Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus that allows for the distribution of electronic licenses is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be used in a network or non-network environment to facilitate product licensing and upgrades. Further, the method and apparatus accommodate the use of compact disc read-only media (CD ROM) product distribution. The method and apparatus provide the ability to disable electronically distributed material. Further, the method and apparatus provide the ability to license use of the material by some entity in the distribution chain. The method and apparatus protect multiple electronic licenses by disabling the license such that an enabler key is necessary to enable a license for use. The method and apparatus reduce the cost of electronic distribution by providing the ability to distribute multiple products, product versions, and licenses that are unusable prior to the execution of an enablement procedure. The method and apparatus provide the ability to take advantage of the benefits of CD ROM, or any other (high capacity or otherwise), distribution media. For example, a generic distribution CD-ROM can be manufactured for a wider enduser base that contains multiple product and licensing options. An enduser can contact a fulfillment entity to purchase products contained on the distribution CD-ROM. In return, the enduser receives enabling information that can be used with an enablement procedure operating on the consumer's computer system to enable the purchased product(s). The method and apparatus can be used with a network server product that limits connection access electronically using connection-stratified server connection licenses or connection-stratified server executable files.

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First Claim