Offline MDM Enrollment via Provisioning File

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile device management (MDM) systems struggle to enroll and manage computing devices that are offline for extended periods, as they cannot complete the enrollment process without internet connectivity, leading to inefficiencies and inconsistencies in software configuration and asset updates.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows offline enrollment of computing devices through a management server with a graphical user interface (GUI) console, enabling administrators to create registration records and convert them into device records for offline provisioning. This involves creating a provisioning file with installation instructions for assets, which can be downloaded onto a physical storage device and installed on the device, allowing it to operate in a managed state even without network connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional online enrollment process is used, then device attributes can be discovered and software can be installed, but computing devices without Internet connectivity cannot complete enrollment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenrollment capabilityVSAvoidnetwork connectivity requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a registration record with device attributes before the device needs to be fully enrolled. This preliminary action allows the device to be prepared for enrollment even without network connectivity, resolving the contradiction by enabling enrollment capability while eliminating the network requirement for the initial registration phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A management server acts as an intermediary that receives device attributes through alternative means (not requiring direct device-server communication over network). The server processes these attributes and creates registration records, enabling enrollment without direct network connectivity between the device and server

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If manual configuration is performed by technician, then offline devices can be configured, but inefficiencies and inconsistencies are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service configuration where the management server automatically processes device attributes, creates registration records, and manages enrollment without requiring manual intervention from technicians. This eliminates inefficiencies and inconsistencies while maintaining ease of operation through automated workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If devices remain offline indefinitely, then they can operate without network, but asset updates and management become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoffline operation durationVSAvoidasset update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates and stores asset information, update instructions, and management policies in advance on the management server. These pre-prepared resources can be applied to devices when they come online, enabling asset updates and management while allowing devices to operate offline for extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The management server maintains continuous readiness to provide updates and management services. Even when devices are offline, the server continuously prepares and stores necessary assets and instructions, ensuring that useful action (updates and management) can continue without interruption once connectivity is restored

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11792270B2Offline sideloading for enrollment of devices in a mobile device management system

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 OMNISSA LLC

AI summary

Systems herein allow an administrator to efficiently enroll computing devices into a mobile device management system, even when those computing devices are offline and not connected to the system. A management server can include a console that allows the administrator to enroll an offline computing device by selecting an offline enrollment option on a registration record. This option can cause the management server to create a device record, indicating the computing device is enrolled. The management server can also create and save a provisioning file onto a storage device, such as a USB drive. Assets, such as graphics and applications, specified by the device record are also saved onto the storage device. The storage device can be physically connected to the computing device, at which point the provisioning file guides automatic installation of the assets and implementation of device settings and compliance rules specified by the device record.