Referrer-based system for try/buy electronic software distribution

Abstract

The present invention, generally speaking, makes possible an associates program for electronic content distribution by providing a mechanism whereby a referrer may be identified at the time of purchase in a download-then-pay system. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an identifier or marker is added to the electronic content at the time of download. Merchant and purchase location information may also be added. At the time of purchase, a commerce module retrieves the identifier and presents it to the merchant server. The commerce module may also form part of the download or may originate from another source. The identifier may be used for various purposes. For example, the identifier may be used, directly or indirectly, to identify a referrer, to whom a referral fee is then credited. Also, the identifier may be used to look up offer information, since the price at the time of purchase may be different than the offer price at the time of download. The invention is applicable not only to Try/Buy software distribution but more generally to download-then-pay electronic content distribution and rental programs.