Abstract:
A system for creating a database record for providing a license to use a computational component is provided that comprises, in one configuration: (a) an input operable to receive an order identifier associated with an order related to a computational component; (b) an interface  120  operable to retrieve order information associated with the order identifier, wherein the order information comprises at least one material code; and (c) a material code mapping agent  124  operable to compare the at least one material code with at least one material code mapping table to identify corresponding computational component information associated with the at least one material code and, in another configuration, (a) a transaction record comprising first information associated with the order, the order relating to at least a first computational component and/or feature thereof; (b) a configuration file  148  comprising second information different from the first information, the configuration file relating to at least one of a telecommunication switch and server; and (c) a configuration file processing agent  156  operable to compare at least some of the first information with at least some of the second information to form a system record comprising both first and second information.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the licensing of computational components and specifically to the licensing of computational components in telecommunication systems.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    To protect software manufacturers&#39; copyrights in software sold to the public, manufacturer&#39;s commonly license software to the purchaser. Additionally, in many applications the purchaser has elected to pay only for certain features of software which must be selectively enabled by the manufacturer. In particular, each release or version of a particular software package for a customer premise telecommunication switching system contains a large number of features, and most customers elect to pay for only a subset of the total number of features. Features in a telecommunications switching system refer to certain specialized operations such as call hold, call transfer, automatic route selection, etc. An ongoing problem in the art is to prevent newer versions of software from being pirated and used on unauthorized hardware and/or otherwise authorized customers from actuating features for which the customer has not paid.  
           [0003]    A number of methods have been developed to protect against such unauthorized use of software.  
           [0004]    In one method, passwords, that allow only authorized individuals to have access to the telecommunication switching system, are used to control enablement of features or new software versions. This method is inflexible and inconvenient for customers as an authorized technician must be scheduled to enable the features, can be circumvented by a person misappropriating or misusing the password, and does not provide for periodic license verification during system operation.  
           [0005]    In another method, a key is required to enable the software program. This solution does not solve the copying problem because the key is normally printed on the packaging of the software, and anyone can install the software as many times as they wish, however illegal it may be.  
           [0006]    In yet another method, a special piece of hardware or “dongle” is used. The dongle is a special piece of hardware that connects to the serial or parallel port of the computer. The software running on the computer sends a random number to the dongle. The dongle performs a secret computation and returns a result. The software makes a like computation; if the two computations match, the software continues to run. To work satisfactorily, the response must include feature and version information. The use of the dongle is cumbersome when it fails. In the event that the dongle fails, the system is down until a new dongle can be physically obtained on site. Also, once made the dongle is fixed. If it was used for feature activation, a new dongle is required for each additional feature that is purchased.  
           [0007]    A further method is to freely distribute CD-ROM disks. When the CD-ROM is inserted into a computer, the computer automatically connects to a remote server via the Internet or a dial-up connection to receive a machine-specific key. The key unlocks the software so that it can be utilized on that computer. The remote server also obtains the necessary payment information from the computer user. This method does not function well for a telecommunication switching system since it does not provide for the authorization to use different features of the same software application nor is it dependent on the version of the software being requested. In addition, it does not provide the necessary authorization of personnel to make such a request.  
           [0008]    Another method requires the software, upon installation or first execution, to record serial number information (e.g., medium access control or MAC address) regarding predetermined hardware components of the computer system. The software permits the user a specified number of hardware serial number changes before it disables itself. This method, though effective, is unfair to users who, over time, legitimately exceed the number of permitted serial number changes through reuse of the software on a number of different systems and/or periodic replacement of some of the predetermined hardware components in a given system to upgrade or maintain the system.  
           [0009]    The drawbacks of the various licensing methods discussed above are addressed by the licensing method discussed in detail in copending U.S. patent application entitled “Securing Feature Activation in a Telecommunication System”, Ser. No. 09/357,679, filed Jul. 20, 1999, to Serkowski, which is incorporated herein by this reference. In this method, a valid license file is required to run a computational component. The license file contains a serial number that must be present on the hardware that is to execute the licensed software for the license to be valid and the software to be executable. In telecommunication applications, for example, the serial number of the control processor must be in the license file for the control processor to run the licensed software.  
