License Management Server Grace Period for Version Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current license management systems, particularly in floating license methods, face challenges in ensuring all clients use the latest software version, as the upgrade process relies on user action and can lead to software failure when the license version is updated before client software is upgraded, causing older version licenses to be erased and rendering them unusable.
Innovation Solution
A license management server system that allows for a grace period by changing the expiration date of older version licenses to a predetermined time when a version update is requested, enabling continued use of the older version software until the upgrade is completed, while issuing new version licenses with an indefinite expiration date.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the license version is updated before the client software is upgraded, then the latest version license is issued, but the older version licenses are erased causing software failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by issuing a notification to the client before erasing the older version license. This advance notification allows the client to upgrade their software in time, preventing software failure while maintaining the ability to update licenses efficiently.
2Productivity
If the license version is updated immediately, then system efficiency is improved, but users lose time to upgrade their software causing operational disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends a notification to the client in advance before the license version update takes effect. This preliminary notification gives users sufficient time to upgrade their software without disrupting operations, while the system maintains high efficiency by automating the notification and update process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If floating licenses are used for multiple clients, then resource utilization is improved, but version unification across clients becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by notifying each client about license version updates and expiration dates. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain version consistency across multiple clients using floating licenses, as each client receives timely notifications to upgrade their software to match the current license version.
Data Source
AI summary
When a license management server according to the present exemplary embodiment receives a request for changing a license of a first version to a license of a second version from a license operation server that leases a license to a client, the license management server changes an expiration date of the license of the first version to a predetermined period of time later, and issues the license of the second version. Then, the license of the first version of which expiration date has been changed to the predetermined period of time later and the issued license of the second version are transmitted to the license operation server.