Blockchain License Management for IHS Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information Handling Systems (IHSs) face vulnerabilities in license management due to the potential for tampering of license files stored on the systems, despite security measures, and existing solutions lack customization for individual licenses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a blockchain-based license management system where a licensing virtual machine on each IHS receives and validates blocks containing license tokens and logic, determines modifications, and generates reports, ensuring secure and customizable license management across a network of IHSs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If license files are stored on the IHS for management, then license management is simplified and accessible, but the license files become vulnerable to tampering and security breaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain as an intermediary layer between the IHS and license files. Instead of storing license files directly on the IHS, the system stores hashed versions and metadata on the blockchain, while the actual license files are stored in secure external locations. This intermediary blockchain structure provides both accessibility for management and security through distributed verification and cryptographic hashing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a distributed copy of license management data across multiple IHS nodes in the blockchain network. Each node maintains a copy of the blockchain and relevant license data, allowing the system to continue operating even if one node is compromised. This copying strategy ensures reliability while maintaining ease of access through any node in the network.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional license management systems are used, then implementation is simple, but they lack customization capability for individual license requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license management through smart contracts that can automatically adapt to different license requirements. The system allows for dynamic creation, modification, and revocation of licenses based on predefined conditions and rules encoded in the blockchain. This dynamic approach provides customization capability while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables license customization by allowing changes in license parameters such as duration, scope, and conditions to be encoded as configurable data structures in the blockchain. The system can modify license terms and parameters dynamically without requiring system reconfiguration, providing versatility while maintaining implementation simplicity through standardized parameter handling.
3Reliability
If security measures are enhanced to protect license files, then license security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical security measures (such as multiple layers of encryption, authentication protocols, and access control systems) with the cryptographic and distributed mechanisms inherent in blockchain technology. The blockchain's built-in cryptographic hashing, digital signatures, and consensus mechanisms provide security without requiring additional complex security infrastructure, thereby improving protection while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
Blockchain-based license management provides capabilities for managing licensable aspects of a plurality of IHSs (Information Handling Systems) participating in the blockchain comprised of individual license blocks that record licensing transactions. A licensing authority initiates the blockchain and modifies licensable aspects of a specific participating target IHS by distributing license blocks that include one or more license tokens and license logic specifying instructions for the target's evaluation of the license tokens. Each participating IHS validates the received license blocks and adds them to a local copy of the blockchain. If a participating IHS is the target, that IHS uses the license logic to determine licensing modifications indicated by the licensing token. Licensable aspects of the IHS may then be modified based on the determined licensing modifications. A participating IHSs may directly transfer licenses to another IHS through the transfer of license tokens and the corresponding license logic.