Abstract: A software license management system that assists a user at a local node of a computer network in selecting an appropriate type of software licenses available at the time of a request. When the user requests a license for a required software tool, the system determines whether a node-locked license assigned to its node is available. If not, the system determines whether a floating license for the required software tool is available. If no floating or local node-locked license is available, the system finds out whether a node-locked license assigned to a remote node of the network can be used. If so, the user is connected to the remote node to use that node-locked license. If no license for the required software tool is available at the time of the request, the request is placed on a license request queue for the required software tool. The user is notified in order of the queue when any license for the required software tool becomes available.

Abstract: A set of logic cells is hierarchically grouped to form groups to be placed on an integrated circuit for gate array layout. A user interface allows a user to interact with a placement system. The system is supplied with input design files defining the integrated circuit, the cells to be grouped, the groups to be placed, and input/output buffers to be placed on the perimeter of the integrated circuit for connecting the groups with external circuitry. The system reads the input design files to create a database used for placing desired input/output buffers and for hierarchically grouping the cells and placing the groups. The groups are defined by their size, determined using utilization and aspect ratio values of the areas where the cells are to be placed. The user is allowed to move the buffers and groups to any valid locations within the integrated circuit.