Remote Workflow Execution via Wireless Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems management requires on-demand flexibility and responsiveness, but existing solutions lack the ability to notify administrators of critical events and allow remote initiation of workflows without compromising system security, especially as personnel become more mobile.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables administrators to receive alerts on wireless devices, select and execute pre-defined workflows, and provide human approval for executing these workflows, with the server performing the actions as if they were done on a local console, ensuring security through encryption and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If administrators use local console to initiate workflows, then system security is maintained, but administrator mobility and remote access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless messaging system acts as an intermediary between administrators and the workflow orchestration system. The system receives workflow initiation requests via wireless messages, authenticates them, and executes workflows remotely, thereby enabling administrator mobility while maintaining system security through controlled access mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If remote workflow initiation is enabled, then administrator mobility improves, but system security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and validation of wireless messages before executing workflows. By pre-configuring authorized users, devices, and workflow parameters, the system ensures that only legitimate remote initiation requests are processed, thereby maintaining security while enabling remote access.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through confirmation messages and status notifications. When a workflow is initiated remotely, the system sends confirmation to the administrator's device and provides status updates, creating an audit trail that enhances security monitoring and accountability.
3Productivity
If real-time workflow execution is implemented, then system responsiveness improves, but complexity of remote communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless messaging system is designed to be self-contained, handling message routing, authentication, and workflow parameter extraction automatically. The system processes incoming messages, validates them against pre-configured parameters, and triggers workflows without requiring complex manual intervention or communication protocols, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving real-time responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing the ability for systems personnel to use a personal wireless device, such as a mobile phone, palm device, or blackberry device, to receive a system alert regarding a developing situation requiring action and to be notified of pre-selected workflows that can resolve the situation prompting the alert. The systems personnel are then able to select a workflow, provide needed parameters, and provide the human approval to execute the workflow. The application packages the information provided by the user into a form usable by the orchestration/provisioning server. The server will perform the requested workflow as if entered on a local console and will respond to the device with a workflow status.