Method and apparatus for ensuring an allowable client configuration for an application

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for ensuring an allowable client configuration for an application, the method comprising:

• sending a request to a server from a client to access the application;
• in response to the request, receiving an analysis application from the server at the client;
• executing the analysis application on the client, wherein the analysis application gathers configuration data that specifies a present configuration of the client;
• sending the configuration data to the server;
• examining the present configuration at the server to determine whether the client has an allowable configuration that allows the application to execute on the client based on pre-established criteria;
• if the present configuration indicates the client has the allowable configuration, allowing the client to execute the application;
• and
• if the present configuration indicates the client does not have an allowable configuration,
• determining if configuration settings at the client can be changed so that the client has an allowable configuration, and
• if so, changing configuration so that the client has an allowable configuration.

An apparatus for ensuring an allowable client configuration for an application, comprising:

• a sending mechanism configured to send a request to a server from a client to access the application;
• a receiving mechanism configured to receive an analysis application from the server at the client in response to the request;
• an executing mechanism configured to execute the analysis application on the client, wherein the analysis application gathers configuration data that specifies a present configuration of the client;
• a sending mechanism configured to send the configuration data to the server;
• an examining mechanism configured to examine the present configuration at the server to determine whether the client has an allowable configuration that allows the application to execute on the client based on pre-established criteria;
• an application execution mechanism configured to allow the client to execute the application if the present configuration indicates the client has the allowable configuration,
• a determining mechanism configured to determine if configuration settings at the client can be changed so that the client has an allowable configuration;
• and
• a changing mechanism configured to change the configuration so that the client has an allowable configuration.