Patent ID: 6775668
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for implementing a quorum based access control mechanism for modifying at least one database attribute in a database, wherein the quorum based access control mechanism requires an authorized user's proposed value for the database attribute to be accepted by at least one other authorized user before the database attribute is changed, the database being managed by a network directory service (NDS), the method comprising:establishing one or more quorum attributes by an initiator for defining the quorum based access control mechanism; initiating a modification request by a modifier to propose a value for the database attribute, wherein the modifier is an authorized user; receiving an approval or rejection of the proposed value from at least one authorized user other than the modifier; determining if the received approval results in a quorum, wherein the quorum exists only when a redefined minimum number of authorized users approve the proposed value; and changing the database attribute by the proposed value only if a quorum is reached, wherein the quorum attributes provide the proposed value for the database attribute, an identification of one or more authorized users who have rights to participate in the quorum for accepting or rejecting the proposed value, and the minimum number of authorized users needed to form the quorum.