           [0010]    The license file also contains a name and/or version of the licensed telecommunication application and licensed features. The data structures corresponding to the features are of two types. In a type 1 feature, the data structures reflected enablement or disablement of the corresponding feature using a simple on/off state. Examples of features falling into this category include attendant vectoring, restrict call forward off net, and enhanced conferencing. In a type 2 feature, the data structures include a single numeric value and/or a name kind of entry. Examples of features falling into this category include maximum number of ports, maximum number of administered IP trunks, and call center release.  
           [0011]    The licensing method described in the above patent application file can have drawbacks in certain applications. For example, when a computational component is sold a system record is manually created for use in later generating a license file. In telecommunication applications, material codes are used by an enterprise resource management or ERM system to track what hardware and/or software and software features were purchased. These material codes are manually converted into the corresponding items for license file generation. Manual record creation suffers not only from high labor costs but also from human error and permits abuse by personnel, who may provide a customer with additional, unpaid for features. The licensing method, though effective for controlling right-to-use for newly purchased components, can be inefficient in licensing system upgrades. In new installations, the software and/or software features that the customer is entitled to use is based entirely upon what the customer ordered. In contrast when a system upgrade is purchased, the customer is entitled to use not only the software and/or software features ordered but also the software and/or software features present on the system before installation of the upgrade.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    These and other needs are addressed by the various embodiments and configurations of the present invention. The present invention provides a methodology for converting automatically material codes into corresponding items for license file generation and/or for controlling right-to-use in system upgrades.  
           [0013]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for creating a database record for generating a license to use a computational component. The computational component can be hardware, software, and/or an operational feature thereof The method comprises the steps of:  
           [0014]    (a) receiving an order identifier associated with an order related to a computational component;  
           [0015]    (b) retrieving order information associated with the order identifier, wherein the order information comprises one or more material codes;  
           [0016]    (c) comparing a material code with a material code mapping table to identify corresponding computational component information associated with the material code; and  
           [0017]    (d) generating a license file containing some or all of the computational component information.  
           [0018]    The order identifier can be in any form, whether numerical, alphabetical, or alphanumerical, and identifies a record describing an order involving the computational component. An example is an order number as used in database software sold by SAP, Inc. The order can be from any type of business transaction, whether a sale, a lease or license, a free trial, a replacement, and the like.  
           [0019]    The order information in the record can include any desirable information. For example, the order information can include not only material code(s) but also a description of the customer or customer information, the quantity of the computational component associated with each material code included in the order, and a description of the various computational components. As used herein, “material code” refers to any code, whether numerical, alphabetical, or alphanumerical, that identifies an item or type of item, such as a computational component.  
           [0020]    The material code mapping table describes what the customer is entitled to in its license based on the material codes in the order. The computational component information in the mapping code mapping table can be of any type or form depending on the application. In one application, the computational component information comprises, for each material code, a description of the computational component, a platform description, a module type, an application description, a release description, and one or more feature codes or keywords.  
           [0021]    A database or system record for the customer is generated from the mapping of the order information onto the computational component information. The database record reflects the correct license information. The license information, for example, includes software application name, software version, expiration date of the license, software features, and software capacities. The license file is generated from the database record.  
           [0022]    This embodiment of the present invention can enable automatic creation of valid licenses without any manual translation between order information and computational component information. In the case of direct sales, this ability can result in significant labor savings and a reduction in erroneous data entry. In the case of indirect sales, customers and/or distributors can place an order and generate their software license files using a website without having to contact or otherwise involve personnel of the supplier/manufacturer. This ability can save substantial time, reduce errors, reduce support costs of the supplier/manufacturer, reduce abuse, and provide high levels of customer satisfaction.  
