Regional network licensing system

Abstract

A regional network licensing system is disclosed. A client licensing module is provided that is associated with a protected client software application. A plurality of regional license servers are provided that include a licensing module. The client licensing modules are configured to monitor the use of the client software applications and send a license inquiry request to the licensing module of the geographically nearest regional license server.

1 . A regional network licensing system comprising: 
 a machine including a client licensing module associated with a client software application disposed therein;    a plurality of regional license servers, each of the regional license servers including a licensing module; and    wherein said client licensing module configured to monitor the use of said client software applications and send a license inquiry request to the licensing module of a geographically nearest one of said plurality of regional license servers.    
   
   
       2 . The regional network system of  claim 1 , wherein said client licensing module and said geographically nearest regional license server are in communication through an IP-compliant network.  
   
   
       3 . The regional network system of  claim 2 , wherein said geographically nearest regional license servers sends license inquiry information regarding said client licensing module to a central license server.  
   
   
       4 . The regional network system of  claim 3 , wherein said central license server uses the license inquiry information to prepare a billing statement.  
   
   
       5 . The regional network system of  claim 4 , wherein said plurality of regional license servers further comprise an audit tool for monitoring use of said client software applications.  
   
   
       6 . A regional network licensing system comprising: 
 a machine including client licensing module means associated with a client software application disposed therein;    a plurality of regional license servers, each of the regional license servers including licensing module means; and    wherein said client licensing module means includes means for monitoring the use of said client software applications and sending a license inquiry request to a geographically nearest one of said plurality of regional license servers.    
   
   
       7 . The regional network system of  claim 6 , wherein said client licensing module and said geographically nearest regional license server are in communication through an IP-compliant network.  
   
   
       8 . The regional network system of  claim 7 , wherein said geographically nearest regional license servers further comprises means for sending a license inquiry information regarding said client licensing module means to a central license server.  
   
   
       9 . The regional network system of  claim 8 , wherein said central license server further comprises means for utilizing the license inquiry information to prepare a billing statement.  
   
   
       10 . The regional network system of  claim 9 , wherein said plurality of regional license servers further comprises audit tool means for monitoring use of said client software applications.  
   
   
       11 . A regional network licensing system comprising: 
 a client licensing module associated with a client software application;    a plurality of regional license servers, each of the regional license servers including a licensing module; and    wherein said client licensing module configured to monitor the use of said client software applications and send a license inquiry request to the licensing module of a geographically nearest one of said plurality of regional license servers.    
   
   
       12 . The regional network system of  claim 11 , wherein said client licensing module and said geographically nearest regional license server are in communication through an IP-compliant network.  
   
   
       13 . The regional network system of  claim 12 , wherein said geographically nearest regional license servers sends license inquiry information regarding said client licensing module to a central license server.  
   
   
       14 . The regional network system of  claim 13 , wherein said central license server uses the license inquiry information to prepare a billing statement.  
   
   
       15 . The regional network system of  claim 14 , wherein said plurality of regional license servers further comprise an audit tool for monitoring use of said client software applications.