Charge management system, charge management method, and charge management program

Abstract

To provide a charging management system, charging management method, and charging management program which accelerate update of software by a customer himself or herself.SOLUTION: A charging management system includes an accepting unit 121, a calculation unit 122, and a determination unit 123. The accepting unit 121 accepts an update achievement transmitted from an apparatus management server 21. The determination unit 123 determines whether or not a customer himself or herself has performed update operation on the basis of the update achievement accepted by the accepting unit 121. When a person who has performed the update operation of software of the maintenance object apparatus 20 used by the customer is the customer himself or herself, the calculation unit 122 calculates a discount amount for a charging amount for the usage of the maintenance object apparatus 20 on the basis of at least one pieces of operation information of implementation of the update operation by the customer himself or herself, time of the update operation, and the number of times of the update operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a billing management system, a billing management method, and a billing management program. [Background technology]

[0002] A system is known that reduces the time and cost of computer maintenance work and also discounts the maintenance fee for a computer depending on the execution record of a diagnostic program for the computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).In addition, a technology is known that calculates a discount rate for the cost of periodic inspections (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-086821 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-178155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In some cases, services that rent out equipment such as servers and switches to customers may charge customers based on the actual usage of the equipment (for example, the amount of time used or the number of units used).Some equipment may require maintenance work such as software updates to improve security.

[0005] When equipment requiring maintenance (hereafter referred to as equipment subject to maintenance) is loaned to a customer, it is desirable to update the software promptly to avoid security issues. Software updates may be performed by the customer themselves, or by maintenance personnel dispatched to the customer's location by the service provider.

[0006] When software updates are performed by maintenance personnel, the customer incurs a work fee. For this reason, it is conceivable that customers will update the software themselves without requesting the service provider to perform the maintenance work. However, if customers leave software updates up to themselves, there is a risk that they will forget to update and will not be able to update promptly.

[0007] Therefore, in one aspect, an object of the present invention is to provide an accounting management system, an accounting management method, and an accounting management program that enable customers to update software themselves more quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In one embodiment, the billing management system is configured to manage software for the maintenance target equipment used by the customer. The software is based on the update history of the maintenance target equipment, including the customer name of the customer, transmitted from a device management server that manages the software. The updater is the customer himself. a decision unit that decides whether the person who performs the update operation is the customer himself / herself, or a service provider that rents out the maintenance target device to the customer and provides a service; In the case of Update your software Operation information regarding the execution of an update operation, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times the update operation was performed a cost incurred when the customer arranges for the service provider, and a plurality of types of discount amounts for the cost, which are set according to the implementation of the renewal operation, the timing of the renewal operation, and the number of times of the renewal operation; A computer calculates a discount amount for the charge for the use of the equipment to be maintained based on the above. a calculation unit; . [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] It allows customers to update their software themselves more quickly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a billing management system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a billing management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of a billing management system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of a registration information table. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an example of a distribution rate table. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a regular discount, an early bird discount, and a special discount. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a discount amount table. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of an update count table. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of a pool money table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of the functional configuration of the device management server. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of the configuration information. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of the operation information. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the device management server. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the first process executed by the billing management system. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal discount calculation process. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the early discount calculation process. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the special discount calculation process. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing another example of the process executed by the device management server. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of the discount amount screen. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the second process executed by the billing management system. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the third process executed by the billing management system. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows an example of the billing screen. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the early discount calculation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1, the billing management system 100 is installed in a data center DC that provides cloud services together with multiple information processing systems 150 that have functions other than the billing management system 100. An example of a cloud service is a hybrid cloud service that includes a public cloud and a private cloud. The billing management system 100 and the multiple information processing systems 150 are connected to each other by a wired communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The billing management system 100 and the multiple information processing systems 150 are also connected to a communication network NW1. The communication network NW1 can be, for example, the Internet.

[0013] An administrator terminal 10 is connected to the communication network NW1. In FIG. 1, a PC (Personal Computer) is shown as an example of the administrator terminal 10, but it may also be a smart device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. The administrator terminal 10 is installed at a base X1 of a service provider. The service provider in this embodiment is a business that provides a service of renting various information devices such as servers, switches, and storage to customers. The administrator terminal 10 is operated by an administrator P1 who manages the operation and services of the billing management system 100. The billing management system 100 is monitored by the administrator P1 via the administrator terminal 10.

[0014] In addition to the administrator terminal 10, a communication network NW2 is also connected to the communication network NW1. The communication network NW2 includes a wired communication network such as a LAN. A wireless communication network may be used as part of the communication network NW2. The communication network NW2 is deployed at a customer's base X2 that rents the various information devices described above from the service provider. The various information devices rented to the customer from the service provider are connected to the communication network NW2 as maintenance target devices 20. It can be said that the various information devices are included in the maintenance target devices 20. From the viewpoint of improving security, various maintenance tasks, including software updates, are required for the maintenance target devices 20. The customer may be a corporate customer or an individual customer. The software may be firmware or a driver.

