Abstract: Computer networks can have excessively varied configurations, hence the ability to easily discover and access services within a networked computing environment has become indispensable to modern business. As a result, systems such as ZeroConfiguration (ZeroConfig) have been introduced to make services such as printing more seamless. ZeroConfig enables a service (such as a printing service) to be discovered in a straightforward manner to user devices wishing to use the service without any configuration on the part of a user or administrator. While this is advantageous in some environments, in others, service visibility becomes too widespread. Hence, a system and method is provided for controlled visibility service discovery and subsequent service execution. The system and method allow only authorized users to discover services from their user device using ZeroConfig as the underlying technology. In this way benefits of systems such as ZeroConfig can be maintained while providing service visibility control.

Abstract: Computer networks can have excessively varied configurations, hence the ability to easily discover and access services within a networked computing environment has become indispensable to modern business. As a result, systems such as ZeroConfiguration (ZeroConfig) have been introduced to make services such as printing more seamless. ZeroConfig enables a service (such as a printing service) to be discovered in a straightforward manner to user devices wishing to use the service without any configuration on the part of a user or administrator. While this is advantageous in some environments, in others, service visibility becomes too widespread. Hence, a system and method is provided for controlled visibility service discovery and subsequent service execution. The system and method allow only authorized users to discover services from their user device using ZeroConfig as the underlying technology. In this way benefits of systems such as ZeroConfig can be maintained while providing service visibility control.