Abstract: A system and method for establishing a secure connection with an entity protected by an access control mechanism. A trusted arbitrator is used as an intermediary between a computer network employing the access control mechanism and external entities seeking to communicate securely with an entity inside the computer network. Connection requests for establishing a secure connection from an external entity are routed to the trusted arbitrator, which interacts with both the external entity and entities within the computer network. A secure connection is established between the external entity and the trusted arbitrator. Another secure connection is established between the entities within the computer network and the trusted arbitrator. The trusted arbitrator decrypts and encrypts from one connection to another, allowing the external entity to communicate securely with the computer network.

Abstract: A novel system and method for connecting to an entity behind a firewall or proxy enhances network security and eliminates the costs and risks associated with modifying the firewall or proxy. The invention uses a trusted arbitrator as an intermediary between (1) a local area network protected by an access control mechanism such as a firewall or proxy and (2) external entities seeking to connect with an entity within the network. Requests from external entities are routed to the trusted arbitrator, which communicates with a connection entity located behind the firewall or proxy.

Abstract: A novel system and method for connecting to an entity behind a firewall or proxy enhances network security and eliminates the costs and risks associated with modifying the firewall or proxy. The invention uses a trusted arbitrator as an intermediary between (1) a local area network protected by an access control mechanism such as a firewall or proxy and (2) external entities seeking to connect with an entity within the network. Requests from external entities are routed to the trusted arbitrator, which communicates with a connection entity located behind the firewall or proxy.

Abstract: A novel system and method for connecting to an entity behind a firewall or proxy enhances network security and eliminates the costs and risks associated with modifying the firewall or proxy. The invention uses a trusted arbitrator as an intermediary between (1) a local area network protected by an access control mechanism such as a firewall or proxy and (2) external entities seeking to connect with an entity within the network. Requests from external entities are routed to the trusted arbitrator, which communicates with a connection entity located behind the firewall or proxy.

Abstract: A computer that manages a master database synchronizes the master database and a slave database by receiving a change made to the slave database, integrating the change to the slave database into the master database, and sending, to a second computer that manages the slave database, a portion of the master database that has changed since a previous synchronization operation between the master and slave databases.

Abstract: A novel system and method for communicating over a non-continuous connection with an entity on a local area network (LAN) reduces the costs and risks associated with maintaining a continuous connection between the LAN and an external network, such as the Internet. The invention may use a trusted arbitrator as an intermediary between the LAN and external entities seeking to communicate with an entity within the LAN. Requests from external entities are routed to the trusted arbitrator, which contacts a connection entity within the LAN. The connection entity authenticates the contact and causes a connection to be established to the external network and thereby with the trusted arbitrator.

Abstract: A method for electronic enforcement of licenses for software services installed on computers connected through a communications network employs a non-renewable electronic license that is uniquely identified with a specific computer, is of limited duration, and is digitally signed to detect tampering. The licenses are maintained on the computer that operates the licensed software service, referred to as the point-of-service computer. The method employs intelligent license servicing agents to periodically refresh the limited duration licenses on the point-of-service computer with new purchased limited duration licenses from a license server. The license servicing agent pushes the licenses to or back from the license server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor the use of a software program is described.