Importance

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Abstract

A system for providing secure access and execution of application software stored on a first computer by a second computer using a communication device while a communication link is maintained between the first and second computers. The present invention is a secure software rental system. The system enables a user in a remote location using a computer and a modem to connect to a central rental facility, transfer application software from the central rental facility to the remote computer, and execute the software on the remote computer while electronically connected to the central rental facility. When the link between the central rental facility and the remote computer is interrupted or terminated, the software no longer executes on the remote computer. The software stored on the central rental facility is integrated with the header software to provide a security feature. The header software allows the user to execute the software only while the user is electronically connected to the central rental facility continuously. In one embodiment, the rental software is an on-line postage metering program. Where a user computer and a user printer, electronically connected to the server and the computer, constitute an on-line electronic postage meter. The on-line electronic postage meter allows a remote user to print postage using a local printer in a secure manner. The postage appears as a bar-code that includes a unique serial number, mail delivery point information, and the amount of postage.

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First Claim