Mobile token driven software licensing
A token contains licensing information for software stored on another computer. The token connects to the computer wirelessly, and transmits the licensing information, preferably automatically. While the token is connected to the computer, at least one factor in a multi-factor authentication scheme is satisfied for licensed use of the software. When the token disconnects from the computer either at will, or by exceeding the range of the wireless connection, the software on the computer becomes unlicensed and then can no longer execute.
1. A method for operating customer relationship management (“CRM”) software to direct execution of installed software on an electronic device based on a multi-factor authentication scheme, comprising:
at least partially restricting operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a first state of operation;
expanding operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a second state of operation in response to at least satisfaction of a first condition and a second condition, the second state of operation having more features that the first state of operation, wherein
the first condition is satisfied by a determination that the electronic device is presently located within a first predefined spatial region; and
the second condition is satisfied by:
receiving an identification number by the CRM software from a token, the token having a wireless communicative connection to the electronic device;
delivering the identification number by the CRM software to an external server; and
receiving verification of authenticity of the identification number by the CRM software from the external server;
evaluating whether the first condition and the second condition are met on a periodic interval; and
restoring restrictions to operation of the installed software to the first state of operation in response to an evaluation that either the first condition and/or the second condition are no longer satisfied.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
detecting that said electronic device is outside of the first predefined special region; and
prompting, by the CRM software, a user of the electronic device to activate a second predefined location that is interchangeable with the first predefined spatial region with respect to satisfaction of the first condition.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein said second predefined spatial region includes a present location for the electronic device.
4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
receiving an indication through a GUI interface that a user of the electronic device has an intent to travel to a second predefined spatial region; and
prompting, by the CRM software, the user of the electronic device to activate a second predefined location that is interchangeable with the first predefined spatial region with respect to satisfaction of the first condition.
5. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
activating, by the CRM software, the second predefined spatial region such that the second predefined spatial region is interchangeable with the first predefined spatial region with respect to satisfaction of the first condition.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein said activating is temporary, whereby after a temporary period, location within the second predefined spatial region no longer satisfies the first condition.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising
detecting, but the CRM software, satisfaction of a third condition, the third condition is satisfied by a determination that the electronic device is presently located within a second predefined spatial region; and
expanding operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a third state of operation in response to at least satisfaction of the second condition and the third condition, the third state of operation having more features that the first state of operation.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said third state of operation are consistent with local regulatory restrictions in said second predefined spatial region.
9. The method of claim 1 , said expanding additionally requiring satisfaction of a third condition.
10. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
accepting, from the user, payment comprising the difference in a first license fee of the first predefined spatial location and a second license fee of the second predefined spatial region.
11. The method of claim 2 further comprising:
accepting, from a user, payment comprising the a license fee associated with the second predefined spatial region.
12. The method of claim 5 further comprising:
accepting, from the user, agreement to new terms and conditions as a prerequisite for said activating.
13. The method of claim 12 , said new terms and conditions are consistent with local regulatory restrictions in the second predefined spatial region.
14. A method for operating customer relationship management (“CRM”) software to direct execution of installed software on an electronic device based on an authentication scheme, comprising:
at least partially restricting operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a first state of operation;
expanding operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a second state of operation in response to at least a first condition is satisfied, the second state of operation having more features that the first state of operation, wherein the first condition is satisfied by:
receiving an identification number by the CRM software from a token, the token in a wireless, bi-directional communicative connection to the electronic device;
receiving verification of authenticity of the identification number by the CRM software from the external server;
evaluating whether the first condition and the first condition is met on a periodic interval; and
restoring restrictions to operation of the installed software to the first state of operation in response to an evaluation that the first condition is no longer satisfied.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein said receiving verification of authenticity of the identification number by the CRM software from the external server may only be received by a single instance of the CRM software on the electronic device at a time with respect to the identification number, whereby other instances of the CRM software on other electronic devices may not receive said verification from the external server simultaneously, when using the identification number.
16. The method of claim 14 , further comprising
detecting, but the CRM software, satisfaction of a second condition; and
expanding operation of the installed software on the electronic device to a third state of operation in response to at least satisfaction of the first condition and the second condition, the third state of operation having more features that the first state of operation.
17. The method of claim 14 , said identification number comprising a device ID unique to said token.