How Systems Get Approval for Accessing Dependent Resources

This patent describes a system for streamlining access approvals to a resource by automatically linking its approval process to another resource it depends on.

What it covers

The system receives a request from an "access agent" to use a "first resource". It then checks if this "first resource" relies on a "second resource" by looking at a "dependency attribute". If there's a dependency, the system creates an "approval requisition" for the "first resource" but uses the "approval workflow" that belongs to the "second resource". The system then follows this linked workflow to get the necessary approval, allowing the access agent to use the first resource. For example, if a user needs access to a specific database (first resource) that relies on a particular server (second resource), the system might use the server's existing approval process to grant access to the database.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover systems that request approval for a resource without first identifying a dependency on a second resource.
• —Does not cover systems that generate an approval request for a first resource using a workflow entirely separate from any dependent second resource.
• —Does not cover systems where the resource dependency is determined without using a "dependency attribute" linked to the first resource.
• —Does not cover systems where the access agent directly accesses the first resource without the system first obtaining approval by traversing a workflow.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in automatically determining resource dependencies and then leveraging the approval workflow of a dependent resource to streamline the approval for the requested resource. This avoids creating redundant workflows.

Why it matters

In large organizations, managing access to numerous digital resources can be complex and time-consuming. This patent aims to simplify this by automating the linking of approval processes for interdependent resources. This could reduce manual effort and potential errors in granting access, especially in environments with many interconnected systems and data.

Real-world examples

• 1.Cloud resource access management
• 2.Enterprise software permission systems
• 3.Database access control
• 4.IT infrastructure access requests