Mobile Device Policy Management via Multi-Provider Priorities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing management systems for computing devices, particularly mobile devices, face challenges in efficiently managing policies across different contexts and domains due to their nomadic nature and dynamic environments, which can lead to compliance issues and inefficient policy enforcement.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized approach where computing devices receive policy settings from multiple providers with validated priorities, allowing for dynamic configuration based on real-time conditions such as time, position, and events, enabling flexible and scalable management of features like billing, ringtone mode, and camera usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a centralized management system is used to enforce policies on mobile devices, then policy deployment is simplified, but the system cannot adequately handle dynamic contexts and nomadic nature of mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized management system into distributed components: local policy agents on mobile devices, context sensors, and multiple management authorities. This segmentation enables the system to maintain policy deployment simplicity while adapting to dynamic contexts through local decision-making based on real-time sensor data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by enabling policies to be context-aware and adaptable. Mobile devices continuously monitor context sensors (GPS, accelerometer, microphone) and automatically adjust policy enforcement based on real-time conditions, allowing the system to handle the nomadic nature and dynamic environments of mobile devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple management authorities are allowed to enforce policies on a mobile device, then policy coverage is enhanced, but conflict resolution becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a policy manager as an intermediary component that consolidates policies from multiple management authorities. The policy manager resolves conflicts between competing policies by applying resolution rules and prioritizing policies based on management authority hierarchy, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive policy coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of policy enforcement by introducing priority levels and validation mechanisms. Policies are assigned priorities by management authorities, and the mobile device validates policies against these priorities before enforcement, providing a systematic approach to conflict resolution that reduces complexity.
3Reliability
If policies are continuously updated based on real-time context, then policy enforcement effectiveness is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the mobile device monitor context sensors at intervals and update policy enforcement only when context changes occur. This approach maintains policy enforcement effectiveness by responding to relevant context changes while reducing processing overhead by avoiding continuous monitoring and unnecessary policy updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to autonomously evaluate context sensor data and determine when policy updates are necessary. The device independently manages its own policy enforcement based on local context evaluation, reducing the need for continuous communication with remote management servers and thereby reducing processing overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for controlling operation of a computing device. One or more applicable settings among settings of one or more features of the computing device are determined. The settings are indicated by policies provided by two or more providers according to priorities of corresponding providers for application of corresponding policies of the providers. The policies include an indication of corresponding settings of the one or more features of the computing device. The providers are validated with at least one authority. The at least one authority certified the priorities of the providers and permissions of the providers to set the features of the policies. The computing device is configured to operate according to the applicable settings of the features.