Abstract: A method of distributing a multi-user software application utilises host and remote programs running on respective host and remote devices. Both programs are distributed together as a single package allowing the host device to send the remote program to the remote device, or the remote device to send the host program to the host device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for transferring from one end-user device to another an entire binary-portable computer software application, including any libraries required by the application and saved application state. The binary-portable nature of the computer software application allows this to happen across dissimilar types of devices, including different CPU types and operating-systems. This enables use-cases which are not typically possible using traditional systems, such as taking an in-progress saved game on one device, transferring the game, libraries and game state to a second device and then continuing to play the game from the same point on the second device, all without any requirement to have a connection to a server to download the necessary libraries or an installation package for the application. This allows off-network distribution of applications and their state, reducing costs for the end-user, reducing network load, and speeding up the transfer of the application.

Abstract: A method of distributing rights-managed software makes use of binary portable application components and associated rights components. The application component includes un-encrypted execution code which causes the application component to execute in a restricted mode if either the rights component is missing or if the rights component determines that the relevant licensing conditions are not satisfied. Such an approach allows application components such as games for mobile phones to be distributed freely between users, and to be available for immediate use in a restricted mode without any need for the recipient to contact the rights issuer.