Hardware Unit-Based License Management Method
First Claim
1. A method for licensing at least one hardware resource for use by a customer computer, the at least one hardware resource provided by an application service provider (ASP) distinct from the customer computer, the method comprising:
- providing licensed units to a customer;
assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource; and
determining whether the customer can utilize the at least one hardware resource based on the licensed units provided to the customer and the ASP assigned hardware units for the assigned to the at least one hardware resource.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a method for licensing at least one hardware resource for use by a customer computer, the at least one hardware resource provided by an application service provider (ASP) distinct from the customer computer. The method includes providing licensed units to a customer, assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource, and determining whether the customer can utilize the at least one hardware resource using the licensed units provided to the customer and the ASP assigned hardware units for the assigned to the at least one hardware resource.
99 Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for licensing at least one hardware resource for use by a customer computer, the at least one hardware resource provided by an application service provider (ASP) distinct from the customer computer, the method comprising:
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providing licensed units to a customer; assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource; and determining whether the customer can utilize the at least one hardware resource based on the licensed units provided to the customer and the ASP assigned hardware units for the assigned to the at least one hardware resource. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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13. For use in a customer computer network (CON) having at least one node capable of executing digital content on at least one of the CCN and an application service provider (ASP), the ASP providing at least one hardware resource, a licensing method comprising:
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providing licensed units to a customer; assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource; charging a number of checked out units to the CCN based on ASP hardware resources currently being utilized by the customer; receiving a request to utilize a hardware resource provided by the ASP; determining a number of available units equal to the difference between the total licensed units to the customer and the total checked out units charged to the CCN; and determining whether the requested hardware resource is to be utilized based on the difference between the available units on the customer computer network requesting the hardware resource and ASP assigned hardware units of the requested hardware resource. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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22. For use in a customer computer network having at least one node capable of executing digital content on at least one of the customer computer network (CCN) and an application service provider (ASP) providing at least one hardware resource, a licensing method comprising:
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providing licensed units to a customer; providing independently selectable digital content; assigning a predetermined number of ASP assigned hardware units to the at least one hardware resource; charging a number of checked out units to the CCN at least based on ASP hardware resources currently being utilized to run digital content on the ASP; receiving a request to utilize a hardware resource provided by the ASP to execute a selected digital content; determining a number of available units equal to the difference between the total licensed units to the customer and the total checked out units charged to the CCN; and determining whether the requested hardware resource is to be utilized or denied utilization based on the difference between the available units on the customer computer network requesting the hardware resource and the ASP assigned hardware units of the requested hardware resource.
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Specification