           [0023]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for creating a database record for generating a license in a system upgrade. The method comprises the steps of:  
           [0024]    (a) providing a transaction record comprising first information associated with an order, the order relating to a first computational component and/or feature thereof, and a configuration file comprising second information different from the first information, the configuration file relating to a telecommunication switch and/or server;  
           [0025]    (b) comparing some or all of the first information with some or all of the second information to form a system record comprising both first and second information; and  
           [0026]    (c) generating a license file using the system record.  
           [0027]    The first and second information can be any type or form of information associated with a computational component. For example, the first and second information describes features and capacities associated with one or more computational components. The first information is typically generated from order information associated with the order, and the second information is typically generated from the translation files of the switch and/or server being upgraded by items in the order. A feature extraction tool or FET can be used to extract the second information from the translation files. As used herein, a “feature” refers to an operational aspect of a computational component.  
           [0028]    In the comparing step, predefined priority rules can be used to determine when to use first and second information for a given field in the system record, when the two types of information differ. Generally, the system record includes all the features in the order plus all the features that were already on the switch/server.  
           [0029]    The licensing method can be effective for controlling not only right to use for newly purchased components but also right to use for system upgrades. The method considers the software and/or software features both ordered by the customer and present on the system before installation of the upgrade.  
           [0030]    The feature extraction tool can allow the feature activation system to create valid software licenses for an upgrade without any manual translation between existing features and capacities and license information. In the case of direct sales, this ability can result in significant labor savings and prevent errors since a technician does not have to log onto the switch/server, read the feature and capacities and then manually update the license information on the system. In the case of indirect sales, this ability can allow distributors and customers to place a software upgrade order and then run the tool, upload the output of the tool into the manufacturer&#39;s/supplier&#39;s web site and generate their license files without having to contact personnel of the manufacturer/supplier. This can save time, reduce errors, reduce the manufacturer&#39;s/supplier&#39;s support costs, and provide high levels of customer satisfaction. By encrypting the FET output, the feature extraction tool prevents the fraudulent modification of feature settings (e.g. adding a feature or increasing a capacity).  
           [0031]    These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein.  
           [0032]    The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10______, entitled “FLEXIBLE LICENSE FILE FEATURE CONTROLS”; 10/______, entitled “LICENSE MODES IN CALL PROCESSING”; 10/______, entitled “LICENSE FILE SERIAL NUMBER TRACKING”; 10/______, entitled “LICENSING DUPLICATED SYSTEMS”; and 10/______, entitled “SOFTWARE LICENSING FOR SPARE PROCESSORS”, each of which is to Serkowski et al. and filed concurrently herewith and is incorporated herein by reference.  
           [0033]    The above-described embodiments and configurations are neither complete nor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]    [0034]FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a licensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting the operation of the feature extraction tool according to the first embodiment;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting the operation of the configuration file processing agent;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 4A depicts the data structures in the configuration mapping table for Type I features;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4B depicts the data structures in the configuration mapping table for Type II features;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 depicts the data structures in the switch configuration file output by the configuration file processing agent;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIGS. 6A and B are flowcharts depicting the operation of the system record generating agent;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 depicts the data structures in the system and transaction records;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 depicts the data structures in the license file generated by the remote feature activator from the transaction record;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 9 is a screenshot of an order in the order database;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10 depicts the data structures in the serial number database;  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11 is a flowchart depicting the operation of the mapping agent;  
         [0046]    [0046]FIG. 12 depicts the data structures in the material code mapping table;  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 13 depicts the data structures in the switch configuration file mapping table; and  
         [0048]    [0048]FIG. 14 is a flowchart depicting a subroutine of the algorithm of FIG. 6B. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0049]    Overview of the Licensing Verification System  
         [0050]    Referring to FIG. 1, the licensing verification system  100  comprises an enterprise resource manager or ERM  104  to add, update, modify, and validate entries in a serial number database  108  and an order database  112 , a remote feature activation or RFA system  116  to supervise the licensing verification and issuance processes, and a business application programming interface or BAPI  120  to process messages between the ERM  104  and RFA system  116 . The RFA system  116  comprises a material code mapping agent  124  to form and populate transactions records by mapping order records in the order database  112  using material code mapping tables  128 , a configuration file decryptor  132  to convert encrypted configuration files  136  for switch/server  140  received from a feature extraction tool  146  into unencrypted switch/server configuration files  148 , a configuration file processing agent  156  to update the transaction records output by mapping agent  124  using the feature information in the unencrypted switch configuration file  148  and the switch configuration file mapping table  158 , and a remote feature activator  164  to supervise the operation of the remote feature activation system  100  and completion of the transaction records to update the licensing database  160 . The feature extraction tool or FET  146  comprises a feature extractor  144  to access the translation file(s)  168  to generate the encrypted configuration file  136  by using configuration mapping tables  152  to map the features in translation files  168  onto fields in the configuration file  136 .  
