Mobile Device Profile Management via Centralized Database
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing mobile wireless communication devices in enterprise networks lack flexibility and consistency, making it difficult to ensure uniform profiles and secure access to applications and data across devices, especially when devices are lost or replaced.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for mobile client device asset management using a database with a web interface that allows for managed profile deployment via push or pull methods, enabling centralized management of mobile devices, dynamic updates, and customization of desktops and services, along with features like remote locking and wiping for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If preinstalled profiles are used for device management, then device configuration is simplified, but flexibility and consistency across devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring standardized profiles in the database that can be pushed to multiple devices simultaneously. This ensures that base configuration is established before devices are deployed, providing both simplification and consistency through the standardized template approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile management system is made dynamic by allowing profiles to be updated and pushed to devices in real-time. The system can dynamically adjust profiles based on device groups, user roles, and organizational policies, enabling both consistency across devices and adaptability to changing requirements.
2Ease of operation
If individual customization is allowed for each device, then user needs are met, but device consistency and security policy enforcement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The profile system is segmented into multiple layers: a standardized base profile that ensures consistency and security compliance, and customizable modules that allow user-specific adaptations. This segmentation enables individual customization within the framework of organizational policies, maintaining both device consistency and user needs fulfillment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the device configuration are assigned different levels of customization authority. Critical security and functional components remain standardized across all devices, while non-critical user interface and personalization elements allow individual customization. This local quality approach ensures consistency where needed and flexibility where appropriate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual profile updates are performed on each device, then customization is achieved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that monitor device profiles and automatically push updates when changes are made to the centralized database. This eliminates manual update processes, reducing time consumption while maintaining the ability to customize profiles through the centralized management interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Devices are equipped with self-service capabilities to receive and apply profile updates automatically without requiring manual intervention. The system allows users to selectively pull profiles they need, and the devices automatically apply configurations, significantly reducing the time and complexity associated with manual profile management.
4Reliability
If security policies are enforced centrally, then device security is improved, but user flexibility and device adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Security policies are established in advance as part of the standardized profile templates in the database. These pre-configured security settings are automatically applied to all devices, ensuring consistent security enforcement. Users can then customize non-security aspects of their devices without compromising the pre-established security framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The security policy enforcement is made dynamic by allowing administrators to update security configurations centrally, which are then automatically pushed to all devices. This dynamic approach maintains strong security controls while allowing flexibility for users to adapt their devices within the security boundaries defined by organizational policies.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for enabling control and managing the assets by synchronizing information between a host system server and a mobile client device is disclosed. Control of the mobile client devices from remote locations enables an administrator to provide specific profiles for the mobile devices. These profiles are consistent and ensure that the user can perform all of the required tasks. The system also includes a multi-level security mechanism. The security provision maintains control of the hardware (mobile device) and the information stored thereon. The administrator also controls the distribution of applications and services to the mobile device, including restoring information which may have become lost.