Abstract: A licensing system provides for enabling and disabling features based on the product key included with a software product. A distribution channel associated with the software product is identified. The distribution channel is identified according to a channel ID obtained from the product key. A set of default features associated with the application is also identified. The set of default features are modified to produce a new set of features for the application when the channel ID is associated with a modifier. The new set of features is applied to the software product such that a use experience and features of the software product is controlled by the product key.

Abstract: A licensing system provides for various versions of an application within a software product. A license type is identified from a product key that is associated with the software product. The license type may correspond to a hybrid license. When the license type is a hybrid license, an application state is determined for any applications included in the software product. A use experience for the applications is provided according to the application state when the application state is determined. For applications that are provided as upgradeable versions, an upgrade may be obtained by simply obtaining a new product key that is associated with the upgraded versions of the applications.