         [0051]    The operation of the ERM  104  is discussed in detail in copending U.S. application entitled “LICENSE FILE SERIAL NUMBER TRACKING”, Ser. No. 10/______ to Serkowski, et al., filed concurrently herewith and incorporated herein by this reference. The ERM  104  is configured to cause the addition, update, modification, and validation of entries in the databases  108  and  112  based on predetermined rules or policies. The ERM  104  can be any suitable enterprise resource planning software, such as ERP or Enterprise Resource Planning software sold by SAP.  
         [0052]    The serial number database  108  comprises a plurality of records corresponding to hardware (e.g., processors or IP services interface cards) sold to customers. The database  108  includes two tables, namely a current table and a historical table. The data structures in the two tables are similar and are shown in FIG. 10. Referring to FIG. 10, each entry includes fields for the serial number  1000 , serial number status or licensing state  1004  (valid inactive (serial number is available for licensing but is not yet assigned to a license file), valid active (serial number is available for licensing and has been assigned to a license file, invalid open (serial number is unavailable for licensing), invalid returned (serial number is unavailable for licensing and has been returned by the customer), and invalid scrap (serial number is unavailable for licensing and has been retired), client or purchaser  1008 , date  1012  and time  1016  of creation of the entry, source  1020  of update or creation of the entry, material code(s) 1024  (e.g., a material code in SAP that defines the hardware having the serial number), name of the user  1028  who created the entry, system identifier (SID)  1032  indicating the system to which the serial number has been assigned for licensing, module counter  1044  indicating the licensing identification number of the processor for use in switch/server systems with multiple processing modules, and user identifier  1048  of the user who created the entry. These entries are typically automatically generated when the serial number is assigned during manufacturing and whenever the licensing state of the serial number is changed using the RFA system  116 .  
         [0053]    The order database  112  comprises a plurality of records corresponding to hardware and software corresponding to each customer order. The data structures can vary depending upon the precise implementation of the ERM  104 . FIG. 9 shows the data structures in one implementation. Each order entry comprises an SAP order number  900 , a group authorization identifier  904 , a user id  908 , customer name, address, and contact information fields  912 , and a series of quantity, material code, and description fields  916 ,  920 , and  924 , respectively, identifying the contents of each order. The entries for the orders can be generated manually or with the aid of a configurator.  
         [0054]    BAPI  120  processes messages conveyed between the ERM  104  and the RFA system  116 . In a typical licensing transaction, a serial number-based inquiry is forwarded via BAPI  120  to ERM  104  by RFA system  116 . In response to serial number inquiries and updates from the RFA system, ERM  104  accesses the serial number database  108  to read/write serial number information accordingly. A serial number inquiry response is then returned via BAPI  120  to RFA system  116  by ERM  104 . The RFA system  116  then forwards via BAPI  120  a status update to ERM  104 , and ERM  104  then updates the database  108  and returns via BAPI  120  a serial number update response to the RFA system  116 . The serial number-based inquiry to ERM  104  includes a source to identify the requesting system and an activity code to indicate the processing to be performed by ERM  104 . The RFA system  116  will use two activity codes, namely inquiry and update, to validate the current status of a serial number when it is entered into an RFA transaction and to update the status after the serial number is saved in a system record. Other activity codes include history (to return all historical activity for a serial number) and add (to insert a new serial number entry in a table). The RFA system  116  uses a number of transaction statuses to characterize a serial number transaction, namely PENDING COMPLETION to indicate that the status of the serial number has been validated in ERM  104  and is ready to be updated to a VALID ACTIVE state (discussed below), PENDING ERROR to indicate that the status of the serial number in ERM  104  indicates that it cannot be updated to VALID ACTIVE and the user must enter a new serial number, PENDING VALIDATION to indicate that the serial number has not been validated due to a system problem and the user must resubmit the serial number for validation, and COMPLETE to indicate that the status of the serial number in ERM  104  has been updated to VALID ACTIVE.  
