Patent ID: 7185047
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for caching and accessing access rights to at least one resource in a distributed computing system, the method comprising: accessing, by a software agent, a directory service, wherein the agent is located on a deputization point coupled to the directory service, and wherein the directory service comprises the access rights of a software principal to a resource; updating, by the agent, the access rights in an access control list cache, wherein the access control list cache is coupled to the deputization point and to the principal; receiving, at the access control list cache, a request from the principal or the access rights stored in the access control list cache; retrieving, from the access control list cache, the access rights; forwarding, to the principal, the access rights; delegating one or more of the principal's access rights to at least one software entity; and accessing the resource, by the software entity, using the delegated access rights without requiring intervention of the principal to authenticate access requests by the software entity, wherein tasks can be accomplished by the software entity without control by the principal.