Abstract: A system includes a source including a memory storing: at least two encrypted files making up an installation image, each file encrypted with a key; a metadata file including an index to each key and a hash value for each encrypted file; a signature file providing a digital signature for the metadata file, the metadata file digitally signed with a private certificate; and a public certificate associated with the private certificate.

Abstract: A method of activating a network appliance that can include obtaining a computer hardware module having installed an open architecture operating system and licensing architecture software with a hardware module identification, receiving a user registration identification that is preconfigured in accordance with a user's selection compute resource application(s) for a selected duration of time, and submitting the hardware module identification and user registration identification to an internet-based license database server for providing an activation license or install key.