         [0055]    The RFA system  116  comprises a material code mapping agent  124  to populate transactions records by mapping order records in the order database  112  using material code mapping tables  128 . As discussed below with reference to FIG. 10, the mapping agent  124  reads each of the material codes  920  in an order (FIG. 9) and converts the material code to a corresponding hardware and/or software component or feature. The pertinent fields in a transaction record are then populated.  
         [0056]    The data structures in the material code mapping tables  128  used by the mapping agent  124  are shown in FIG. 12. The fields in the table are material code  1200 , description  1204  of the item or feature corresponding to the material code, platform (or platform type)  1208  (which typically is a type or model of hardware, such as a processor), module type  1212  (e.g., whether or not the processor is a PPN, a remote spare processor, or a WAN spare processor), application  1216  (e.g., DEFINITY sold by Avaya Inc.), release  1220  (release or version of the application), and feature code(s)  1224  (e.g., FEAT_ARS on locked, FEAT_CWFD on locked, VALUE_PORT 1000 1000 or the V1 and V2 values for the telephony ports, and VALUE_CCRELEASE 9.1 9.1 or the release identifier for the corresponding application). Depending on the purpose of a given material code (e.g. licensing of base software, feature addition, capacity addition, or release upgrade), one or more of the fields  1208 ,  1212 ,  1220 , and  1224  may not be populated.  
         [0057]    The RFA system  116  further includes a configuration file decryptor  132  to convert encrypted configuration files  136  for a switch/server  140  uploaded into the RFA system  116  into unencrypted configuration files  148 .  
         [0058]    Referring to FIG. 5, the data structures for the switch/server configuration files  148  output by the configuration file decryptor  132  are depicted. The table comprises a series of keywords  500  and corresponding data  504 . The keyword fields comprise a field for the beginning of the header  508 , tool  512  (this field describes the type of tool that produced the configuration file  136 ), tool version  516  (this field denotes the version of the tool identified in the tool field  512 ), create date  520  (the date of creation of the output file), correlation identifier or ID  524  (this value allows the output file to be correlated with the switch/server being upgraded), platform type  528 , serial number  532 , product ID or PID  536 , ending of the header  540 , software release  544  (the software load version of the system prior to the upgrade), the beginning of the Type I features  548 , the various Type I features  552   a - n , the ending of the Type I features  556 , the beginning of the Type II features  560 , the various Type II features  564   a - m , the ending of the Type II features  568 , the beginning of the Type III features  572 , the various Type III features  576   a - p , the ending of the Type III features  580 , and the ending of the application  584 .  
         [0059]    The RFA system  116  comprises a configuration file processing agent  156  to apply validation rules to confirm that a configuration file  148  is valid and populate the fields of transaction records using switch configuration files  148  and switch configuration file mapping table  158 , and a Remote Feature Activator  164  to apply rules for converting convert transaction records into valid system records. As will be appreciated, a transaction record differs from a system record in that the transaction record does not yet qualify as a system record. Some of the fields in the transaction remain unpopulated, and/or the transaction record fails to comply with or satisfy certain predefined rules or policies required for all system records. The operation of the configuration file processing agent  156  is described below with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.  
         [0060]    The data structures for the switch configuration file mapping table are shown in FIG. 13. Moving from left to right, the column  1300  corresponds to the feature keyword, the column  1304  to the feature type, and columns  1308  and  1312  to the range definition  1316 . Columns  1308  and  1312  set forth, for each feature keyword, the corresponding values for V1 and V2.  
         [0061]    The RFA system  116  maintains, in the licensing database, a current system record indicating the features and capacities of each switch/server. The system record serves as the input for the creation of a license file. When a system is purchased or upgraded, information regarding the features and capacities purchased by the customer is needed to create or update the system record. The purpose of the BAPI  120  is to allow the RFA system  116  to retrieve the required information from the order record in the order database  112 .  
         [0062]    The data structures in the transaction and system records are shown in FIG. 7. Each record comprises the following fields: system ID  700 , sold-to customer information  704 , distributor information  708 , dealer information  712 , customer information  716 , authorized user access information  720 , license generation information  724  (which comprises platform type  728 , serial number  732 , PID  736 , application name  740 , software version  744 , and expiration date  748 ), Type I feature information  752  (which comprises Type I ON/OFF feature settings—right to use  756  and Type I ON/OFF feature settings—features activated  760 ), Type II feature information  764  (which comprises Type II value feature right to use  768 , Type II value feature range  772  (containing a number or numerical range defined by V1 and V2), and Type II value feature settings  776  (containing the value setting in the range of V1 to V2 (inclusive) for each Type II feature with a right to use)), Type III feature information  780  (which comprises Type III registration feature right to use  784 , Type III registration feature release  788  (which has a release value for each Type III feature with a right to use), Type III registration feature range  792  (containing a number or numerical range defined by V1 and V2), and Type III registration feature setting  796  (containing a number or numerical range defined by V1 and V2)), license delivery information  797 , module information  798  for systems containing multiple processors (e.g. main server with WAN Spare Processors), application information  799 , and system record history  789 .  
         [0063]    The data structures in the license file, which is generated from the system record, are discussed in detail in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/______, entitled “FLEXIBLE LICENSE FILE FEATURE CONTROLS”, filed concurrently herewith, Serkowski et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The data structures for the license file are shown in FIG. 8. Referring to FIG. 8, the license file comprises a header section  800  and one or more application definition sections  804 . For a system using more than a single licensed application, the application definition section will be repeated in the license file for each of the controlled telecommunications applications. The header section  800  comprises a header beginning  808 , serial number field  812 , platform type field  816 , PID field  820 , and header ending  824 . Each application definition section  804  comprises application beginning  828 , software release field  832 , license expiration field  836 , Type I feature key words fields  840 , Type II feature key words fields  844 , Type III feature key words fields  848 , and application ending  852 . The software application name is defined in the “Begin Application” field  828 .  
         [0064]    The remote feature activator  164  is the supervisor or controlling application for the various other modules in the RFA system  116 . The activator  164  can be embodied in any suitable script. Other operations of the activator  164  are discussed in copending U.S. application entitled “LICENSE FILE SERIAL NUMBER TRACKING”, Ser. No. 10/______ to Serkowski et al., filed concurrently herewith. Such other operations include the generation of a license file from a system record in the licensing database and forwarding of the license file to a controlling and/or controlled application of a remote switch and/or server.  
         [0065]    The feature extraction tool or FET  146  accesses the translation file(s)  168  to generate a configuration file  136  when a switch/server  140  is upgraded from an earlier version of software that was not licensed using the licensing system  100 . As noted above, the file  136  is used to generate a license for the upgraded system. The configuration file  136  is generated by the feature extractor  144  using FET mapping tables  152  to map features in translation files  168  to corresponding feature codes or keywords recognized by the RFA system  116 . The data structures for the FET mapping tables are shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The mapping tables are for Type I and II features, respectively. As discussed in detail in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/______, entitled “FLEXIBLE LICENSE FILE FEATURE CONTROLS” to Serkowski et al., filed concurrently herewith and incorporated herein by this reference, Type I features are features having a simple on/off state. Type II features are features having a numeric value. Type III features are features having a product ID, a release number, and a numeric value.  
