Granular SaaS Tenant Restriction via Sub-Application Segmentation

The patent segments SaaS applications into sub-applications or functional modules (e.g., Gmail into compose, send, delete functions; Office 365 into specific apps and features). This segmentation enables granular access control where users can be granted access to specific sub-applications rather than entire applications, resolving the contradiction by providing fine-grained control without requiring complex global configuration for each individual control point.

The patent implements local quality by applying different access control policies to different sub-applications within the same SaaS platform. Each sub-application can have its own access rules, user permissions, and security policies tailored to specific business needs, allowing organizations to grant access to certain functions while restricting others, thus achieving granular control without blanket restrictions.

The patent implements dynamic access control where permissions and access rights can be adjusted in real-time based on user roles, device status, location, and security policies. The system dynamically evaluates access requests against defined policies and automatically grants or denies access without requiring manual IT admin intervention for each decision, thus maintaining security control while adapting to changing cloud service requirements and user needs.

The patent introduces an intermediary access control system that sits between users and cloud SaaS applications. This intermediary layer enforces security policies, monitors user activity, and manages access rights without requiring IT admins to directly control each application. The intermediary translates high-level security policies into granular access decisions, maintaining security control while enabling cloud service adaptability.

By segmenting applications into sub-applications with distinct access controls, the system enables simple policy enforcement at the sub-application level while maintaining user productivity. Users gain access to all sub-applications necessary for their role without requiring complex approval processes, as the segmentation allows for role-based access that automatically grants appropriate permissions.

The patent implements a universal access control framework that applies across multiple SaaS applications and sub-applications. Once access policies are defined at the framework level, they are automatically enforced across all connected applications, providing simple policy enforcement through a single system that manages multiple applications, thereby maintaining both simplicity and productivity.