Dynamic Software License Allocation for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software licensing schemes require entities to purchase and maintain licenses for all software applications, even if they are infrequently used, leading to prohibitive costs for entities with numerous devices that may not use the software continuously.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a licensing system that allows devices to operate in different modes based on the availability of licenses, enabling temporary allocation and reuse of licenses, thereby reducing the number of licenses needed and providing flexibility in usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If entities purchase and maintain licenses for all software applications to ensure full functionality, then software reliability and functionality are improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic license allocation where licenses are temporarily assigned to devices based on real-time usage needs. The license manager continuously monitors device activity and allocates licenses dynamically, allowing entities to maintain full software functionality when needed while reducing the number of permanently assigned licenses, thereby lowering costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the state of license availability from static (permanently assigned) to dynamic (temporarily allocated). By monitoring usage parameters and adjusting license allocation accordingly, the system ensures full functionality is available when software is actively used while reducing the total number of licenses required in the pool.
2Quantity of substance
If entities purchase fewer licenses to reduce costs, then cost decreases, but software functionality may be compromised when licenses are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The license manager ensures continuous availability of software functionality by monitoring usage and reallocating licenses dynamically. When a device needs software functionality, the system checks license availability and temporarily allocates a license if one is available in the pool, ensuring uninterrupted useful action while maintaining cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the license manager continuously monitors device usage, license availability, and allocation status. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to license allocation, ensuring functionality is maintained when needed while optimizing the number of licenses required.
3Ease of operation
If conventional licensing requires licenses for each device to ensure availability, then software accessibility is improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal license pool that serves multiple devices dynamically. Instead of requiring separate permanent licenses for each device, a single pool of licenses can be temporarily allocated to any device that needs software functionality, simplifying licensing management while maintaining broad accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The license manager acts as an intermediary between the license pool and multiple devices. It handles all license allocation, monitoring, and revocation operations centrally, eliminating the need for complex individual license management at each device while ensuring smooth software accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include communication logic to receive a request to perform an activity on behalf of a client, where the activity is related to a primary application and a secondary application. The communication logic may send a response that allows the client to perform the activity when the client is authorized. The device may include evaluation logic to determine whether the client is related to the primary license and to determine whether a secondary license related to the secondary application is available. The evaluation logic may allocate the available secondary license to the client for use with the secondary application when the secondary license is available. The evaluation logic may authorize the client to perform the activity when the secondary license is allocated to the client.