[0015] In addition to the maintenance target devices 20, a device management server 21 and a customer terminal 22 are also connected to the communication network NW2. The device management server 21 is a device that manages the maintenance target devices 20 and requests the maintenance target devices 20 to update software in response to instructions from the customer terminal 22. When a software update is requested, the maintenance target devices 20 acquire (specifically, download) the latest software from the device management server 21 and update the current software installed therein to the latest software. When a software update is requested, the latest software may be acquired from the information processing system 150 and the current software may be updated to the latest software. Note that the customer terminal 22 is a terminal operated by the corporate customer's representative P2 in the case of a corporate customer, and is a terminal operated by the individual customer in the case of an individual customer. While a PC is shown as an example of the customer terminal 22 in FIG. 1, the customer terminal 22 may also be the smart device described above.

[0016] In this way, software updates may be performed by the customer themselves, including by the person in charge P2, or, if the customer requests a service provider, by a maintenance worker P3 dispatched from the service provider to the customer's location. When a software update is requested, the maintenance worker P3 brings a recording medium containing the latest software and performs maintenance work, including the software update. When maintenance work is performed, a work fee is incurred according to the maintenance work.

[0017] Next, the hardware configuration of the billing management system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 2. The hardware configurations of the administrator terminal 10, the maintenance target device 20, the device management server 21, the customer terminal 22, and the information processing system 150 are basically the same as those of the billing management system 100, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] Billing management system 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100A as a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory) 100B and ROM (Read Only Memory) 100C as memories, and a network interface (I / F) 100D. Billing management system 100 may also include at least one of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 100E, an input I / F 100F, an output I / F 100G, an input / output I / F 100H, and a drive device 100I, as necessary. The CPU 100A to the drive device 100I are interconnected by an internal bus 100J.

[0019] An input device 710 is connected to the input I / F 100F. Examples of the input device 710 include a keyboard and a mouse (not shown). A display device 720 is connected to the output I / F 100G. Examples of the display device 720 include an LCD display. A semiconductor memory 730 is connected to the input / output I / F 100H. Examples of the semiconductor memory 730 include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a flash memory. The input / output I / F 100H reads a program stored in the semiconductor memory 730. The input I / F 100F and the input / output I / F 100H each include, for example, a USB port. The output I / F 100G includes, for example, a display port.

[0020] A portable recording medium 740 is inserted into the drive device 100I. The portable recording medium 740 may be a removable disk such as a CD (Compact Disc)-ROM or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). The drive device 100I reads a program recorded on the portable recording medium 740. The network I / F 100D includes, for example, a LAN port. The network I / F 100D is connected to the above-mentioned communication network NW1 (see FIG. 1).

[0021] The above-mentioned RAM 100B temporarily stores programs stored in the ROM 100C and HDD 100E by the CPU 100A. The RAM 100B temporarily stores programs recorded on the portable recording medium 740 by the CPU 100A. By executing the stored programs, the CPU 100A realizes various functions described below and executes various processes described below. The programs may correspond to the flowcharts described below.

[0022] Next, the functional configuration of the billing management system 100 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 9. Note that Figure 3 shows the main functions of the billing management system 100.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the billing management system 100 includes a storage unit 110, a processing unit 120, and a communication unit 130. The storage unit 110 can be realized by one or both of the RAM 100B and the HDD 100E described above. The processing unit 120 can be realized by the CPU 100A described above. The communication unit 130 can be realized by the network I / F 100D described above. Therefore, the storage unit 110, the processing unit 120, and the communication unit 130 are connected to one another.

[0024] Here, the storage unit 110 includes a registration information storage unit 111 , a distribution rate storage unit 112 , a discount amount storage unit 113 , an update count storage unit 114 , and a pooled money storage unit 115 .

[0025] As shown in FIG. 4, the registration information storage unit 111 stores various pieces of registration information in association with one another using a registration information table T1. The registration information is registered from the administrator terminal 10 based on the operation of the administrator P1. The registration information includes, for example, the customer name, the target device, the latest software, the release date, and the arrangement fee. The customer name may be the name of the customer or the customer's full name. The target device represents an identifier that identifies the model of the information device included in the maintenance target device 20. The latest software represents an identifier associated with the latest software that updates the maintenance target device 20. The release date represents the date on which the latest software was released. The arrangement fee represents the cost incurred when arranging for the maintenance worker P3. The arrangement fee may be appropriately changed, such as by increasing or decreasing, depending on the customer. In this way, the administrator terminal 10 registers various pieces of registration information in the registration information table T1 based on the operation of the administrator P1.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 5, the distribution rate storage unit 112 stores various pieces of distribution rate information in association with one another using a distribution rate table T2. The distribution rate information is set from the administrator terminal 10 based on the operation of the administrator P1. Examples of distribution rate information include discount type, initial distribution rate, normal distribution rate, and discount frequency. The discount type represents the type of discount to be applied by multiplying the arrangement fee described above by the discount amount described below and deducting the calculated amount from the customer's usage fee based on the usage history of the maintenance target equipment 20. Examples of discount types include a normal discount, an early bird discount, and a special discount. Discount types other than these may also be used.

[0027] The regular discount is a discount that is applied when the customer performs the update operation themselves without arranging for a maintenance worker P3. The early discount is a discount that is applied when the update operation is performed within a predetermined period after the latest software is released. The predetermined period corresponds to a period that defines a prompt period. In this embodiment, the predetermined period is described as one month, but it can be determined appropriately depending on the design, such as 0.5 months (two weeks) or three months, and the predetermined period may also be changed depending on the settings. The special discount is a discount that is applied, for example, when the number of update operations is the first time (i.e., the first time) and when the number of update operations reaches a predetermined unit number from the second time onwards.

