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: Embodiments of a system that provides access to at least a portion of a software product are described. During operation, this system receives purchase information from a first location, where the purchase information includes information about purchased software features to which a user purchased access and where the purchased software features are provided by a first subset of modules in the software product. Next, the system receives an access request from a second location from which the software product can be accessed, where the access request includes an identifier provided to the user when the user purchased access to the purchased software features. Next, the system provides configuration instructions to the second location, where the configuration instructions dynamically enable the first subset of the modules.

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.