Patent ID: 8214636
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method of generating certificates used in communication across a network, the method comprising: receiving at a portal on a server side of a public key infrastructure a request for a certificate from a client; said portal scheduling said request and processing said request using a first policy engine in accordance with a first set of predefined protocols and thereby offloading at least one processing task from a certification authority, said portal being communicably interposed between said client and said certification authority; said first policy engine allowing policies to be defined and modified; wherein said policies comprise a set of rules that define how a system operates; said portal determining whether to approve or deny said request according to said first set of predefined protocols; wherein said portal is configured to provide multiple protocol handling to accommodate different client types and is further configured to translate at least one protocol request and relay back at least one protocol response between said client and said certification authority; for an approved request, said portal requesting a certificate from said certification authority; said portal receiving from said certification authority said certificate; said certificate having been generated by said certification authority according to a second set of predefined policies using a second policy engine to complete processing in generation of said certificate; and said portal providing said certificate to said client; wherein said first policy engine includes at least one policy configured as a software component to perform at least one discrete function associated with said at least one policy and to generate a notification in response to a change in state upon completion of said at least one policy to enable said policies of said first policy engine to be defined and modified to provide flexibility in said public key infrastructure.