Patent ID: 7962416
Filing Date: 2011-06-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. An option-enabling system comprising: a subscribing station including: an on-line center programmed to receive and authenticate a user I.D., validate an option request for at least one of the plurality of in-field products, and create an option key in response to the option request; and a communications network to relay data from the on-line center to the subscribing station, the communications network including a first component in the on-line center and a second component in the subscribing station, and wherein the communications network is programmed to connect the on-line center to the subscribing station through an external communications network and transmit the option key from the on-line center to the subscribing station in response to receipt and authorization of a user I.D., and receipt of a valid option request; wherein the computer at the subscribing station transmits each of the user I.D. and the option request for a specified in-field product to the on-line center by way of the central server and the communications network; and wherein the computer at the subscribing station installs the option key on the specified in-field product.