Workflow Service Authentication Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In enterprise settings, the multitude of services and authentication types can hinder workflows due to cumbersome authentication processes, especially on devices not designed for specific services, leading to inefficiencies and productivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A workflow service that manages enterprise workflows by integrating with network services, automating authentication using single sign-on tokens and service authentication data, and providing a unified interface for accessing various network services, thereby streamlining the authentication process and enhancing user experience across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple services and authentication types are used in enterprise settings, then service functionality and versatility are improved, but authentication complexity and user burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a workflow service as an intermediary layer between users and multiple network services. This workflow service implements a unified authentication mechanism that mediates between different authentication types (cryptographic certificates, username/password, group credentials) and the various network services, abstracting away the complexity from users while maintaining access to diverse services
2Reliability
If traditional authentication methods are used for each service, then service security is maintained, but workflow efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple authentication mechanisms into a single unified authentication approach. Instead of requiring separate authentication for each network service, the workflow service combines support for cryptographic certificates, username/password authentication, and group credentials into one integrated system that handles all authentication types through a common interface
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow service performs preliminary authentication actions by establishing a unified authentication framework before users need to access specific services. This preliminary setup allows the system to automatically handle authentication for multiple services without requiring users to repeatedly authenticate, thereby maintaining security while improving workflow efficiency
3Reliability
If service-specific authentication is required, then service access control is precise, but user convenience and accessibility on mobile devices are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow service implements a universal authentication mechanism that functions across multiple devices and service types. The unified authentication approach works consistently on desktop computers, mobile devices, and voice-activated devices, providing the same level of access control precision regardless of the device used, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable access control
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various approaches for workflow service back end integration. In some examples, a workflow service identifies a workflow action and a user account that is responsible for the workflow action. A command to present the workflow action for user authorization is transmitted to a client device associated with the user account. The workflow service transmits a command to perform the workflow action based on an identification of the user authorization.