Dynamic License Model Instantiation for Web Service Contracting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web service contracting systems lack the ability to implement personalized licensing models, making it difficult for clients to choose license types that fit their specific needs, especially in large-scale environments where one-to-one relationships between consumers and providers are limiting, and existing software licensing models are not adaptable for online usage.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows service consumers to select valid contracts with automatic instantiation of customer-specific licensing models using existing license subcontracts and software components, enabling different license types such as consumptive, concurrent, time-based, name-related, and usage condition licenses, which can be combined for tailored billing and access regulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing web service contracting systems are used, then service provision is possible, but personalized licensing models cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the licensing model into multiple independent license types (consumptive, concurrent, time-based, name-related, usage condition) that can be individually selected and combined. This segmentation allows personalized licensing configurations without requiring a complete custom system design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal licensing framework that can accommodate multiple license types and billing models through a single integrated system. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting various licensing approaches (consumptive, concurrent, time-based, etc.) within one contracting platform, enabling personalized licensing without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Productivity
If one-to-one relationships between consumers and providers are maintained, then contract management is simple, but scalability is limited in large-scale environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables copying and reusing of license templates and contract configurations across multiple service relationships. Instead of managing each contract individually, the system allows replication of proven licensing models to multiple consumers, dramatically improving scalability while maintaining operational simplicity through template-based management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic contract management that can automatically adapt to different service scenarios and consumer needs. The system dynamically selects and configures appropriate license types based on service characteristics, enabling scalable deployment without manual intervention for each new contract relationship.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing software licensing models are used, then licensing is possible, but they are not adaptable for online usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts traditional licensing models by changing key parameters to suit online service delivery. It transforms static, perpetual licenses into dynamic, usage-based licenses with parameters such as consumption volume, concurrent users, time periods, and service conditions. This parameter transformation enables online usage adaptability while maintaining implementation ease by building upon familiar licensing concepts.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to the field of networked computer telecommunication, and in particular to a method and system for processing services associated with a contract between a service requester (SC) and a service provider (SP) wherein said services are to be provided via a network, wherein at least one service contract is defined between said service requester and said service provider. In order to improve the processing of web services, license management facilities (75A) are included into the prior art method cooperating closely with a Contract Management component (74A) and a Service Metering Component (76A). Preferably, a plurality of different license types are provided for selection to be used, which may further be combined also, in order to match best the needs of a customer.