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Understanding usage restrictions

All RMS enabled applications must enforce usage restrictions. A usage restriction is a condition that results when a user tries to take an action (ex. printing a document), but the RMS policy for that document does not grant them permission or right to perform that action (ex. the PRINT right).

A user's permissions for a document can be queried by using the IpcAccessCheck function.

Understanding usage restrictions

  • Familiarize yourself with standard RMS rights

    For the full set of RMS rights your application may enforce, see Usage restriction reference.

    Note that application defined rights specific to your situation and that go beyond the standard RMS rights may be created.

  • Identify usage restriction enforcement points

    A usage restriction enforcement point is a place in your application's control flow where you need to enforce a usage restriction. The Usage restriction reference topic gives several examples of common enforcement points.

    Evaluate your own application to determine which usage restriction enforcement points apply.

    Your application may not need all enforcement points described in Usage restriction reference. For example, if your application does not allow users to print content, it does not need to check for the IPC_GENERIC_PRINT right.

  • Update your code to perform an access check at each enforcement point

    For guidance about how to enforce specific rights, see Usage restriction reference.

IpcAccessCheck

Usage restriction reference