Location-based application discovery

A computer system and method for providing location-based application access is provided. For example, the computer system includes a processor configured to receive a connection request for access to a distributed workspace, the connection request including location information for a client device. The processor can access metadata for each of a plurality of location-based applications, the metadata including location information for each of the applications defining at least one physical location where each of the applications can be accessed. The processor can compare the location information against the metadata for each of the applications and determine one or more applications that match the location information for the client device. The processor then can organize each of the applications that have associated location information that matches the location information into a listing of available applications and transmit the listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device.

BACKGROUND

In a typical distributed workspace system, application deployment is generally based upon a pre-defined policy and available user resources. As such, an end user is typically dependent upon a system administrator to define the policy and available resources such that the end user can access one or more applications in the distributed workspace.

SUMMARY

In an example, a computer system for providing location-based application access is provided. The system includes a memory, a network interface, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and the network interface. The at least one processor is configured to receive, from a client agent via the network interface, a connection request for access to a distributed workspace, the connection request including location information for a client device; access, from the memory, metadata for each of a plurality of applications, wherein the metadata includes location information for each of the plurality of applications defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications can be accessed; compare the location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications; determine one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device; organize each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device into a listing of available applications; and transmit, to the client agent via the network interface, the listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device.

Implementations of the computer system can include one or more of the following features.

In the computer system, the at least one processor can be further configured to receive, from the client agent via the network interface, updated location information for the client device and determine if the location of the client device has changed based upon the updated location information for the client device. In some examples of the computer system, the at least one processor is further configured to generate, in response to determining that the location of the client device has changed, an updated listing of available applications based upon the updated location information and transmit, to the client agent via the network interface, the updated listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device. In some additional examples of the computer system, the at least one processor being configured to generate the updated listing of available applications includes the at least one processor being configured to compare the updated location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications, determine one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device, and organize each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device into the updated listing of available applications.

In the computer system, the memory can include an application store configured to store the plurality of applications. In some examples of the computer system, the application store is organized into a plurality of application groups, each of the plurality of application groups including group location information for defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications in a particular group can be accessed from.

In the computer system, the location information for the client device can include at least one of global positioning system information and network connection information.

In another example, a method of providing location-based application access is provided. The method includes receiving, by at least one processor, a connection request from a client agent via network interface operably coupled to the at least one processor for access to a distributed workspace, the connection request including location information for a client device; accessing, by the at least one processor, metadata for each of a plurality of applications from a memory operably coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the metadata includes location information for each of the plurality of applications defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications can be accessed from; comparing, by the at least one processor, the location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications; determining, by the at least one processor, one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device; organizing, by the at least one processor, each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device into a listing of available applications; and transmitting, by the at least one processor, the listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device to the client agent via the network interface.

Implementations of the method can include one or more of the following features.

At least some of the examples of the method can include receiving, by the at least one processor, updated location information for the client device from the client agent via the network interface and determining, by the at least one processor, if the location of the client device has changed based upon the updated location information for the client device.

In some additional examples, the method includes generating, by the at least one processor, an updated listing of available applications based upon the updated location information in response to determining that the location of the client device has changed and transmitting, by the at least one processor, the updated listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device to the client agent via the network interface. In some additional examples, generating the updated listing of available applications includes comparing, by the at least one processor, the updated location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications; determining, by the at least one processor, one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device; and organizing, by the at least one processor, each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device into the updated listing of available applications.

In at least some examples of the method, the memory can include an application store configured to store the plurality of applications. In some additional examples of the method, the application store is organized into a plurality of application groups, each of the plurality of application groups including group location information for defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications in a particular group can be accessed from.

In at least some examples of the method, the location information for the client device includes at least one of global positioning system information and network connection information.

In another example, a non-transitory computer readable medium is provided. The non-transitory computer readable medium can store computer executable instructions to provide location-based application access. The computer executable instructions include instructions to receive a connection request from a client agent via a network interface operably coupled to at least one processor for access to a distributed workspace, the connection request including location information for a client device; access metadata for each of a plurality of applications from a memory operably coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the metadata includes location information for each of the plurality of applications defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications can be accessed from; compare the location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications; determine one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device; organize each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device into a listing of available applications; and transmit the listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device to the client agent via the network interface.

Implementations of the computer readable medium can include one or more of the following features.

In at least some examples of the computer readable medium, the instructions further include instructions to receive updated location information for the client device from the client agent via the network interface and determine if the location of the client device has changed based upon the updated location information for the client device. In some additional examples of the computer readable medium, the instructions further include instructions to generate an updated listing of available applications based upon the updated location information in response to determining that the location of the client device has changed and transmit the updated listing of available applications for display to a user of the client device to the client agent via the network interface. In some additional examples of the computer readable medium, the instructions to generate the updated listing of available applications include instructions to compare the updated location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the plurality of applications, determine one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device, and organize each of the determined one or more of the plurality of applications that have associated location information that matches the updated location information for the client device into the updated listing of available applications.

