Abstract: A method for controlling feature upgrades on a plurality of payment system devices, onsite, in a distributed network, involves a web service at each of the plurality of payment system devices. An upgrade utility program communicates with the web service at each of the plurality of payment system devices, and presents a list of available payment system devices to the user. The list of available payment system devices identifies each device by location. A group of payment system devices is selected for receiving feature upgrades, and for each payment system device in the selected group, at least one feature upgrade is selected. A request file is created that contains information indicative of the payment system devices selected for receiving feature upgrades and indicative of the at least one feature upgrade for each selected payment system device.

Abstract: A method for controlling feature upgrades on a plurality of payment system devices, onsite, in a distributed network, involves a web service at each of the plurality of payment system devices. An upgrade utility program communicates with the web service at each of the plurality of payment system devices, and presents a list of available payment system devices to the user. The list of available payment system devices identifies each device by location. A group of payment system devices is selected for receiving feature upgrades, and for each payment system device in the selected group, at least one feature upgrade is selected. A request file is created that contains information indicative of the payment system devices selected for receiving feature upgrades and indicative of the at least one feature upgrade for each selected payment system device.

Abstract: Methods and systems of controlling distribution of configuration data are disclosed. One method includes receiving a request for configuration data for storage in a memory of a programmable circuit useable in a device, the configuration data controlling one or more operational characteristics of the device. The method also includes determining operational capabilities of the device based on the contents of a configuration database. The method further includes generating a single-use configuration data file. The configuration data file containing configuration data includes an identifier of the device, an identifier of the programmable circuit, and configuration data configured to define operational characteristics of the device. Various encryption techniques can be employed as well.