management difficulty worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoiddeployment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal management system that can control multiple types of mobile devices (smartphones, tablets, laptops) through a common platform. The system uses standardized communication protocols and can deploy applications and security policies across heterogeneous devices without requiring device-specific management solutions. This universal approach simplifies deployment complexity while maintaining support for diverse device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If centralized control and monitoring are implemented, then management control is improved, but device autonomy and user flexibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement controlVSAvoiddevice autonomy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control mechanisms where security policies and application restrictions can be adjusted based on device state, user role, and security risk level. The system can transition between different control modes - from highly restrictive to more permissive - allowing it to maintain centralized management control while preserving device autonomy when security risks are low. This dynamic approach enables flexible response to changing security requirements without completely sacrificing user flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2641407B1Management of mobile applications
Publication Date: 2017.01.04 MOBILEIRON INC
  • EP2641407B1 patent drawing
  • EP2641407B1 patent drawing
  • EP2641407B1 patent drawing

AI summary

In particular implementations, a mobile device management system allows network administrators to control the distribution and publication of applications to mobile device users in an enterprise network.