In at least some examples of the computer readable medium, the memory can include an application store configured to store the plurality of applications. In some additional examples of the computer readable medium, the application store is organized into a plurality of application groups, each of the plurality of application groups including group location information for defining at least one physical location where each of the plurality of applications in a particular group can be accessed from.

Still other aspects, examples and advantages of these aspects and examples, are discussed in detail below. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing information and the following detailed description are merely illustrative examples of various aspects and features and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and examples. Any example or feature disclosed herein can be combined with any other example or feature. References to different examples are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example can be included in at least one example. Thus, terms like “other” and “another” when referring to the examples described herein are not intended to communicate any sort of exclusivity or grouping of features but rather are included to promote readability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As summarized above, various examples described herein are directed to systems for providing location-based application discovery and methods and processes for use of such a system in a distributed workspace system. These systems and methods overcome technical difficulties that arise in other distributed workspace systems where, for example, a server provides a user with a static set of applications for access in a distributed workspace. Such a traditional model is limited and generally only works well in controllable environments like an office where daily work and required resources are similar for all users and generally do not deviate from one day to the next. As such, traditional distributed workspace systems are not flexible based upon changing user resources and generally do not provide for dynamic access to applications. For example, as traditional distributed workspace systems do not consider the geographical location of a computing device, other distributed workspace systems are unable to improve the user interfaces they present by, for example, providing location-specific applications to a workspace user based upon the current location of the user and their associated computing device. The techniques as described herein provide added functionality to a user of a distributed workspace as the workspace can be automatically customized to a user's location, thereby increasing the efficiency of interaction between the user and the distributed workspace.

To improve a user's experience with a distributed workspace system, the system may include an application service that controls access to an application store. The application service can be configured to receive location information for a computing device that is requesting access to or is currently running an instance of a distributed workspace. The application service can match location information for the computing device against location information for one or more applications in the application store and provide access to those applications in the user's workspace. To update the available applications, the application service can continually receive updated location information for the computing device and update a listing of available applications as described herein.

The techniques as described herein for providing location-based application discovery can be implemented without impacting the user's standard interaction with their distributed workspace. For example, the user's workspace can include a static or fixed set of applications that the user has access to at any time from any location as well as a dynamic set of applications that can vary depending upon the user's current location. As described herein, the set of location-based applications can be specific to one or more aspects of the current location of the user and provide added functionality or features to the user's workspace when combined with the set of fixed applications.

Thus, and in accordance with at least some examples disclosed herein, distributed workspace systems, methods, and processes are provided that include location-based application discovery. These systems, methods, and processes enhance the quality of a user's experience by minimizing the impact and changes required on client-side software to implement the improved techniques.

In some examples, a processor associated with a server included in, for example, a distributed workspace system can receive a connection request for access to a distributed workspace, the connection request including location information for a client device that is submitting the request. The processor can access metadata for each of a set of applications from memory, the metadata including location information for each of the applications and defining at least one physical location where each of the applications can be accessed. The processor can compare the location information for the client device against the metadata for each of the applications and determine one or more of the applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device. The processor can organize each of the determined applications that have associated location information that matches the location information for the client device into a listing of available applications. The listing of available applications can be transmitted to the client device for display in the user's distributed workspace. The client device can then prompt the user to select one or more of the listed applications to access.

As will be understood in view of this disclosure, a number of approaches to determining location information for a client device can be used. For example, the client device can be configured to provide location information such as global positioning system (GPS) information via, for example, a client agent in communication with a remote server. The client device can also be configured to provide network information such as IP address, Wi-Fi network name or ID, any Bluetooth beacon connectivity information, and other similar information that can be used to determine location information for the client device. Based upon this information, the application service running on the remote server can determine whether there are any location-based applications that should be provided to the user via their distributed workspace as based upon the current location of the client device.

Distributed Workspace System

In some examples, a distributed workspace system is configured to implement application access and file sharing to remote users of the workspace, thereby providing a central repository or store of application, files, and other similar resources to a group of trusted users. In certain systems, a central computing device such as a server can monitor a user's interaction with the system and limit the user's interactions to preapproved interactions and access for that particular user. Based upon a user's level of authentication, available resources, and other context information such as user location information as described herein below, the server can create a customized user interface interaction with the user, thereby enhancing the user's overall experience with the file sharing system.

FIG. 1illustrates a logical architecture of distributed workspace system100in accordance with some examples. As shown, the system100includes an application service102, a client agent104, a file storage service120, a centralized file storage106, a configuration data store122, an historical data store108, and a local cache118. The application service102can include an application store110configured to store, for example, information related to applications available for user access in the system100. In examples, the application store110includes a listing of available applications112and associated metadata114for each application. For example, the metadata114can include required resources for a particular application112, a user-security level required for accessing a particular application, whether an application is automatically pushed to a user's distributed workspace, and other similar information. Also depicted inFIG. 1are an active directory service126and a calendar service124.

