Method and apparatus for controlling access to debugging software
First Claim
1. A method of controlling access to debugging software for debugging a software code that controls one or more network devices, the method comprising:
- developing, by a vendor, a first software module that comprises;
a functional portion for day-to-day management and configuration of one or more network devices; and
a debugging portion for debugging and troubleshooting the functional portion;
forming a second software module by removing at least a first part of the debugging portion from the first software module;
shipping the second software module to a customer; and
providing, after the second software module has been shipped to the customer, at least a second part of the debugging portion for debugging the second software module.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A software module includes a functional portion for day-to-day management and configuration of one or more network devices. During the development of the functional portion, the software module also includes a debugging portion, used primarily for debugging and troubleshooting the functional portion. Customer access to the debugging portion is limited in various ways. The functional portion may be shipped to customers without the debugging portion, or at least without most of the debugging portion. The debugging portion (or part of the debugging portion) may be provided only on an “as-needed” basis. If part of the debugging portion is shipped with the functional portion, special permission may be required to “unlock” that part. Part of the debugging portion may be provided separately from the functional portion, for example in the form of a downloadable plug-in. Moreover, access to commands for controlling the debugging portion is limited.
22 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of controlling access to debugging software for debugging a software code that controls one or more network devices, the method comprising:
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developing, by a vendor, a first software module that comprises; a functional portion for day-to-day management and configuration of one or more network devices; and a debugging portion for debugging and troubleshooting the functional portion; forming a second software module by removing at least a first part of the debugging portion from the first software module; shipping the second software module to a customer; and providing, after the second software module has been shipped to the customer, at least a second part of the debugging portion for debugging the second software module. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A debug plug-in for controlling a computing device to perform troubleshooting and debugging operations, the debug plug-in formed according to the following process:
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developing a first software module that comprises; a functional portion for day-to-day management and configuration of one or more network devices; and a debugging portion for debugging and troubleshooting the functional portion; removing files from at least a part of the debugging portion; and storing the removed files in a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is provided to the customer after the first software module has been shipped to the customer. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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- 14. A network device having a first software module comprising a functional portion that includes software for day-to-day management and configuration of the network device, the network device configured to download a plug-in comprising a second software module for debugging the first software module, the second software module comprising first software module development software, said second software module subsequently removed after development of the first software module and provided to a customer after the first software module has been shipped to the customer.
Specification