Abstract: A system for enforcing license terms between the creators of software applications running on virtual machines in network-attached embedded systems, and the users of these software applications, allows trial and demo versions of the software applications, where the user can install and use the software application for a limited time or number of executions, or with a limited feature set. When the software applications are purchased, the restrictions are lifted by the issuing of a unique license key eliminating the need for user-specific builds and redistributing of the software application. The system includes an application manager client in the embedded system designating a software application license request to a predefined web server; a webservice running on the web server that receives the request, validates the user-identifying data, issues a unique license key, and forwards this key to the application manager client; and a license data base containing validated user information.