Abstract: A web based user interface that enable users to view and control a system running inside a corporate intranet when the user is outside the corporate network. A user interface is provided on a web site so that a user can acquire access to a controller of a system through the Internet. This is securely accomplished over the Internet by receiving security information from a first client over a network, receiving a query from a second client requesting access to the first client over a network, prompting the second client for security information to allow access to the first client, and enabling the second client access to the first client based on the security information provided by the second client.

Abstract: A method for enabling software to operate with hardware includes receiving a license key that has information regarding hardware configuration, software configuration, license key transaction history and license key warranty period. A software configuration is determined from the license key. It is then determined if the software configuration is within the license key warranty period. If it is the software is enabled with a time stamp based on the hardware configuration and the license warranty period.