Abstract: A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor.

Abstract: The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus that enables software publishers and other sellers of subscription services. e.g. subscriptions, such as maintenance or license programs, to track when the subscription period for each customer expires, to inform interested contacts at the customer proactively that a renewal for their subscription is coming due, and to provide a way for those contacts at the customer to purchase a renewal of their subscription program.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor.

Abstract: A method and system for subscription-based, entitlement-driven license key generation and distribution for digital goods allows digital goods vendors to manage rights of customers having maintenance contracts or subscriptions. Rights management includes the ability of the vendor to specify upgraded license rules and automatically update entitlements for all customers having current contracts and/or subscriptions, as specified by the upgraded license rules. Upgrades and accompanying license keys are proactively offered to customers without requiring additional sales transactions.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery of software applications from software manufacturers and channel partners to their aggregated customer base are described. The system enables both direct customers of software manufacturers and customers of channel partners to receive electronic delivery of digital assets and licenses from a single electronic software delivery site. The system enables software manufacturers to uniquely define the use of the electronic software and license delivery service for each of their associated channel partners, including defining whether the channel partner can submit orders directly to the system and to define limits on such orders, to specify which products from the manufacturer's catalog is a channel partner allowed to deliver, and to define which reporting information the manufacturer may access for data submitted by each channel partner.

Abstract: The presently preferred embodiment of the invention provides a method and apparatus that enables software publishers and other sellers of subscription services. e.g. subscriptions, such as maintenance or license programs, to track when the subscription period for each customer expires, to inform interested contacts at the customer proactively that a renewal for their subscription is coming due, and to provide a way for those contacts at the customer to purchase a renewal of their subscription program.

Abstract: A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating delivery of software applications from software manufacturers and channel partners to their aggregated customer base are described. The system enables both direct customers of software manufacturers and customers of channel partners to receive electronic delivery of digital assets and licenses from a single electronic software delivery site. The system enables software manufacturers to uniquely define the use of the electronic software and license delivery service for each of their associated channel partners, such as, for example, to define whether the channel partner can submit orders directly to the system and to define limits on such orders, to specify which products from the manufacturer's catalog is a channel partner allowed to deliver, and to define which reporting information the manufacturer may access for data submitted by each channel partner.

Abstract: A method and system for subscription-based, entitlement-driven license key generation and distribution for digital goods allows digital goods vendors to manage rights of customers having maintenance contracts or subscriptions. Rights management includes the ability of the vendor to specify upgraded license rules and automatically update entitlements for all customers having current contracts and/or subscriptions, as specified by the upgraded license rules. Upgrades and accompanying license keys are proactively offered to customers without requiring additional sales transactions.

Abstract: A method and system for management of digital goods is provided that allows digital goods vendors to model and manage complex product relationships involved in electronic distribution of digital goods, such as software. A variety of interactive tools to define associations among a variety of primary objects are provided that allow a vendor to create a product hierarchy that mirrors the marketing descriptions and organization of the vendor's product set. The various products are uploaded to a server for electronic distribution to end-users. A system operator implements the system across a publicly accessible network such as the Internet. The system operator, typically on a subscription basis, hosts each digital goods vendor. Each subscribing digital goods vendor provides each of their customer accounts a personalized software maintenance portal branded to the vendor that integrates with vendor's web site.