In some examples, the application service102is configured to communicate with the agent104, the storage service120, and the historical data store108by exchanging (i.e., transmitting and/or receiving) messages via one or more system interfaces (e.g., a web service application program interface (API), a web server interface, fibre channel interface, etc.). For instance, in some examples, one or more server processes included within the application service102exchange messages with various types of client processes via the systems interfaces. These client process can include browsers and/or more specialized programs—such as the agent104.

In certain examples, the messages exchanged between the sharing service102and a client process can include requests for authorization to access one or more of the applications112. In some examples, the request can include access to one or more of the applications112in order to upload, download, share, and/or synchronize files. The messages can also include requests to authenticate users or devices and/or requests to configure features supported by the application service102.

In these examples, the application service102is configured to respond to reception of an authorization request by communicating with the storage service120to determine, via a set of rules, whether an operation identified in the request is allowable. Further, in these examples, the application service102is configured to notify the client process (e.g., the agent104) of the allowability of the requested operation via a response. In addition, the application service102is configured to maintain the historical data store108where the application service102receives a message from the storage service120that an authorized operation was successfully executed. The historical data store108is configured to store usage data consisting of records of each instance of file access involving the system100. Records stored in the historical data store108can include an identifier of an application accessed, an identifier of a user accessing the application, an identifier of a file accessed, an identifier of a user accessing the file, an identifier of a client device accessing the file, a resource context through which the user accessed the file (as described in greater detail herein), and other similar historical data.

In some examples, the application service102is configured to respond to reception of an authentication request by communicating with an authentication service (e.g., the active directory service126ofFIG. 1) to determine, via a set of rules, whether an entity (e.g., a user or device) identified in the authentication request is authorized to access the system100. Further, in these examples, the application service102is configured to notify, via a response message, the client process as to whether the entity is authorized to access the system100.

In some examples, the application service102is configured to respond to reception of a request to change its configuration by determining, via a set of rules, whether the change is allowable. Further, in these examples, the application service102is configured to execute the change where the change is allowable and notify the client process of the allowability and result of the requested change via a response. In at least one example, the application service102is configured to execute configuration changes by storing configuration data in the configuration data store122. This configuration data can, for example, associate features (e.g., an automatic synchronization feature) with users, applications, files, and file directories.

In some examples, the storage service120is configured to manage the file storage106. The file storage106is configured to store files serviced by the system100. In some examples, the storage service120is configured to implement and expose a system interface (API) through which the other components of the system100access the file storage106and data descriptive of the files stored therein. For example, where the storage service120receives a request to execute an authorized, file-related operation, the storage service120responds to reception of the request by processing the request and notifying the requestor and the file sharing service102of the operations results. Further, in some examples, the storage service120is configured to load balance requests and responses received via the system interface.

In some examples, the agent104is a specialized client program configured to execute on a client device. The agent104manages the local cache118. As shown inFIG. 1, the agent104is configured to interoperate with the sharing service102to implement the file-related and security features described above. In these examples, the agent104exchanges messages with the sharing service102via the system interfaces described above. The messages can include requests for authorization, authentication, and/or configuration as described above. Such messages can be generated, for example, by interaction between a user and a user interface provided by the agent104.

In some examples, the agent104is configured to receive and process responses to authorization requests. These response can, for example, authorize the agent to launch an instance of one or more applications112via the user's distributed workspace. In such an example, the agent104can exchange messages with the application service102to execute the launching of one or more instances of one or more of applications112. These responses can also, in some examples, authorize the agent104to execute a file-related operation, such as an upload, download, share, and/or synchronization. In response to receiving and processing an authorization response, the agent104can exchange messages with the storage service120to execute the authorized file-related operation. For instance, where the agent104receives a response authorizing download of a file, the agent104can exchange messages with the storage service120to request and receive the file as stored in the file storage106. Conversely, where the agent104receives a response authorizing upload of a file, the agent104can exchange messages with the storage service120to transmit the file to the file storage106.

In at least one example, where the application service102supports an automatic synchronization feature, the agent104exchanges messages with the application service102to configure the application service102to automatically launch one or more instances of applications112for particular user when the user accesses the system100. When executing the automatic synchronization feature, the application service102, the agent104, and the file storage106interoperate with one another to automatically launch instances of any applications and associated files that may be targeted for automatic synchronization.

Referring toFIG. 2, a non-limiting network environment201in which various aspects of the disclosure can be implemented includes one or more client machines202A-202N, one or more remote machines206A-206N, one or more networks204,204′, and one or more appliances208installed within the computing environment201. The client machines202A-202N communicate with the remote machines206A-206N via the networks204,204′. The computing environment201can also be referred to as a distributed computer system.

