Abstract: A software distribution service provides time-based licensing of software. Third-party software is augmented with functionality to enable tracking based on usage, and is downloaded through a network to a user's workstation. A user logs into an account over the network to verify account details and a sufficient balance with an authentication server. If verified, the augmented software is activated, and the time of usage is tracked. During use, the augmented software periodically communicates with the authentication server to deduct a metered-usage fee from the user's pre-paid account balance.

Abstract: A non-invasive metering system enables on-demand, metered usage licensing of software applications. A packaging module generates a secure application package for an original, unmodified application authored by a software publisher. The software publisher need not directly modify the code of the original application. Rather, the packaging module includes, within the secure application package but separate from the code of the application itself, a shell application that controls runtime aspects of the application, such as metering of the application. The secure application package is made available to users wishing to use the application on a metered basis.