ACCESS ENFORCER

摘要

A computer-driven resource manager (122) selectively executes user-initiated tasks (113) according to established rules (112) defining users' permissions for such tasks. A workflow engine (116) manages redefinition of the rules. Responsive to receiving (602) a request to change the rules, the engine processes the request (600). This includes reviewing the request and selecting (604) a corresponding approval path. Also, the workflow engine sequentially proceeds (610, 612, 614, 616, 620) through a sequence of stages defined by the selected path, where in each stage the workflow engine electronically solicits approvals from one or more approvers indicated by the selected approval path. The engine continues through the stages until receiving at least one denial, or all required approvals (616). Responsive to receiving all required approvals, an electronic message is transmitted (618) directing amendment of the rules per the user request.