A scalable parametric-RBAC architecture for the propagation of a multi-modality, multi-resource informatics system

Abstract

We present a scalable architecture called X-MIMI for the propagation of MIMI (Multi-modality, Multi-resource, Informatics Infrastructure System) to the biomedical research community. MIMI is a web-based system for managing the latest instruments and resources used by clinical and translational investigators. To deploy MIMI broadly, X-MIMI utilizes a parametric Role-Based Access Control model to decentralize the management of user-role assignment, facilitating the deployment and system administration in a flexible manner that minimizes operational overhead. We use Formal Concept Analysis to specify the semantics of roles according to their permissions, resulting in a lattice hierarchy that dictates the cascades of RBAC authority. Additional components of the architecture are based on the Model-View-Controller pattern, implemented in Ruby-on-Rails. The X-MIMI architecture provides a uniform setup interface for centers and facilities, as well as a set of seamlessly integrated scientific and administrative functionalities in a Web 2.0 environment. © 2009 Springer Berlin Heidelberg.