Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing limited access to data objects or files within an electronic software delivery and management system are described. A data object is transmitted to the system for storage in a library. Input of one or more restriction parameters is further requested for the stored data object. A user interface is displayed in a display window for facilitating input of the restriction parameters. At least one customer is selected, such as, for example, one or more users authorized to receive the stored data object. The stored data object is further designated as restricted data object for the selected users. Finally, the user restriction information is stored in appropriate tables within a database.

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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for limiting access to a selected release of a software Product and/or associated License Keys to a subset of the manufacturer's customers who are entitled to receive the software Product or digital good, within an electronic software delivery and management system. A Product release is transmitted to the system for storage and limited distribution to a subset of entitled customers. A user interface enables the manufacturer, or partner such as a reseller, to specify distribution parameters that restrict distribution of the product version to specified customers. At least one customer is selected, such as, for example, one or more customers authorized to receive the product version. The product version is further designated as a restricted product version for the selected customers. Finally, the customer restriction information is stored in appropriate tables within a database.

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: A digital object delivery/management system includes a library of stored digital objects and a shared database containing web server access codes and a mapping indicating which users are authorized to access which stored digital objects. The shared database is coupled to a file transfer protocol (FTP) server and a web server. The FTP server is additionally coupled to the library. The web server presents at least one web page providing instructions for users seeking access to digital objects contained in the library, authenticates users according to the web server access codes, generates temporary FTP access codes for use by authenticated users in accessing authorized objects at the FTP server, and redirects authenticated users to the FTP server. The FTP server authenticates users according to the temporary FTP access codes, and, upon successful authentication, makes digital objects contained in the library available to requesting users pursuant to the mapping.

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: Method and apparatus supporting export control of restricted digital goods. In one implementation a request is received from a user to download a license key, where the license key applies to one or more digital goods. Information about the user is also received. Which of the one or more digital goods is subject to a most restrictive set of export controls is identified. An export control check is performed based on the identified digital good and the information related to the user. If the export control check is passed, then access to the license key is granted to the user. Otherwise, if the export check is failed, access to the license key to the user is denied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distribution of digital licenses and software via license tokens allows an end user access to software licenses or products by providing a licensing token, allowing a unique code or token to substitute for authentication. A distributor distributes software and licenses for software manufacturers. The software manufacturer supplies the service with the relevant information that defines the license token indicating which licenses and which products the token entitles a user to access. The distributor processes this token definition and makes the relevant product and license available when the user supplies the license token. A method of anonymous token-based licensing allows the end user to obtain a product license file without providing any information other than the token. A method of registered token-based licensing requires that the end user create a user profile, in addition to providing the token.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing limited access to data objects or files within an electronic software delivery and management system are described. A data object is transmitted to the system for storage in a library. Input of one or more restriction parameters is further requested for the stored data object. A user interface is displayed in a display window for facilitating input of the restriction parameters. At least one customer is selected, such as, for example, one or more users authorized to receive the stored data object. The stored data object is further designated as restricted data object for the selected users. Finally, the user restriction information is stored in appropriate tables within a database.

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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for limiting access to a selected release of a software Product and/or associated License Keys to a subset of the manufacturer's customers who are entitled to receive the software Product or digital good, within an electronic software delivery and management system. A Product release is transmitted to the system for storage and limited distribution to a subset of entitled customers. A user interface enables the manufacturer, or partner such as a reseller, to specify distribution parameters that restrict distribution of the product version to specified customers. At least one customer is selected, such as, for example, one or more customers authorized to receive the product version. The product version is further designated as a restricted product version for the selected customers. Finally, the customer restriction information is stored in appropriate tables within a database.

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 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 digital object delivery/management system includes a library of stored digital objects and a shared database containing web server access codes and a mapping indicating which users are authorized to access which stored digital objects. The shared database is coupled to a file transfer protocol (FTP) server and a web server. The FTP server is additionally coupled to the library. The web server presents at least one web page providing instructions for users seeking access to digital objects contained in the library, authenticates users according to the web server access codes, generates temporary FTP access codes for use by authenticated users in accessing authorized objects at the FTP server, and redirects authenticated users to the FTP server. The FTP server authenticates users according to the temporary FTP access codes, and, upon successful authentication, makes digital objects contained in the library available to requesting users pursuant to the mapping.