Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for merging computer disk partitions to reduce the number of partitions. Unlike conventional approaches that rely on FDISK, the invention does not destroy user data on the disk during or after the two or more partitions are merged. Two or more adjoining partitions may be combined. During a merging operation, partitions may have their clusters aligned or resized. The merging partitions may also have their partition type changed. During the merge at least one copy of all system and user data of all partitions is kept on a disk at all times, reducing the risk of data loss.

Abstract: A licensing system provides enhanced flexibility for licensing applications in a network. The licensing system includes a directory services database which stores all license information. The directory services database is accessed by providing a request to a license service provider associated with a server. The license service provider generates an executable entity based on the request parameters, which searches the database and, if the appropriate units are available, assembles a license. The license and the application are then transmitted to the requesting client. All aspects of the transaction are also stored in a database organized according to a transaction's relation to a particular license.