In some examples, the client machines202A-202N communicate with the remote machines206A-206N via an intermediary appliance208. The illustrated appliance208is positioned between the networks204,204′ and may also be referred to as a network interface or gateway. In some examples, the appliance208can operate as an application delivery controller (ADC) to provide clients with access to business applications and other data deployed in a datacenter, the cloud, or delivered as Software as a Service (SaaS) across a range of client devices, and/or provide other functionality such as load balancing, etc. In some examples, multiple appliances208can be used, and the appliance(s)208can be deployed as part of the network204and/or204′.

The client machines202A-202N may be generally referred to as client machines202, local machines202, clients202, client nodes202, client computers202, client devices202, computing devices202, endpoints202, or endpoint nodes202. The remote machines206A-206N may be generally referred to as servers206or a server farm206. In some examples, a client device202can have the capacity to function as both a client node seeking access to resources provided by a server206and as a server206providing access to hosted resources for other client devices202A-202N. The networks204,204′ may be generally referred to as a network204. The networks204can be configured in any combination of wired and wireless networks.

A server206can execute, operate, or otherwise provide an application that can be any one of the following: software; a program; executable instructions; a virtual machine; a hypervisor; a web browser; a web-based client; a client-server application; a thin-client computing client; an ActiveX control; a Java applet; software related to voice over internet protocol (VoIP) communications like a soft Internet Protocol telephone; an application for streaming video and/or audio; an application for facilitating real-time-data communications; a HyperText Transfer Protocol client; a File Transfer Protocol client; an Oscar client; a Telnet client; or any other set of executable instructions.

In some examples, a server206can execute a remote presentation services program or other program that uses a thin client or a remote-display protocol to capture display output generated by an application executing on a server206and transmit the application display output to a client device202.

In yet other examples, a server206can execute a virtual machine providing, to a user of a client device202, access to a computing environment. The client device202can be a virtual machine. The virtual machine can be managed by, for example, a hypervisor, a virtual machine manager (VMM), or any other hardware virtualization technique within the server206.

In some examples, the network204can be: a local area network (LAN); a metropolitan area network (MAN); a wide area network (WAN); a primary public network204; and a primary private network204. Additional examples can include a network204of mobile telephone networks that use various protocols to communicate among mobile devices. For short range communications within a wireless local-area network (WLAN), the protocols can include 802.11, Bluetooth, and Near Field Communication (NFC).

FIG. 3depicts a block diagram of a computing device301useful for practicing an example of client devices202, appliances208and/or servers206. The computing device301includes one or more processors303, volatile memory322(e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory328, user interface (UI)323, one or more communications interfaces318, and a communications bus350. One or more of the computing devices301may also be referred to as a computer system.

The user interface323can include a graphical user interface (GUI)324(e.g., a touchscreen, a display, etc.) and one or more input/output (I/O) devices326(e.g., a mouse, a keyboard, a microphone, one or more speakers, one or more cameras, one or more biometric scanners, one or more environmental sensors, and one or more accelerometers, etc.).

The non-volatile memory328stores an operating system315, one or more applications316, and data317such that, for example, computer instructions of the operating system315and/or the applications316are executed by processor(s)303out of the volatile memory322. In some examples, the volatile memory322can include one or more types of RAM and/or a cache memory that can offer a faster response time than a main memory. Data can be entered using an input device of the GUI324or received from the I/O device(s)326. Various elements of the computing device301can communicate via the communications bus350.

The illustrated computing device301is shown merely as an example client device or server and can be implemented by any computing or processing environment with any type of machine or set of machines that can have suitable hardware and/or software capable of operating as described herein.

The processor(s)303can be implemented by one or more programmable processors to execute one or more executable instructions, such as a computer program, to perform the functions of the system. As used herein, the term “processor” describes circuitry that performs a function, an operation, or a sequence of operations. The function, operation, or sequence of operations can be hard coded into the circuitry or soft coded by way of instructions held in a memory device and executed by the circuitry. A processor can perform the function, operation, or sequence of operations using digital values and/or using analog signals.

The processor303can be analog, digital or mixed. In some examples, the processor303can be one or more physical processors, or one or more virtual (e.g., remotely located or cloud) processors. A processor including multiple processor cores and/or multiple processors can provide functionality for parallel, simultaneous execution of instructions or for parallel, simultaneous execution of one instruction on more than one piece of data.

The communications interfaces318can include one or more interfaces to enable the computing device301to access a computer network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a Personal Area Network (PAN), or the Internet through a variety of wired and/or wireless connections, including cellular connections.

In described examples, the computing device301can execute an application on behalf of a user of a client device. For example, the computing device301can execute one or more virtual machines managed by a hypervisor. Each virtual machine can provide an execution session within which applications execute on behalf of a user or a client device, such as a hosted desktop session. The computing device301can also execute a terminal services session to provide a hosted desktop environment. The computing device301can provide access to a remote computing environment including one or more applications, one or more desktop applications, and one or more desktop sessions in which one or more applications can execute.

