Web Service Mediator for Secure SQL Data Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

With the shift to cloud-based computing, users no longer have direct access to SQL databases for retrieving data, making it difficult to generate reports and manage projects effectively.

Innovation Solution

A web service is used to receive access requests from user accounts, decode information, authorize users, determine request types, and send responses based on data retrieved from a data store, utilizing protocols like OData and OAuth for secure access to centralized SQL databases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If users are granted direct access to SQL databases for data retrieval, then data access efficiency and report generation capability are improved, but system security and data protection are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata access efficiencyVSAvoidsystem security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a web service as an intermediary layer between users and the SQL database. This web service receives user requests, translates them into appropriate database queries, and returns results without exposing direct database access. The intermediary maintains security by controlling what data can be accessed while preserving productivity by enabling efficient data retrieval through standardized web protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If direct SQL database access is provided to users, then report generation capability is improved, but the complexity of the system architecture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereport generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web service is designed as a universal interface that handles multiple types of data requests through standardized protocols. It can serve different users, applications, and report generation needs through a single unified service layer, reducing overall system complexity despite the added abstraction layer. The service translates diverse user needs into standardized database operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If users are given access to SQL databases without direct connection, then data protection is improved, but the ease of operation for data retrieval decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata protectionVSAvoidease of data retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The web service implements self-service capabilities by automatically translating user-friendly requests into appropriate database queries and handling authentication/authorization. Users interact with simple web interfaces rather than complex SQL syntax, while the system automatically manages the complexity of secure database access, credentials, and query translation behind the scenes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9165031B2Retrieving stored data using a web service

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Retrieving stored data using a web service is provided. An access request from a user account may be received at a web service via a proxy. The web service may decode information received in the access request. The web service may then authorize the user account utilizing the decoded information. The web service may then determine a request type based on the access request. The web service may then send a response based on the determined request type, which is based on data retrieved from a data store.