Offline Software License Relocation via Dongle Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software license management systems fail to securely relocate portable licenses to offline devices, causing issues when licenses expire while users are disconnected from the network, preventing continued software usage.
Innovation Solution
A system with pre-installed license relocation handlers on both online and offline devices, utilizing a removable security device (dongle) to transfer and store a license relocation record containing licensing data and time limits, allowing offline access to software applications within a predefined time frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If licenses are relocated to offline devices, then software can be used offline, but license security and control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary license validation and authorization actions before offline relocation. The license relocation handler verifies license validity, checks for proper authorization, and establishes usage parameters in advance. This preliminary action ensures that only authorized licenses are relocated with proper security controls, resolving the contradiction by maintaining security through pre-verification while enabling offline usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The license relocation handler acts as an intermediary between the licensing network and offline devices. It mediates the license transfer process by validating licenses, establishing security parameters, and controlling the relocation. This intermediary ensures that security requirements are met while enabling offline software operation, resolving the contradiction between security and offline usability.
2Reliability
If network connection is required for license validation, then license control is maintained, but software cannot be used when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The licensing system is segmented into online validation components and offline execution components. The license relocation handler separates the license validation function (performed online) from the software execution function (performed offline). This segmentation allows the system to maintain strict license control during the online phase while enabling flexible offline operation, resolving the contradiction between control and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary license authorization and parameter establishment actions while connected to the licensing network. The relocation handler validates licenses, determines usage parameters, and configures offline operation settings in advance. This preliminary action ensures license control is maintained while enabling offline operation capability, resolving the contradiction between control and versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If license relocation is enabled offline, then remote usage is possible, but license expiration cannot be renewed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing complete license parameters, including expiration dates and renewal information, before offline relocation. The license relocation handler captures all necessary license metadata and usage parameters in advance. This preliminary action enables remote software access while preserving time-related license information, allowing renewal when connection is restored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a complete copy of license information including expiration dates and renewal parameters during the offline relocation process. The license relocation handler replicates all license metadata to the offline device. This copying ensures that remote usage is enabled while license time information is preserved, allowing renewal capability when the device reconnects to the network.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the secure offline relocation of portable software licenses. The portable software license has an associated time limit. A license relocation record can be generated including the portable software license and limit information for the time limit for relocation to a second computing device operating in an offline state. The license relocation record is temporarily securely stored on a removable security device attached to a first computing device that is connected to a licensing network. The removable security device can be disconnected from the first computing device and subsequently connected to the second computing device. Provided the time limit is not exceeded, the portable software license can then be installed upon the second computing device. Upon successful installation of the portable software licenses, the license relocation record can be removed from the removable security device.