Method and apparatus for delegated communications in a computer system using trusted deputies

摘要

An apparatus and a method are disclosed whereby a client application can use a trusted "Deputy" application to execute operation calls on several servers on behalf of the client, the Deputy application being able to convince the servers that the deputy application is representing the original client application, and the client thereby reducing the risk of being contaminated by uncontrolled access to an unknown server, while at the same time being able to obtain the desired processing results regardless of the number or location of servers involved in providing the results. The Deputy application is authenticated by the server as representing a user, not a user on a predetermined workstation or as a predetermined member of a particular work group.