Abstract: An object oriented framework mechanism provides a straightforward and convenient way to implement metering within an object-oriented computer program for any type of program that needs to be metered. The object metering framework includes core function and extensible function. Core classes and core class relationships define the core function of the framework mechanism. The extensible function is defined by extensible classes that can be extended by a programmer to implement a desired metering environment. The framework provides consistent programmer interfaces over a wide variety of different metering environments, which greatly enhances programmer efficiency and which makes the resultant code much easier to maintain.

Abstract: A license key with method of implementation is disclosed. The license key is used for accessing a licensed product on an enterprise computer system. Typically, the enterprise computer system includes a plurality of computer systems, but the computer systems are not necessarily interconnected. A first identifier code from the enterprise computer system, such as the system serial number, is used for allowing the license key to identify the enterprise. A second identifier code from a computer within the enterprise system is used, which is typically a serial number from the computer to identify it to the license key as being part of the enterprise system. Lastly, a third identifier code is used, which is selected from the licensed product to be used on the enterprise system and is tied to the enterprise system number, thereby allowing the licensed program to be accessed on the enterprise system with only a single key, irrespective of the number of computers accessing the licensed program.