Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for authorizing a software product to be used on a computer system. During operation, the system receives authorization information at a database from a point of sale system located at a retailer, wherein the authorization information is associated with the software product. The system then modifies a database entry associated with the software product to authorize use of the software product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that analyzes relationships between authorization and installation information for a software product. During operation, the system receives a set of authorization information that is associated with a transaction for a software product from a point of sale system at a retail location. The system also receives installation information for the software product from a computer system. The system determines whether the authorization information and the installation information are associated by checking whether the two sets of information share a common set of identifying information. If so, the system analyzes the associated authorization information and installation information to determine a relationship between the transaction and the associated installation of the software product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product. During operation, the system receives an initial bill for an un-activated version of the software product. Because this un-activated version is not fully functional, it has a lower value than a functional version of the software product, and hence the initial bill charges for a lower initial cost. During the sale of an un-activated version of the software product, the system activates the un-activated version from a point of sale system. After the sale, the system receives an additional bill for activating the software product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product. During operation, the system receives an initial bill for an un-activated version of the software product. Because this un-activated version is not fully functional, it has a lower value than a functional version of the software product, and hence the initial bill charges for a lower initial cost. During the sale of an un-activated version of the software product, the system activates the un-activated version from a point of sale system. After the sale, the system receives an additional bill for activating the software product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that analyzes relationships between authorization and installation information for a software product. During operation, the system receives a set of authorization information that is associated with a transaction for a software product from a point of sale system at a retail location. The system also receives installation information for the software product from a computer system. The system determines whether the authorization information and the installation information are associated by checking whether the two sets of information share a common set of identifying information. If so, the system analyzes the associated authorization information and installation information to determine a relationship between the transaction and the associated installation of the software product.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for authorizing a software product to be used on a computer system. During operation, the system receives authorization information at a database from a point of sale system located at a retailer, wherein the authorization information is associated with the software product. The system then modifies a database entry associated with the software product to authorize use of the software product.