[0028] Here, we will explain in detail the relationship between the three types of discounts and the usage fee. For example, if the basic fee is x yen, the usage fee is y yen, the arrangement fee is 10,000 yen, and the usage fee is z yen, when maintenance worker P3 performs the update work, no discount will be applied. Therefore, the usage fee will be calculated as follows: z=x+y+10,000(arrangement fee)

[0029] On the other hand, if the customer performs the update work themselves, without the maintenance worker P3 performing the work, no arrangement fee will be incurred. In this case, a normal discount of, for example, 2,500 yen will be applied. Therefore, the usage fee will be calculated as follows: z=x+y-2,500(normal discount)

[0030] In addition, if an early bird discount of, for example, -2,500 yen is applied in addition to the regular discount, the usage fee will be calculated as follows: z=x+y-2,500(regular discount)-2,500(early discount)

[0031] Furthermore, if a special discount of, for example, -5,000 yen is applied in addition to the regular discount and early discount, the usage fee will be calculated as follows: z=x+y-2,500(regular discount)-2,500(early bird discount)-5,000(special discount)

[0032] The initial distribution rate represents the discount amount (specifically, the discount rate) applied when the update operation is performed for the first time. As shown in FIG. 5, the initial distribution rate sets a discount amount of "25%" for the regular discount, a discount amount of "25%" for the early bird discount, and a discount amount of "50%" for the special discount. Therefore, when the regular discount is applied alone, the amount "2,500 yen" obtained by multiplying the arrangement fee by the discount amount "25%" as the first discount amount is deducted from the usage fee based on the usage history of the maintenance target device 20. When two discounts, the regular discount and the early bird discount, are applied, the amount "5,000 yen" obtained by multiplying the arrangement fee by the total discount amount "50%" as the second discount amount, which is larger than the first discount amount, is deducted from the usage fee based on the usage history of the maintenance target device 20. When the three discounts of the regular discount, early bird discount, and special discount are applied, the total discount amount "100%" which is the sum of the three discount amounts is multiplied by the arrangement fee, and the resulting amount "10,000 yen" is deducted from the usage fee according to the usage record of the maintenance target device 20. These discount amounts may be determined appropriately depending on the operation and settings.

[0033] The normal distribution rate represents the amount of discount applied when the renewal operation is performed twice or more. As shown in Figure 5, the normal distribution rate sets the discount amount to "25%" for the normal discount, "25%" for the early bird discount, and "25%" for the special discount. These discount amounts can be determined appropriately depending on the operation and configuration. The normal discount and early bird discount are applied each time a renewal operation is performed and deducted from the usage fee, while the special discount is applied all at once and deducted from the usage fee when the number of renewal operations reaches a certain number, as described below. For example, if the renewal operation is the second time, two discounts, the normal discount and the early bird discount, are applied, and a total discount amount of "50%," which is the sum of the two discount amounts, is applied. The amount multiplied by the arrangement fee, "5,000 yen," is deducted from the usage fee. In this case, the discount amount "2,500 yen," equivalent to the special discount amount "25%," is managed as a special discount pool, as described below. The same applies to the third through fifth renewal operations as for the second renewal operation.

[0034] The discount frequency represents a predetermined unit number of update operations from the second time onwards. In this embodiment, the discount frequency is set to "5". Therefore, when the update operation is from the second time onwards, a special discount is applied when the update operation is the sixth, eleventh, sixteenth, etc., and the discount amount registered as the special discount pool is deducted from the usage fee. The discount frequency may be determined appropriately depending on the operation and settings. In this way, applying a special discount according to a predetermined unit number of times is likely to motivate customers to manually repeat the update operation themselves.

[0035] Therefore, according to distribution rate table T2, as shown in FIG. 6, if the update operation count is the first time (first time), the amount "10,000 yen" obtained by multiplying the arrangement fee "10,000 yen" incurred in arranging maintenance worker P3 by the total discount amount "100%" is deducted from the usage fee. If the update operation count is between the second and fifth times, the discount amount when the special discount is applied is managed as a special discount pool, and the amount "5,000 yen" obtained by multiplying the arrangement fee "10,000 yen" incurred in arranging maintenance worker P3 by the total discount amount "50%" is deducted from the usage fee. If the update operation count is the sixth time, the discount amount "50%" of the arrangement fee "10,000 yen" incurred in arranging maintenance worker P3 is deducted from the usage fee, and furthermore, the special discount pool amount "10,000 yen" for the four times from the second to fifth times is also deducted from the usage fee.

[0036] 7, the discount amount storage unit 113 stores the discount amount for each discount type in a discount amount table T3, associating it with the customer name, target device, and latest software. The discount amount is calculated by the calculation unit 122, which will be described later, based on the arrangement costs in the registration information table T1 and the discount amounts and discount frequencies in the distribution rate table T2. The discount amount is then registered in the discount amount table T3 together with the customer name, target device, and latest software in the registration information table T1.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 8, the update count storage unit 114 stores the software version from last month, the software version from this month, and the number of updates in association with the customer name and the target device in an update count table T4. The number of updates indicates the number of times the customer has updated the software. The update count is updated by the reception unit 121, which will be described later, based on the update history sent from the device management server 21. The calculation unit 122 can determine whether to apply a special discount based on the number of updates.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9, the pooled money storage unit 115 stores the special discount pooled money in association with the customer name and the target device in the pooled money table T5. The special discount pooled money is a discount amount that is pooled (accumulated) when the number of update operations has not yet reached a predetermined number of units. The special discount is recorded as a discount amount each time the predetermined number of units is reached, so for the second, third, and other times when the predetermined number of units has not yet been reached, the discount amount discounted at that time is registered as the special discount pooled money. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the total amount of "7,500 yen" for three times the discount amount "2,500 yen," which corresponds to the special discount amount of "25%" for the second through fourth times, is registered in the pooled money table T5 as the special discount pooled money. When the renewal operation reaches the fifth time, the total amount of "7,500 yen" will be updated to "10,000 yen", and when the renewal operation reaches the sixth time, this total amount of "10,000 yen" will be deducted from the usage fee along with the regular discount and early discount amounts.

