Vendor Gateway Server B2B Integration Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current B2B integration processes are costly and expose systems to internet risks due to the need for multiple connections and protocols, and existing solutions do not adequately validate production-level system integration.

Innovation Solution

A Vendor Gateway Server (VGS) is introduced to intercept and route information between environment servers and vendor systems, standardizing communications by storing and modifying requests and responses to conform to specific vendor protocols and formats, thereby minimizing exposure and validation costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If environment servers are exposed to the internet and opened up to many different connections and protocols, then B2B integration capability is improved, but system security and exposure risk worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveB2B integration capabilityVSAvoidsystem exposure risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary component between the internal environment servers and external vendor systems. The gateway server handles all external connections and protocol conversions, preventing direct exposure of environment servers to the internet. This mediator absorbs the security risk while enabling B2B integration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple third-party accounts and connections are set up for B2B integration, then vendor connectivity is improved, but time and expense increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevendor connectivityVSAvoidsetup time and expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway server is designed as a universal component that handles multiple vendor connections and various protocols through a single interface. Instead of setting up separate accounts and connections for each vendor, the gateway server provides a multi-functional platform that manages all vendor integrations centrally, reducing setup time and expense.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If canned or predetermined communications are used instead of real connections, then setup complexity is reduced, but validation of production-level integration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup complexityVSAvoidintegration validation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gateway server acts as a realistic intermediary that enables actual production-level integration validation without requiring direct internet exposure of environment servers. It provides a simulated production environment where real vendor protocols and formats can be tested, ensuring accurate validation while maintaining system security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8868706B2Vendor gateway technology

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for communicating between a gateway server and a plurality of other servers. The apparatus and methods may involve receiving information requests from the plurality of other servers. Each of the plurality of other servers may provide a platform for a different development environment. The apparatus and methods may further involve using the gateway server to generate an identification tag for each information request received from each of the plurality of other servers. The approved methods may include receiving a response to such information requests. In addition, the apparatus and methods may include associating the response received to the information request to which the response is responsive.