Permanent License Tracking via Client Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional software license management applications are unable to track and manage permanent software licenses in network environments, such as LAN, WAN, or the Internet, and lack the capability to monitor usage or revoke permanent licenses.
Innovation Solution
A method for tracking, managing, and revoking permanent licenses on client computers from a server in a network environment, using an agent process on client devices to collect and transmit usage data to a license server, which can then process this data to determine whether to revoke licenses based on usage statistics and threshold values, either automatically or upon user instruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional license management applications are used, then floating licenses can be managed and redistributed, but permanent licenses cannot be tracked or managed in network environments
Solution Approach 1:
The license manager is designed to handle multiple license types (floating and permanent) through a unified architecture. The system can identify license type from usage data and apply appropriate management strategies, making the license management system versatile across different licensing models without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
An agent process is introduced as an intermediary component that collects usage data from client devices and transmits it to the license manager. This intermediary enables the license manager to obtain permanent license usage information that would otherwise be inaccessible, bridging the gap between distributed client devices and centralized license management.
2Ease of operation
If permanent licenses are distributed to multiple clients, then software accessibility is improved, but license optimization and revocation capability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where usage data is collected from client devices, analyzed by the license manager, and used to generate revocation decisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to respond dynamically to actual usage patterns, optimizing license distribution while maintaining accessibility for active users.
Solution Approach 2:
The license manager proactively monitors usage patterns and identifies underutilized permanent licenses before they become a resource bottleneck. By performing preliminary analysis of usage data against optimization criteria, the system can prepare revocation actions in advance, ensuring efficient license utilization without disrupting active users.
3Device complexity
If manual license management is used, then system complexity is reduced, but monitoring and revocation capability are eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The license management system is segmented into distinct functional components: an agent process on client devices for data collection, a communication interface for data transmission, and a license manager for analysis and decision-making. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while maintaining overall system manageability through clear separation of concerns.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments herein include a license manager process that receives a license query from a server device. The license query requests usage data associated with a permanent license on a client device. In response to receiving the license query, the license manager procures the usage data associated with the permanent license on the client device. The license manager then transmits the usage data associated with the permanent license to the server device. Furthermore, the license manager receives a revocation request from the server device. In this manner, the revocation request is received in response to transmitting the usage data associated with the permanent license to the server device. In turn, the license manager revokes the permanent license that was indicated in the revocation request to disable use of the respective application on the client device.