[0039] Returning to Fig. 3, the processing unit 120 will be described in detail. The processing unit 120 includes a receiving unit 121, a calculation unit 122, a determination unit 123, and a presentation unit 124. The receiving unit 121 receives device information transmitted from the device management server 21. The device information includes configuration information relating to the configuration of each information device included in the maintenance target device 20 and operation information indicating the operation status of each information device. Details of the configuration information and operation information will be described later. When existing software installed in the maintenance target device 20 is updated to the latest software, the receiving unit 121 also receives the update history transmitted from the device management server 21.

[0040] When the person who performs the update operation to update the software of the maintenance target device 20 used by the customer is the customer himself, the calculation unit 122 calculates a discount amount for the billing amount (usage amount) associated with the use of the maintenance target device 20 based on operation information of the update operation such as the implementation of the update operation by the customer himself, the timing of the update operation, and the number of update operations (hereinafter referred to as the number of update operations). The calculation unit 122 may calculate the discount amount based on all operation information of the update operation such as the implementation of the update operation by the customer himself, the timing of the update operation, and the number of update operations. The determination unit 123 and the presentation unit 124 included in the processing unit 120 will be described in detail later.

[0041] Next, the functional configuration of the device management server 21 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 12. Note that Fig. 10 shows the main functions of the device management server 21.

[0042] 10, the device management server 21 includes a storage unit 51, a processing unit 52, and a communication unit 53. The hardware configurations of the storage unit 51, the processing unit 52, and the communication unit 53 are basically the same as the storage unit 110, the processing unit 120, and the communication unit 130 of the billing management system 100, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 10, the storage unit 51, the processing unit 52, and the communication unit 53 are connected to one another.

[0043] Here, the storage unit 51 includes a device information storage unit 61. Meanwhile, the processing unit 52 includes a collection unit 62 and an update unit 63. The device information storage unit 61 stores device information of various information devices included in the maintenance target device 20. As described above, the device information includes configuration information and operation information, and therefore, in other words, the device information storage unit 61 stores configuration information and operation information. The configuration information is information that compiles the configuration of each information device, such as a server or storage (e.g., CPU, memory, capacity, etc.), as shown in FIG. 11. The operation information is information that compiles the operation status of each information device (e.g., power status, storage usage, etc.), as shown in FIG. 12. The operation information is generated by each information device at regular intervals.

[0044] The collection unit 62 collects the above-mentioned device information of the maintenance target device 20, transmits the collected device information to the billing management system 100 periodically (for example, every few minutes), and saves the device information in the device information storage unit 61. As a result, the device information storage unit 61 stores the device information. When the collection unit 62 is notified of an update record from the update unit 63, it transmits the update record to the billing management system 100. When the update unit 63 receives the latest software and the discount amount transmitted from the billing management system 100, it displays a discount amount screen on the customer terminal 22 notifying the customer of an update to the latest software and the discount amount. When the update unit 63 detects a predetermined operation from the customer terminal 22 requesting an update to the latest software with a discount applied, the update unit 63 updates the maintenance target device 20 to the latest software and notifies the collection unit 62 of the update record. As a result, the collection unit 62 can transmit the update record to the billing management system 100.

[0045] Next, an example of processing executed by the collection unit 62 of the device management server 21 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] The collection unit 62 periodically or non-periodically collects device information from the maintenance target device 20 (step S1). As described above, the device information includes configuration information (see FIG. 11) and operation information (see FIG. 12). After collecting the device information, the collection unit 62 stores the device information in the device information storage unit 61 (step S2). As will be described in detail later, the update unit 63 updates the maintenance target device 20 using the configuration information, not the operation information. For this reason, the collection unit 62 may store the configuration information without storing the operation information included in the device information. After storing the device information, the collection unit 62 periodically transmits the device information to the billing management system 100 (step S3), and ends the process. This allows the billing management system 100 to accept the device information.

[0047] Next, an example of the first process executed by the billing management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0048] When the device information is transmitted from the device management server 21, the receiving unit 121 receives the device information (step S11). Upon receiving the device information, the receiving unit 121 identifies the usage history (e.g., usage time, number of units used, etc.) of the maintenance target device 20 based on the operation information included in the device information, and notifies the presentation unit 124 of the usage history together with the configuration information included in the device information. The receiving unit 121 also notifies the calculation unit 122 of the configuration information included in the device information.