FIG. 4illustrates an enhanced distributed workspace and file sharing system (e.g., the system100ofFIG. 1) configured for operation within a distributed computing platform (e.g. the network environment201ofFIG. 2). As shown inFIG. 4, the configuration400includes a server computer402, a server computer404, and a client device406. Within the configuration400, the computing devices402,404, and406are communicatively coupled to one another and exchange data via a network (e.g., the networks204and204′ ofFIG. 2).

As shown inFIG. 4, the server402hosts the storage service120and the file storage106. The server404hosts the application service102and the historical data store108. Some examples of processes performed by or involving server404, including location-based application discovery as described herein, are described further below in reference toFIGS. 5-10. The client device406hosts the agent104which maintains the cache118. Many of the components illustrated inFIG. 4are described above with reference toFIG. 1. For purposes of brevity, those descriptions will not be repeated here, but each of the components ofFIG. 1included inFIG. 4are structured and function inFIG. 4as described inFIG. 1.

The configuration400is but one example of many potential configurations that can be used to implement the system100. For example, in some examples, the server404hosts the file sharing service102, the historical data store108, the storage service120, the configuration data store122and the file storage106. However, in other examples, a server distinct from the servers402and404hosts the historical data store108and yet another distinct server hosts the file predictor112. As such, the examples disclosed herein are not limited to the configuration400and other configurations are considered to fall within the scope of this disclosure.

Location-Based Application Discovery

As noted above, to improve or to provide a more specific set of applications based upon a computing device's current location, location-based application discovery can be used. To improve the listing of available applications that are provided to a user, it can be beneficial to match the current location of the user (and, by association, the user's computing device) with any location-based information associated with one or more applications as described herein.

FIG. 5is a flow chart illustrating a process500for location-based application discovery. For example, process500can be implemented by a server such as server404as shown inFIG. 4and described above, the server implementing an application service such as application service102as described herein. As shown inFIG. 5, process500can include receiving505location information from a computing device. For example, the computing device can include client device406as shown inFIG. 4and described above. Upon accessing, for example, a distributed workspace system such as system100, the computing device can provide data to the server, the data including location information. For example, the location information can include GPS information, network specific information such as Wi-Fi network identification information, and other similar location information.

The server can receive the location information and the application service can compare510the location information to metadata for one or more applications associated with, for example, an application store accessible by the application service. The metadata for the one or more applications can include location information for each application, the application location information including one or more indicators of specific geographic locations that are associated with distribution of and user access to the one or more applications. For example, a specific application such as an email service can include location information that indicates the application can be accessed from any geographic location. Other applications such as a shopping application for a specific store can include location information that indicates the application can be accessed from a Wi-Fi network provided by the store or at a specific geographic location (e.g., within 100 feet of the store's location).

The application service can compare510the received location information for the computing device and the application metadata to determine515one or more applications with metadata that matches the location information. For example, as noted above, some applications can include metadata that indicates access is to be provided to the application at any location. Other applications can include more specific criteria such as requiring the computing device to be within a particular distance of a geographic location and/or connected to a particular network. Based upon the location information for the computing device and the application metadata, the application service can determine515a set of applications that the computing device can access based upon the current location of the computing device.

As further shown inFIG. 5, the application service can organize and transmit520a listing of matching applications to the computing device. Upon receipt via, for example, a client agent such as agent104, the computing device can request that the application service launch an instance of one or more specific applications included on the transmitted listing. In some examples, the agent can be configured to work with the application service to automatically launch one or more applications on the listing.

In certain implementations, the application service can pre-launch a virtual application in the background of a distributed workspace for a client device when the device enters a specific geographic location using, for example, a SaaS system as described herein. In such an example, a particular user may not be required to actually download an application to their personal device. Rather, when the user enters a geographic location associated with a particular application as described herein, a virtual version of the application can be launched in the background of their distributed workspace and will become immediately available to the user.

For example,FIG. 11illustrates a sample virtual workspace optimization system (VWO)1100that can be used to provide, for example, a SaaS system that incorporates automatic application launching or pre-launching based upon client device location information. In some examples, the system1100can be configured for operation within a distributed computing platform (e.g. system100as shown inFIG. 1). As shown inFIG. 11, the system1100also implements portions of SaaS system and includes the client devices1102A and1102B and server computers1104A-1104S. Within the configuration1100, the computer systems1102A,1102B, and1104A-1104S are communicatively coupled to one another and exchange data via a one or more networks.

As illustrated inFIG. 11, the client device1102A can be configured to host the client application1110, a user interface1112, and a client agent1128S (e.g., client agent104ofFIG. 1). The client device1102B can be configured to host, for example, an administrative application1132and an administrative interface1134. The server computer1104A can be configured to host an application service1130A (e.g., application service110ofFIG. 1) and a virtualization agent1132A, e.g., an agent configured to launch one or more instances of a virtual application for access by one or more client devices. The server computer1104N can be configured to host an application service1130N and a virtualization agent1132N. The server computer1104Q can be configured to host an application service1130Q and a virtual resource broker1140. The server computer1104S can be configured to host a VWO service1122(e.g., a location-based application service as described herein).

