Method and apparatus for software license management

Abstract

A license key with method of implementation is disclosed. The license key is used for accessing a licensed product on an enterprise computer system. Typically, the enterprise computer system includes a plurality of computer systems, but the computer systems are not necessarily interconnected. A first identifier code from the enterprise computer system, such as the system serial number, is used for allowing the license key to identify the enterprise. A second identifier code from a computer within the enterprise system is used, which is typically a serial number from the computer to identify it to the license key as being part of the enterprise system. Lastly, a third identifier code is used, which is selected from the licensed product to be used on the enterprise system and is tied to the enterprise system number, thereby allowing the licensed program to be accessed on the enterprise system with only a single key, irrespective of the number of computers accessing the licensed program. The setup of the license key, along with calling the identifier codes from the enterprise system, each computer, and the license product, is performed by a license manager, which also provides other services based upon the license key. The license manager provides either usage control, access control, or both, based upon information generated by the license key and found within a product information packet provided with the licensed product and based upon the enterprise system.