Virtual Installation Signature for Software Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing license tools struggle to detect the installation and use of software in application virtualization environments, as these environments do not register applications in operating system registries and do not execute explicit installation actions, making it difficult for classic, not-instrumented license tools to identify installed software.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that uses a unique identifier computed from an identifying component of the software application, stored in a catalog of signatures, which is distributed to recipient computers, allowing for detection of the software's presence by matching the identifier with the identifying component on the target machines, and a new virtual installation signature is defined to differentiate virtualized installations from regular ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If application virtualization environments are used to deploy software, then application isolation and coexistence are improved, but software installation detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an identifying component as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between virtualized applications and detection mechanisms. This component is specifically designed to be detectable by license tools while maintaining the isolation benefits of virtualization, allowing detection without compromising application coexistence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the identifying component signature in a catalog that is distributed to recipient computers. This copying mechanism enables detection at multiple locations without requiring the actual application to be physically installed or registered in traditional system registries, thus preserving virtualization benefits while enabling detection
2Object-generated harmful factors
If virtual environment isolation is implemented, then application conflict is reduced, but license tool identification capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The identifying component serves as a mediator that allows license tools to identify virtualized applications without requiring access to the isolated virtual environment internals. It provides a standardized interface for detection while maintaining environment isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distinctive identifying components with unique identifiers that act like visual markers, making virtualized applications detectable by license tools through signature matching, similar to how color changes make objects visible and distinguishable
3Ease of operation
If classic license tools are used, then detection simplicity is maintained, but virtualized software detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding the identifying component into the virtualized application package before deployment. This pre-prepared marker enables classic license tools to detect virtualized software using their existing detection mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The identifying component signature is copied into a catalog that is distributed with the virtualized application. This allows classic license tools to perform simple signature matching without needing to understand the complexities of virtualization environments, preserving ease of operation while enabling accurate detection
Data Source
AI summary
The preferred embodiment provides a mechanism forallowing licencetools to detect the installation of software that is not physically installed on an machine when an Application VirtualizationEnvironments is used.The preferred embodiment also provides a mechanismallowing licencetools to detect the use of this software. To this end, the preferred embodiment defines a new kind of signature, namely a virtual installation signature. The preferred embodiment uses agents in a target computer to compare the virtual installation signatureof a software application with a localised list of potential applications to detect whether the software is installed on the target computer.