[0049] When the device information is received, the calculation unit 122 waits until it receives registration information (step S12: NO). When the calculation unit 122 receives the registration information (step S12: YES), it updates the registration information table T1 (step S13). For example, when the customer name, target device, latest software, release date, arrangement fee, etc. are sent as registration information from the administrator terminal 10 based on the operation of the administrator P1, the calculation unit 122 receives the registration information and registers and updates the registration information in the registration information table T1, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0050] After updating the registration information table T1, the calculation unit 122 executes a normal discount calculation process (step S14). The normal discount calculation process is a process for calculating the discount amount due to the normal discount described above. Details of the normal discount calculation process will be described later. After completing the execution of the normal discount calculation process, the calculation unit 122 executes an early bird discount calculation process (step S15). The early bird discount calculation process is a process for calculating the discount amount due to the early bird discount described above. Details of the early bird discount calculation process will be described later. After completing the execution of the early bird discount calculation process, the calculation unit 122 executes a special discount calculation process (step S16). The special discount calculation process is a process for calculating the discount amount due to the special discount described above. Details of the special discount calculation process will be described later.

[0051] After the special discount calculation process is completed, the calculation unit 122 updates the discount amount table T3 (step S17). As a result, the discount amounts corresponding to the regular discount, early discount, and special discount items in the discount amount table T3 are registered and updated, for example, as shown in Fig. 7. After updating the discount amount table T3, the calculation unit 122 transmits the latest software and the discount amount to the device management server 21 (step S18), and the process ends.

[0052] Next, the details of the above-mentioned normal discount calculation process will be described with reference to Fig. 15. When the normal discount calculation process is executed, the calculation unit 122 determines whether or not the update operation is the first time (step S21). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 determines whether or not the update operation is the first time based on the number of updates in the update count table T4 (see Fig. 8). The number of updates is counted up (incremented) whenever the customer himself performs an update operation. If the number of updates indicates one time, the calculation unit 122 determines that the update operation is the first time (step S21: YES). If the number of updates indicates two or more times, such as two or three times, the calculation unit 122 determines that the update operation is not the first time (step S21: NO).

[0053] If the update operation is the first time, the calculation unit 122 multiplies the initial distribution rate of the normal discount by the procedural cost (step S22). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the initial distribution rate for the normal discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedural cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). Here, in the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "25%" is set as the initial distribution rate, which is larger than the discount amount of "0%" used when the person performing the update operation is not the customer himself / herself but a maintenance worker P3. Furthermore, a procedural cost of "10,000 yen" is registered in the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "2,500 yen" based on the discount amount of "25%" and the procedural cost of "10,000 yen."

[0054] On the other hand, if the update operation is not the first time, the calculation unit 122 multiplies the normal distribution rate of the normal discount by the procedural cost (step S23). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the normal distribution rate for the normal discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedural cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). In the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "25%" is set as the normal distribution rate, which is larger than the discount amount of "0%" used when the person performing the update operation is not the customer himself / herself but the maintenance worker P3. In the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment, a procedural cost of "10,000 yen" is registered. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "2,500 yen" based on the discount amount of "25%" and the procedural cost of "10,000 yen."

[0055] After performing the above multiplication, the calculation unit 122 sets the multiplication result as the discount amount of the normal discount (step S24), and ends the normal discount calculation process. As a result, the discount amount is set in the normal discount item of the discount amount table T3 (see FIG. 7).

[0056] Next, the details of the above-mentioned early discount calculation process will be described with reference to Fig. 16. When the early discount calculation process is executed, the calculation unit 122 determines whether the update operation is within one month from the release date of the latest software (step S31). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 determines whether the update operation is within one month from the release date of the latest software based on a comparison between the date on which the update operation to the latest software was performed and the release date in the registration information table T1 (see Fig. 4).

[0057] If the update operation is within one month from the release date of the latest software (step S31: YES), the calculation unit 122 determines whether the update operation is the first time (step S32). Note that the process of step S32 is basically the same as the process of step S21 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] If this is the first update operation (step S32: YES), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the initial distribution rate of the early discount by the procedural cost (step S33). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the initial distribution rate for the early discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedural cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). In the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "25%" that is larger than the discount amount of "0%" used after one month has passed is set as the initial distribution rate for the early discount. Furthermore, the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment has a procedural cost of "10,000 yen" registered. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "2,500 yen" based on the discount amount of "25%" and the procedural cost of "10,000 yen."

[0059] On the other hand, if the update operation is not the first time (step S32: NO), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the normal distribution rate for the early discount by the procedural cost (step S34). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the normal distribution rate for the early discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedural cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). In the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "25%" that is larger than the discount amount of "0%" used after one month has passed is set as the normal distribution rate for the early discount. Furthermore, the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment has a procedural cost of "10,000 yen" registered. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "2,500 yen" based on the discount amount of "25%" and the procedural cost of "10,000 yen."

[0060] Here, in the processing of step S31 described above, if the update operation is not within one month from the release date of the latest software (step S31: NO), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the discount amount "0 (zero)%" by the arrangement fee (step S35). In other words, if the update operation is more than one month from the release date of the latest software, the result of the multiplication is 0 yen, and the early bird discount is not applied. This can be expected to encourage customers to update to the latest software early in order to receive the early bird discount.

[0061] After performing the above multiplication, the calculation unit 122 sets the multiplication result as the discount amount of the early discount (step S36), and ends the early discount calculation process. As a result, the discount amount is set in the early discount item of the discount amount table T3 (see FIG. 7).