In the example ofFIG. 11, application service processes that constitute location-based application services as described herein can include the client application1110, the virtualization agents1132A-1132N, and the virtual resource broker1140. As shown inFIG. 11, the virtualization agents interoperate with a load balancer (e.g., the broker1140) to register and update the computing resources available for allocation to virtual resources such as virtual instances of location-based applications.

As shown inFIG. 11, the client application1110can interoperate with the virtualization agent1132A to provide a user access to virtual resources hosted by the server computer1104A. In some examples, to allocate and connect to virtual resources such as instances of virtual applications, the client application1110can interoperate with the broker1140via APIs implemented by the broker1140. In one such interoperation, the client application1110, via, for example, the client agent1128S, can request access to a virtual resource, and the broker1140identifies connection information for the virtual resource and returns the connection information to the client application1110. In response to receiving the connection information, the client application1110interoperates with the virtualization agent1132A to establish a connection to the requested virtual resource.

For example, the client device1102A can enter a specific geographic region associated with a location-based application hosted by server computer1104A. The client agent1128S can be configured to transmit the geographic location of the client device1102A to, for example, server computer1104Q. The broker1140can receive the location information including the geographic location of client device1102A and determine which location-based applications are associated with the location information. Based upon the determination, the broker1140can establish one or more connections between the client agent1128S and an appropriate application service. For example, server computer1104A may be configured to host an application associated with a particular store that the client device1102A is approaching. Based upon the current location information for the client device1102A, the broker1140can establish a connection between the application service1130A on the server computer1104A and the client agent1128S on the client device. The client agent1128S can receive, for example, a list of location-based applications available from application service1130A as described herein. Additionally, in some implementations, the application service1130A can pre-launch one or more location-based applications using the virtualization agent1132A such that, if requested by the client application1110of the client device1102A, an instance of the virtual application is already running and the user of the client device experiences little to no delay in accessing the virtual application. When the client device1102A leaves the geographic location associated with one or more applications associated with application service1130A, the virtual instances of those applications, if pre-launched, can be terminated or virtually assigned to another client device in that geographic location. Additional information related to determining location-based applications is provided in the following discussions ofFIGS. 6-10.

Other application services as illustrated inFIG. 11interoperate with one another to prepare for requests for location-based applications. For instance, in some examples, during initialization the virtualization agents1132A-1132N interoperate with the broker1140to register the server computers1104A-1104N with the broker1140.

In some examples, a user and their associated computing device may be moving and, as such, the location information for the computing device can change over time.FIG. 6is a flow chart illustrating a process600for updated location-based application discovery. Similar to process500as described above in regard toFIG. 5, process600can be implemented by a server such as server404as shown inFIG. 4and described above, the server implementing an application service such as application service102as described herein.

As shown inFIG. 6, process600can include receiving605updated location information from a computing device. For example, the computing device can include client device406as shown inFIG. 4and described above. During connection to, for example, a distributed workspace system such as system100, the client agent can be configured to provide updated location information on a set schedule. For example, the client agent can be configured to provide updated location information every 30 seconds, every minute, every two minutes, every five minutes, and every ten minutes. In some examples, the client agent can be configured to provide updated location information when the location information changes for the computing device, thereby indicating a change in location of the computing device. For example, as noted above, the location information can include GPS information, network specific information such as Wi-Fi network identification information, and other similar location information. In certain implementations, the server can provide a threshold or other similar amount of geographic change that is required for the client agent to report a change. For example, the server can provide a threshold of 100 meters. If the client device moves by more than 100 meters, the client agent can provide the updated location information to the server.

The server can receive the updated location information and the application service can determine610if the location of the client device has changed. If the application service determines that the location has not changed, the application service can continue to receive605updated location information. If the application service does determine610that the location information has changed, the application service can compare615the updated location information to the metadata, including application location information as described above, for one or more applications associated with, for example, an application store accessible by the application service.

The application service can compare615the received updated location information for the computing device and the application metadata to determine620one or more new applications with metadata that matches the updated location information should be added to the available application listing. Similarly, the application service can compare615the updated location information against the location information for the applications already included on the available application listing to determine if, for example, any applications already listed on the existing application listing should be removed from the listing. Based upon the updated location information for the computing device and the application metadata, the application service can determine620an updated set of applications that the computing device can access based upon the current location of the computing device.

As further shown inFIG. 6, the application service can organize and transmit625an updated listing of matching applications to the computing device. Upon receipt via, for example, a client agent such as agent104, the computing device can request that the application service launch an instance of one or more specific applications included on the transmitted updated listing. In some examples, the agent can be configured to work with the application service to automatically launch one or more applications on the updated application listing.

