Remote File Sharing via Application Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cloud storage services limit file sharing by requiring users to have specific applications installed on their devices and only support a limited number of file types, restricting the ability to share files in remote sessions without such constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating and sharing a universal resource identifier (URI) that includes a file ID, an application ID, and authentication credentials, allowing users to access and open files remotely through a virtual machine or connection broker, enabling the sharing of any file type as long as the necessary application is available on the server side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cloud storage services require specific applications to be installed on client devices for file access, then file security and application compatibility are improved, but user accessibility and system complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote server as an intermediary between the user and the file. Instead of requiring applications to be installed on the user's device, the server hosts the application and file, acting as a mediator that provides file access functionality without requiring local installation. The user interacts with the server through a remote connection, and the server executes the application and manages file access, thereby eliminating the need for client-side application installation while maintaining security and compatibility.
2Device complexity
If cloud storage services support only a limited number of file types, then system complexity is reduced, but adaptability and versatility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal file access system where the remote server can handle multiple file types through a single platform. The server executes applications that can open various file formats (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, images, videos, etc.) without requiring separate client applications for each file type. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support diverse file types while maintaining relatively simple client-side implementation, as the server handles the complexity of supporting multiple formats.
3Ease of operation
If files are shared through remote sessions without client-side applications, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and security may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The remote server acts as a secure intermediary that manages file access authentication and authorization. Instead of relying on client-side application security, the server verifies user credentials, manages authentication tokens, and controls access permissions centrally. This approach maintains security while enabling convenient remote file sharing, as the server mediates all access requests and enforces security policies without requiring complex client-side security implementations.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed herein for file sharing using remote applications. One embodiment provides a computer-implemented method that includes receiving, at a computing device, a selection of a reference for accessing the file, where the reference includes a first identifier specifying the file stored on a host server remotely located with respect to the computing device and a second identifier specifying an application that is running on the host server and that is configured to open files of a same type as the file. The method further includes establishing a remote connection to the application specified by the second identifier, by connecting to the host server and causing the application to be launched on the host server. In addition, the method includes causing the application to open the file specified by the first identifier and the user interface of the application to be remoted to the computing device.