[0062] Next, the above-mentioned special discount calculation process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 17. When the special discount calculation process is executed, the calculation unit 122 determines whether the update operation is the first time (step S41). Note that the process of step S41 is basically the same as the process of step S21 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0063] If the update operation is the first time (step S41: YES), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the initial distribution rate of the special discount by the procedure cost (step S42). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the initial distribution rate for the special discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedure cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). In the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "50%" is set as the initial distribution rate for the special discount, which is greater than the discount amount of "0%" as the third discount amount used for the first update operation and the number of update operations excluding the predetermined unit number. Furthermore, the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment has a procedure cost of "10,000 yen" registered. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "5,000 yen" based on the discount amount of "50%" and the procedure cost of "10,000 yen."

[0064] On the other hand, if the update operation is not the first time (step S41: NO), the calculation unit 122 determines whether the result of the special discount determination formula is 0 (zero) or not (step S43). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 determines whether the result of the special discount determination formula is 0 or not based on the number of updates used in the processing of step S41 and the update frequency of the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5). The special discount determination formula is a mathematical formula that determines whether or not to apply a special discount. The special discount determination formula can be expressed by the following mathematical formula. Special discount formula = (number of renewals - 1)% discount frequency = Remainder of [(number of updates - 1) / discount frequency] For example, if the number of updates is registered as "6 times" and the discount frequency is set to "5," the remainder calculated as the calculation result of the special discount formula will be "0." On the other hand, if the number of updates is registered as "2 times" or "3 times" and the discount frequency is set to "5," the calculation result of the special discount formula will be a remainder other than "0," such as "0.2" or "0.4."

[0065] If the result of the special discount judgment formula is 0 (zero) (step S43: YES), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the normal distribution rate of the special discount by the procedure cost (step S44). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 performs the multiplication based on the normal distribution rate for the special discount in the distribution rate table T2 (see FIG. 5) and the procedure cost in the registration information table T1 (see FIG. 4). In the distribution rate table T2 according to this embodiment, a discount amount of "25%" is set as the normal distribution rate for the special discount, which is greater than the discount amount of "0%" used for the number of update operations excluding the first update operation and the predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the registration information table T1 according to this embodiment has a procedure cost of "10,000 yen" registered. Therefore, the calculation unit 122 calculates the multiplication result of "2,500 yen" based on the discount amount of "25%" and the procedure cost of "10,000 yen."

[0066] After the multiplication is performed, the calculation unit 122 adds the pooled money to the multiplication result (step S45). More specifically, the calculation unit 122 obtains the special discount pooled money in the pooled money table T5 (see FIG. 9) and adds the pooled money to the multiplication result for each common target device. As a result, for example, in the case of the target device "R47M", the special discount pooled money "7,500 yen" is added to the multiplication result "2,500 yen", resulting in a new multiplication result of "10,000 yen".

[0067] On the other hand, if the result of the special discount judgment formula is not 0 (zero) (step S43: NO), the calculation unit 122 multiplies the discount amount "0 (zero)%" by the arrangement fee (step S46). In other words, if the number of update operations is not the predetermined unit number of times after the second time, the multiplication result will be 0 yen, and the special discount will not be applied. This makes it possible to expect that customers will continually update to the latest software in order to receive the special discount.

[0068] After performing the above multiplication, the calculation unit 122 sets the multiplication result as the special discount amount (step S47), and ends the special discount calculation process. As a result, the discount amount is set in the special discount item of the discount amount table T3 (see FIG. 7).

[0069] Next, an example of processing executed by the update unit 63 of the device management server 21 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0070] 18, the update unit 63 acquires configuration information (step S51). As described above, the device information storage unit 61 stores device information including configuration information and operation information, so the update unit 63 acquires the configuration information from the device information stored in the device information storage unit 61. This allows the update unit 63 to identify the identifiers of each information device included in the maintenance target device 20.

[0071] When the configuration information is acquired, the update unit 63 waits until it receives the latest software and the discount amount (step S52: NO). As explained in the processing of step S18, the latest software and the discount amount are transmitted from the billing management system 100 to the device management server 21. When the latest software and the discount amount are received (step S52: YES), the update unit 63 displays a discount amount screen on the customer terminal 22 (step S53). More specifically, the update unit 63 compares the software version number in the configuration information with the version number of the latest software, and if updating to the latest software is possible, displays the discount amount screen on the customer terminal 22. For example, the software version number in the configuration information is compared with the version number of the latest software, and if the versions are the same, the update unit 63 cancels the update to the latest software.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 19, the update unit 63 displays a discount amount screen as a separate screen superimposed on the device management server operation screen displayed on the customer terminal 22. The discount amount screen includes the latest software and discount amount for each target device accepted by the update unit 63. This not only prevents the person in charge P2 operating the customer terminal 22 from failing to check the discount amount screen, but also urges the person in charge P2 to update to the latest software. The device management server operation screen is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) for operating the device management server 21, and although details are omitted, it includes, for each target device, multiple input fields that can be used for input operations and multiple setting items that can be set. The update unit 63 detects an operation to display the device management server operation screen, and if updating to the latest software is possible, displays the discount amount screen immediately after displaying the device management server operation screen.