To establish and store the metadata associated with each application, including the location information for each application, the metadata can be tagged or otherwise associated with the application when the application is added to the application store. In some examples, an application can be updated to include new or revised application location information such that the metadata associated with the application is updated regularly.FIG. 7shows a flow chart illustrating process700that includes defining application resources and location information. In certain examples, an application service such as application service102, working in concert with an application store such as application store110, can implement some or all of process700as shown inFIG. 7and described below.

As shown inFIG. 7, process700can include defining705one or more application resources. For example, application resources can include physical resources such as required input devices, required memory, required hard drive or other storage access, required display or other outputs, and other similar resources that may be associated with or required by a specific application. Additionally, the resources can include application store information such as application type, application group information, any associated fee information for using an application, and other similar store information.

FIG. 8illustrates a sample application service800having an associated application store805as described herein. As shown inFIG. 8, the application store805can be configured to store information related to all available applications for, for example, a given distributed workspace. In certain implementations, the application store805can include a hierarchy or other similar structure for organizing applications. For example, each application can be configured to be independently available or as part of a group of applications as contained within the application store805.

For example, as shown inFIG. 8, the application store805can include various groups of applications, in this example listed as Group1810A through Group n810n. In certain examples, each application group can include a different set of applications. For example, each of applications APP1815A, APP2815B, and APP n815ncan belong to a different group and be grouped together with other applications. For example, as shown inFIG. 8, Group1810A can include APP1815A and APP n815n. Similarly, Group2810B can include APP1815A, APP2815B, and APP n815n. As further shown inFIG. 8, Group n810ncan include APP2815B and APP n815n.

In some examples, the applications can be organized into groups in the application store805according to particular similarities. For example, each application in any of the individual groups can have common location information for accessing the application. To continue the above examples, each application in Group1810A can have associated location information that indicates the applications can be accessible by a computing device located anywhere, each application in Group2810B can have associated location information that indicates each application is available to a computing device when the computing device is within a particular range of a set of GPS coordinates, and each application in Group n810ncan have associated location information that indicates each application is available to a computing device when the computing device connected to a particular network such as a specific Wi-Fi network.

Referring back toFIG. 7, process700can further include defining710application location information as described herein. The location information can include various details related to where an associated application can be accessed. For example, the location information can include a specific geographic location and range (e.g., within 1 mile of specific GPS coordinates). In another example, the location information can include network information such as a Wi-Fi network ID. In another example, the location information can be provided as a set of boundaries drawn on a map as lines or as a set of points on the map that are translated into a set of boundaries that define a geographic location in which an application can be accessed. For example, the boundaries can define a particular city, a portion within a city such as a specific block, a building, a general area within a building, and other similarly defined areas. In some examples, the boundaries can include additional dimensional information such as a specific floor in a building. For example, for a store in a shopping mall, the store can include boundary information defining the store location when viewed from above as well as floor information to define the store location when the shopping mall is viewed from the side.

As further shown inFIG. 7, process700can further include publishing715the application to the application store. This can include submission of an application template that includes, for example, application data such as information regarding storage of the application, application status information, the application resource information, the application location information, and other similar application information. Depending upon the application store, the published application may go through an automated or manual review process and the application can be made accessible to one or more users of, for example, a distributed workspace. Additionally, process700can include defining720a user and application relationship policy. The user and application relationship policy can include, for example, user requirements for accessing the application (e.g., both physical device requirements as well as user authorization requirements).

As generally described above, location-based application discovery can be used to provide a user with a distributed workspace that includes a set of dynamic applications that can vary depending upon the current location of the user.FIG. 9illustrates a sample overview900of a computing device moving through various geographically or previously defined areas on a map and how location-based application discovery as described herein can provide an enhanced user experience for the user of the computing device.

As shown inFIG. 9, a map900can include various specific geographical regions904a,904b, and904c. As described above, each of the geographical regions can be defined based upon a set of lines or coordinates overlaid on a map such as map900. In other examples, a geographic region can be defined by known geographic features such as city limits, neighborhood borders, building walls, rivers and other natural features, and other similar geographic features.

As further shown inFIG. 9, a computing device906associated with, for example, a user can move through the map900as represented by the dashed arrows placed throughout the map. During the movement, the computing device906can come within range of one or more of the geographical regions904a,904b, and904c. Initially, as shown inFIG. 9, the computing device906is located at position908aand within geographical region904a. During this time, the computing device can access a distributed workspace910a. As shown inFIG. 9, workspace910aincludes a set of fixed applications.

At some point in time, the computing device906can move from position908ato position908band provide updated location information to the application service of the distributed workspace system (e.g., provide updated GPS information). At position908b, the computing device906can be within range of geographical region904b. As shown inFIG. 9, geographical region904bis associated with a set of location-based applications912. In order to provide a set of applications to the computing device906, the application service can determine which, if any, of the applications912are to be provided to the computing device906. For example, in order to receive some applications912, the user of the computing device906may require a subscription to a particular service or to have previously purchased the application. The application service can determine which, if any, applications912the user has access to and create a listing914of applications to be provided to the computing device906. As shown inFIG. 9, workspace910bcan be updated to include the location-based applications912that were included on the listing914. The user of the computing device906can access the workspace910bwhile in or near (e.g., within 50 feet of) geographical region904b.

