Enforced seat-based licensing
US7849017B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/06
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for enforcing seat-based licensing is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a license server stores a license count, a value which indicates how many licenses are available for a particular software application. At installation, an installation launcher queries the license server to determine if a license is available for the software application. If a license is available, the software is installed and the license count is decreased. At uninstall, the license count is increased to free up a license for any system on the network. In this manner, a licensor or a system administrator may keep electronic records of software installations and of how many licenses are used. The methods and system also allow for automated enforcement of a seat-based licensing scheme.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.