[0073] When the discount amount screen is displayed, the update unit 63 determines whether or not an update application operation has been detected (step S54). For example, if an operation of pressing the apply button BT1 provided in the discount amount screen is detected, the update unit 63 determines that an update application operation has been detected (step S54: YES). In this case, the update unit 63 updates the maintenance target device 20 (step S55). More specifically, the update unit 63 updates the software of the maintenance target device 20 corresponding to the detected update application operation to the latest software.

[0074] When the maintenance target device 20 is updated, the update unit 63 transmits the update record to the billing management system 100 (step S56) and ends the process. The update unit 63 may notify the collection unit 62 of the update record, and the collection unit 62 may transmit the update record to the billing management system 100. Note that, in the process of step S54, if an operation of pressing the non-apply button BT2 provided on the discount amount screen is detected, the update unit 63 determines that an update application operation has not been detected (step S54: NO). In this case, the processes of the above-mentioned steps S55 and S56 are skipped and the process ends.

[0075] Next, an example of the second process executed by the billing management system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] First, the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the customer himself / herself performed the update operation (step S61). As described above, the update history is transmitted from the device management server 21 to the billing management system 100, and therefore the determination unit 123 can determine whether or not the customer himself / herself performed the update operation based on the update history received by the reception unit 121. Note that if the update operation is performed by the maintenance worker P3, the manager P1 can operate the manager terminal 10 to notify the determination unit 123 that the update operation has been performed by the maintenance worker P3. If the customer himself / herself did not perform the update operation (step S61: NO), the process ends.

[0077] If the customer himself / herself performs the update operation (step S61: YES), the determination unit 123 determines whether the result of the special discount judgment formula is 0 (zero) (step S62). The processing of step S62 is basically the same as the processing of step S43 described above, so a detailed description will be omitted. If the result of the special discount judgment formula is 0 (zero) (step S62: YES), the determination unit 123 adds the special discount pooled fund to the discount amount (step S63). More specifically, the determination unit 123 adds the special discount pooled fund pooled in the pooled fund table T5 (see FIG. 9) to the special discount discount amount in the discount amount table T3 (see FIG. 7), and updates the special discount pooled fund in the pooled fund table T5 to 0 yen. In other words, the determination unit 123 transfers the special discount pooled fund to the special discount discount amount.

[0078] On the other hand, if the result of the special discount judgment formula is not 0 (zero) (step S62: NO), the normal distribution rate of the special discount is multiplied by the procedure fee, and the multiplication result is added to the special discount pool (step S64). That is, if the number of update operations is the second or third time, the special discount is not applied at that time, but the discount amount for that operation is added to the special discount pool (see FIG. 6). Then, when the number of update operations reaches a predetermined unit number, such as the sixth time, the special discount pool is included in the special discount amount, and the special discount is applied.

[0079] When the processing of steps S63 and S64 is completed, the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the early discount has been applied (step S65). If the early discount has already been applied (step S65: YES), the processing ends. On the other hand, if the early discount has not been applied (step S65: NO), the determination unit 123 determines whether or not addition to the special discount pool is permitted (step S66). More specifically, the determination unit 123 determines whether or not the administrator P1 has permitted the addition of the discount amount for which the early discount has not been applied to the special discount pool.

[0080] For example, if information indicating permission to add is set in the determination unit 123 from the administrator terminal 10 based on the operation of the administrator P1, the determination unit 123 determines that addition to the special discount pool is permitted (step S66: YES). On the other hand, if the information is not set in the determination unit 123, the determination unit 123 determines that addition to the special discount pool is not permitted (step S66: NO). If addition is not permitted, the process ends.

[0081] If the addition of the discount amount for which the early bird discount has not yet been applied to the special discount pool is permitted, the determination unit 123 multiplies the normal distribution rate of the early bird discount by the procedure cost, adds the multiplication result to the special discount pool (step S67), and ends the process. In this case, the application of the early bird discount is carried over, and when the number of renewal operations reaches a predetermined unit number, the discount amount of the early bird discount pooled as the special discount pool is sent to the device management server 21. If the application of the early bird discount is carried over, there is a possibility that the early bird discount will be applied after renewal more than one month has passed, so the process of step S67 is executed only when the administrator P1 is permitted to add the amount to the special discount pool.

[0082] Next, an example of the third process executed by the billing management system 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0083] 21, the determination unit 123 first identifies the usage history (step S71). More specifically, when the reception unit 121 receives the device information, the determination unit 123 acquires operation information included in the device information and identifies the usage history of the maintenance target device 20 based on the acquired operation information. For example, the determination unit 123 identifies the number of units of the maintenance target device 20 in use and the usage time based on the operation information.

[0084] After identifying the usage history, the determination unit 123 calculates the usage fee (step S72). More specifically, the determination unit 123 calculates the usage fee according to the usage history based on a pre-set usage fee per device per unit time and the usage history. After calculating the usage fee, the determination unit 123 determines whether the reception unit 121 has received an updated history (step S73). For example, the determination unit 123 can monitor the reception unit 121 and determine whether the reception unit 121 has received an updated history.

[0085] If the receiving unit 121 has received the update history (step S73: YES), the determining unit 123 applies a discount to the usage fee (step S74). If the receiving unit 121 has received the update history, the determining unit 123 can determine that a discount will be applied to the usage fee based on the update history received by the receiving unit 121. In this case, the determining unit 123 applies each discount amount registered in the discount amount table T3 (see FIG. 7) to the usage fee. Note that if the receiving unit 121 has not received the update history (step S73: NO), the processing of step S74 is skipped.

