Software feature authorization through delegated agents

摘要

A method enables selected features of a software product residing on an end user electronic device with a license delivered from a licensing provider to a service provider of the end user electronic device. The method includes requesting at least one license to authorize a first service provider. An encrypted installation key uniquely associated with the first service provider is received as well as an authorization agent module for installation on one or more authorization agent devices associated with the first service provider. The encrypted installation key and the authorization agent module are installed on the authorization agent devices. A device-unique identifier (DUID) is generated for each authorization agent device based on hardware characteristics of the respective authorization agent devices. The DUID and the encrypted installation key are sent from the authorization agent device to a licensing provider to obtain the requested license. The requested license is received by the authorization agent devices if the DUID and the encrypted installation key are validated by the licensing provider. The license on authorization agent device authorizes and enables the selected features of the software product on an end user electronic device.