Host Bus Adapter Feature Module Licensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional host bus adapter (HBA) business models offer all features at a single price, leading to inefficiencies for both providers and customers, as users often do not utilize all capabilities, limiting access to different customer types and environments.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing access to HBAs through a feature module that maintains licensable features, allowing users to request and obtain permission for access, with a processor executing firmware code to enable these features, enabling customization and additional revenue streams for providers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all HBA features are made available at a base price, then customers have access to complete functionality, but customers pay for unused features and providers cannot differentiate pricing for different customer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments HBA features into two categories: default features available at base price and licensable features requiring additional permission. This segmentation allows customers to pay only for the features they need while providers can offer differentiated pricing models based on customer requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single price model is used for all HBA features, then implementation is simple, but it limits access to different types of customers and business environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feature module as an intermediary component that manages access to licensable features. This module acts as a mediator between the HBA functionality and customer licensing, handling feature activation and permission management without requiring complex custom implementations for each licensing scenario.
3Ease of operation
If all HBA features are enabled by default, then no additional configuration is needed, but users cannot customize access based on their specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic feature access model where the HBA system can adapt its functionality based on licensing status. The feature module dynamically enables or disables licensable features based on customer permission, allowing the system to transition between different operational states without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing access to a host bus adapter (“HBA”). One embodiment includes licensable features stored in a feature module of the HBA. A user can access the licensable features after gaining permission.