Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method, and corresponding system to implement the method, for managing access to concurrent software licenses at a licensee facility includes the steps of (i) determining whether a user has a valid software license to run a software application using a license management system (or a license server); and (ii) permitting a recognized user to run the software application (optionally with a punishment) if the license server is inaccessible. The permitting step can be performed only if the user has previously been authorized with a license management system. The punishment can be, for example, a time delay imposed between when the user attempts to run the software application and when the recognized user is permitted to run the software application. The time delay can be stored on a local workstation used by the user, as for example, an encrypted code key in a register of the local workstation. The punishment can be increased if the user subsequently attempts to run the application without authorization from the license server. The punishment can also be reduced if the user subsequently is validly authorized to run the software application using the license server. Other punishments such as impeding software operation, or limiting or modifying functionality of the software can be used.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim