Abstract: In some embodiments, an activation object used to activate a software product is stored in a directory service. The activation object may, for example, comprise a proof of purchase token and/or information about the directory service, and may be communicated from the directory service to a client computer after the directory service authenticates a request from a client computer for access to the activation object. In some embodiments, a directory service is interrogated for an activation object used to activate software on a client computer. A client computer may, for example, receive an activation object from the interrogated directory service, and use the received activation to object to activate a software product on the client computer. In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to interrogate a directory service for an activation object used to activate software on the computer.

Abstract: Input data is validated by generating code based on the input data. A schema is generated based on the input data indicating conditions for the input file. The schema may then be customized based on a type of application to consume the input data. A validator executable code is generated based on the schema and checks the input file for compliance with the conditions determined by the schema. Results of validation may be provided to the application in yes or no form, or as number of non-compliances. In the latter case, the application may decide to accept or reject the data based on predetermined non-compliance levels.

Abstract: Management of periodic electronic messages received from a sender. Managing periodic messages includes reducing the number of stale and/or obsolete messages maintained in the user's account. A periodic message can be identified if the sender of the message is listed in a periodic mail rules list or by processing previously received electronic messages. One or more rules can be generated to process periodic messages from periodic message sources. The one or more rules can be applied to subsequent incoming messages and/or stored messages.