Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method groups two or more servers in a share group. The method then tracks how many rights to use a particular hardware module type are owned and in use by each of the servers. If a first one of the servers needs to activate an inactive one of the particular hardware module type, but does not own an unused right to use the particular hardware module type, the method then i) requests a second one of the servers to inactivate one of its hardware modules, thereby freeing a right to use the particular hardware module type, and ii) claims the freed right of the second server for use by the first server. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer system comprising includes an inactive partition with a bootable operating system installed and a license manager for obtaining a license that allows the partition to be activated.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method groups two or more servers in a share group. The method then tracks how many rights to use a particular hardware module type are owned and in use by each of the servers. If a first one of the servers needs to activate an inactive one of the particular hardware module type, but does not own an unused right to use the particular hardware module type, the method then i) requests a second one of the servers to inactivate one of its hardware modules, thereby freeing a right to use the particular hardware module type, and ii) claims the freed right of the second server for use by the first server. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, and in accord with a method for monitoring software usage, a periodic determination is made as to how many of a particular hardware resource are active within a defined computing environment. Then, in accord with a number of the particular hardware resources that are determined to be active in the defined computing environment during a given time period, i) a count of permanent licenses, if any, that are available in a usage account of a software application configured to use the defined computing environment, is debited, and ii) upon exhausting the count of permanent licenses, a count of time increments, if any, for which a number of temporary licenses in the usage account of the software application are valid, is debited. Other embodiments are also disclosed.