[0086] When the processing of steps S73 and S74 is completed, the determination unit 123 determines the billing amount (step S75). More specifically, if a discount amount has not been applied, the determination unit 123 determines the usage fee as the billing amount, and if a discount amount has been applied, the determination unit 123 determines the usage fee after applying the discount as the billing amount. Once the billing amount has been determined, the presentation unit 124 presents a billing request screen on the customer terminal 22 (step S76), and the processing ends. As shown in FIG. 22, the billing request screen includes usage history such as the number of units used and usage time, as well as the billing amount. This allows the person in charge P2 operating the customer terminal 22 to understand the billing amount.

[0087] As described above, the billing management system 100 according to the first embodiment includes a calculation unit 122. The calculation unit 122 calculates a discount on the billing amount associated with the use of the maintenance target device 20 based on operation information for updating the software of the maintenance target device 20 used by the customer. For example, in the case where the update operation is performed by the customer himself, the operation information can include the execution of the update operation by the customer himself, the timing of the update operation, and the number of update operations. This can speed up software updates performed by the customer himself.

[0088] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 23. As shown in Fig. 23, in the early discount calculation process, immediately before the process of step S31, the calculation unit 122 determines every day whether the early discount calculation process time is 0:00 (step S81). If it is not 0:00 (step S81: NO), the calculation unit 122 ends the early discount calculation process. If it is 0:00 (step S81: YES), the calculation unit 122 executes the subsequent process. In this way, the calculation unit 122 determines whether it is within one month or one month has passed each time the date changes, and recalculates the discount amount depending on the determination result.

[0089] Whether or not the early discount is applied depends on the relationship between the release date of the latest software and the date of the update operation, so by including a process to determine whether the date will change in the early discount calculation process, the accuracy of applying the early discount can be improved.

[0090] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention as set forth in the claims. For example, the various servers described above may be realized as physical servers or as virtual servers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 10 Administrator terminal 20 Equipment subject to maintenance 21 Device management server 22 Customer terminal 100 Billing Management System 120 Processing section 121 Reception 122 Calculation Unit 123 Decision Section 124 Presentation section

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether the software update operator who updates the software is the customer himself or herself or a service provider who provides services by renting out the maintenance target device to the customer, based on the software update history of the maintenance target device, including the customer name of the customer, transmitted from a device management server that manages the maintenance target device used by the customer; a calculation unit that, when the update operation performer is the customer himself / herself, calculates by computer a discount amount on a charge amount for use of the maintenance target device based on operation information regarding the implementation of an update operation to update the software, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times of the update operation, costs incurred when the customer arranges for the service provider, and multiple types of discount amounts for the costs that are set according to the implementation of the update operation, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times of the update operation; A billing management system including:

2. the calculation unit calculates the discount amount based on a second discount amount that is greater than the first discount amount to be used after the predetermined period has elapsed, when an update operation for updating to the latest software is performed within a predetermined period after the latest software has been released; 2. The billing management system according to claim 1.

3. the calculation unit determines whether the date is within the predetermined period or after the predetermined period has elapsed each time the date is changed, and recalculates the discount amount according to the determination result.

3. The billing management system according to claim 2.

4. the calculation unit calculates the discount amount based on a fourth discount amount that is greater than a third discount amount used for the number of update operations excluding the first update operation and the predetermined unit number of times when the number of update operations is the first time and when the number of update operations reaches a predetermined unit number of times after the first time.

4. The billing management system according to claim 1, wherein the billing management system is a system for managing a billing information.

5. The determination unit determines the billing amount based on a usage fee according to a usage record of the maintenance target device and the discount amount, a presentation unit that presents a screen including the usage record and the billing amount to the customer; 5. The billing management system according to claim 1, wherein the billing management system is a system for managing a billing information.

6. The equipment to be maintained includes information equipment loaned to the customer by the service provider that uses the billing management system.

6. The billing management system according to claim 1, wherein the billing management system is a system for managing a billing information.

7. Based on the update history of the maintenance target device, including the customer name of the customer, transmitted from a device management server that manages the software of the maintenance target device used by the customer, it is determined whether the update operation executor who updates the software is the customer himself or a service provider who rents the maintenance target device to the customer and provides a service; When the update operation implementer is the customer himself / herself, a discount amount on the charge for use of the equipment to be maintained is calculated based on operation information on the implementation of the update operation to update the software, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times of the update operation, costs incurred when the customer arranges for the service provider, and multiple types of discount amounts on the costs set respectively according to the implementation of the update operation, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times of the update operation. A billing management method in which processing is performed by a computer.

8. Based on the update history of the maintenance target device, including the customer name of the customer, transmitted from a device management server that manages the software of the maintenance target device used by the customer, it is determined whether the update operation executor who updates the software is the customer himself or a service provider who rents the maintenance target device to the customer and provides a service; When the update operation implementer is the customer himself / herself, a discount amount on the charge amount for use of the equipment to be maintained is calculated based on at least one piece of operation information regarding the implementation of the update operation for updating the software, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times the update operation is performed, costs incurred when the customer arranges for the service provider, and multiple types of discount amounts on the costs set respectively according to the implementation of the update operation, the timing of the update operation, and the number of times the update operation is performed. A billing management program that causes a computer to execute the process.

Images