As the computing device906continues to move through the map900, the computing device can move to position908cand provide updated location information to the application service of the distributed workspace system (e.g., provide updated GPS information). As shown inFIG. 9, at position908c, the computing device is not within, or in range of, any of the defined geographical regions904a,904b, or904c. As such, at position908c, the computing device can display workspace910cwhich includes the set of fixed applications and no location-based applications.

As further shown inFIG. 9, the computing device906can move to a fourth position908d. and provide updated location information to the application service of the distributed workspace system (e.g., provide updated GPS information). At position908d, the computing device906is within geographical region904c. As shown inFIG. 9, geographical region904cis associated with a set of location-based applications916. In order to provide a set of applications to the computing device906, the application service can determine which, if any, of the applications916are to be provided to the computing device906and create a listing918of applications to be provided to the computing device906. As shown inFIG. 9, workspace910dcan be updated to include the location-based applications916that were included on the listing918. The user of the computing device906can access the workspace910dwhile in or near (e.g., within 50 feet of) geographical region904c.

It should be noted that the map and sample geographical regions as shown inFIG. 9are provided by way of example only. In some examples, as noted above, the defined geographical regions can be more detailed or precise such as a floor of a building or a room within a building. In such examples, more specific location information such as network connectivity information or Bluetooth beacon connectivity information can be used to provide a more detailed position that can be obtained through GPS coordinates.

FIG. 10illustrates a sample view of a workspace1000. In some examples, workspace1000can represent workspaces910a,910b,910c, and910das described above in the discussion ofFIG. 9. As shown in workspace1000, a directory1002can be included for easier navigation of the workspace. For example, the directory1002can be arranged as a hierarchical tree and include navigation inputs for home, applications, desktops, and files. The workspace1000can also include a set of fixed applications1004. As noted above, the fixed applications can include applications that are not location-based and are provided in the workspace at all times. For example, the set1004can include a text editing application such as a notepad1006aand an email service1006b. It should be noted that the fixed applications as shown in the set1004are provided by way of example only. In some implementations, the set1004can include various fixed applications such as a spreadsheet editor application, a presentation application, a chat application, an image viewer application, a calculator application, and other similar and common applications that are generally not associated with any specific location as described herein.

As further shown inFIG. 10, the workspace1000can include a first dynamic application set1008. For example, the applications contained within set1008can be location-based and provided in the workspace1000when a computing device accessing the workspace enters a particular geographical region associated with the applications contained within set1008. As shown inFIG. 10, the set1008can include a market application1010aand a parking application1010b. In some examples, an application can have an associated cost. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, parking application1010bincludes a fee of one dollar per minute to access parking. A user of the computing device accessing workspace1000can have a previously set up account for paying for a particular application or can access payment information within the individual application.

As also shown inFIG. 10, the workspace1000can include a second dynamic application set1012. For example, the applications contained within set1012can be location-based and provided in the workspace1000when a computing device accessing the workspace enters a particular geographical region associated with the applications contained within set1012. As shown inFIG. 10, the set1012can include a game application1014. As noted above, individual applications can have an associated fee that requires payment by a user of the application.

It should be noted that dynamic application set1008and dynamic application set1012are shown simultaneously in workspace1000by way of example only. In actual implementation, depending upon the current location of the computing device accessing workspace1000, only one of the dynamic application sets may be shown at the same time. However, in some examples, depending upon the applications included in each of the sets1008and1012and the current location of the computing device accessing the workspace1000, both dynamic application sets can be displayed. For example, set1008can be a set of dynamic applications associated with a building such as a shopping mall. When a computing device is within the shopping mall, applications associated with the shopping mall such as a parking application, a map application, an events calendar application, and other similar applications can be included in set1008and provided to the user in workspace1008. In addition, set1012can include one or more dynamic applications that are associated with a particular location within the shopping mall. For example, the set1012can include one or more applications associated with restaurants within a food court in the shopping mall. When the computing device accessing the workspace1000enters the food court, set1012can be added to the workspace to provide access to one or more applications associated with individual restaurants within the food court.

It should also be noted that the layout and applications as shown in workspace1000is provided by way of example only. Depending upon the available resources and implementation of workspace1000(e.g., whether on a laptop computing device, a tablet computing device, a smartphone, or other similar computing devices) the layout and accessibility of the workspace may be altered to accommodate the display and functions of the computing device accessing the workspace1000.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Any references to examples, components, elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular can also embrace examples including a plurality, and any references in plural to any example, component, element or act herein can also embrace examples including only a singularity. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements. The use herein of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. References to “or” can be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” can indicate any of a single, more than one, and all of the described terms. In addition, in the event of inconsistent usages of terms between this document and documents incorporated herein by reference, the term usage in the incorporated references is supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the term usage in this document controls.