Workflow-Based Software Feature Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses often purchase software products with more features than needed due to the requirement of multiple licenses or subscriptions for integrated workflows, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.
Innovation Solution
A workflow-based software purchase method and apparatus that allows users to select and purchase only the necessary features from multiple software products, enabling a custom workflow with licenses activated only when the software is used, and managing subscriptions and entitlements through a feature purchase module and provisioning module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If businesses purchase multiple software licenses or subscriptions to ensure integrated workflow, then workflow completeness is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments software products into discrete feature modules that can be independently purchased and licensed. Instead of requiring complete software suites, businesses can select and license only the specific features needed for their workflow, reducing complexity while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal licensing system that manages multiple software products through a single interface. The feature purchase module and provisioning module handle licensing for various software products uniformly, simplifying administration while ensuring comprehensive workflow support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If businesses purchase complete software suites or multiple individual licenses, then all required features are available, but unnecessary features increase costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides software products into separable feature modules, allowing businesses to purchase only the specific features they need rather than entire software suites. This segmentation enables precise matching of purchased features to actual business requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows businesses to purchase partial feature sets rather than complete software products. The licensing system supports acquiring only the necessary features for current needs, with the option to add additional features later when required, avoiding over-purchase of unnecessary functionality.
3Ease of operation
If businesses subscribe to monthly subscriptions for software products, then flexibility and access are improved, but ongoing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic licensing that allows businesses to adjust their feature subscriptions based on changing needs. The system supports flexible purchasing models where businesses can subscribe to features monthly for flexibility or opt for longer-term licensing, adapting the subscription model to actual usage patterns and cost constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method and apparatus for a subscription workflow. The method comprises receiving an input indicative of features of a plurality of software products to enable performance of one or more workflows, wherein the input is indicative of features that are less than all of the features of each software product in the plurality of software products; and enabling the features from the plurality of software products to be utilized on a computer to perform the one or more workflows.