         [0066]    Referring to FIG. 4A, the data structures for the mapping table for Type I features are depicted. The table comprises fields for the feature keyword  400  (which identifies a corresponding feature and is the variable that the features in the switch/server are being mapped to), the title string on the switch administration terminal or SAT screen  404 , the page number  408  (the pertinent page of the customer options form), the field ID  412  (the feature field used in the translation files  168  or the feature identifier that is being mapped from), feature setting  416  (defines the rules for setting the features in the configuration file based on the feature setting(s) in the translation files of the switch/server, e.g., “Copy” indicates that the setting from the switch is used directly to populate the setting in the configuration file), and the platform applicability  420  (defines the platform types for which the feature is valid).  
         [0067]    Referring to FIG. 4B, the data structures for the mapping table for Type II features are depicted. The table comprises fields for the feature keyword  424 , the title string on the SAT screen  428 , the page number  432 , the field ID  436 , and the rules for setting the feature value  440 .  
         [0068]    The tool  146  is typically executed on a customer&#39;s personal computer or PC  172  and the encrypted configuration file  136  uploaded onto communication link  176  and forwarded to the RFA system  116  for processing by the configuration file processing agent  156 . The data is stored in the PC  172  as an encrypted file to prevent the user from tampering with the file in an attempt to illicitly acquire additional features or capacities. The configuration file  136  includes a correlation ID to match the file with the customer and the switch/server to which it applies. As will be appreciated, the file transfer to RFA system can be done automatically without user input.  
         [0069]    The feature extraction tool  146  is preferably a single-user tool that provides a simple user interface and step-by-step instructions for generating the feature file consistent with the tool being used by untrained customers. The tool, for example, could provide the customer with instructions on returning the encrypted file to the RFA system and with the option for automatically e-mailing the feature file to the RFA system if an e-mail connection is available.  
         [0070]    Operation of the Material Code Mapping Agent  
         [0071]    Referring to FIG. 11, the operation of the material code mapping agent will now be discussed. In response to a command from the RFA activator  164  (which is typically in turn in response to a request from a user), the mapping agent  124  in step  1100  forwards a status request to the BAPI  120 . The request includes the SAP order number.  
         [0072]    The BAPI  120  forwards the request to the ERM  104 . The ERM  104  retrieves from the order database  112  the order corresponding to the order number. The BAPI  120  thereafter interacts with the ERM  104  to verify the success of the transaction, validate the order type, validate the order status (e.g., complete, being processed, awaiting scheduling, and product delivered awaiting installation), extract the SAP customer number to be used for user authorization to view the order, extract the customer sold-to name and address to be displayed by a graphic user interface of the RFA system  116 , and, for each line item of the order, extract the material quantity and material code for the translation to its corresponding features and capacities during the mapping operation. The response to the status request comprises the order status, the status (success or failure) of the remote function call, the line items on the order, packing information, and partner/customer name and address information.  
         [0073]    Upon receipt of the response from the BAPI  120  in step  1104 , the mapping agent  124  creates a transaction record and performs mapping to populate the various fields of a transaction record. In step  1108 , the mapping agent  124  reads the order status, the status (success or failure) of the remote function call, packing information, and partner/customer name and address information and populates the appropriate fields in the transaction record. In step  1112 , the mapping agent  124  reads the first line item in the response. In step  1116 , the mapping agent  124  extracts the material quantity and material code from the first line item. In step  1120 , the mapping agent  124  reads the material code mapping table (FIG. 12), compares the material code in the first line item with the various material codes in the table, and translates the material code to the corresponding features and/or capabilities in the table (e.g., finds the corresponding description  1204 , platform  1208 , module type  1212 , application  1216 , release  1220 , and/or feature code(s)  1224  for the material code). The located information and quantity information is then used to populate the corresponding fields in the transaction record as appropriate. If the material code in the order is not found in the mapping tables  128 , then the material is not used to populate fields in the transaction record. In step  1124 , the mapping agent  124  determines whether or not there is a next (unprocessed) line item in the response. When there is a next line item, the mapping agent returns to step  1112  and repeats steps  1116  and  1120  for the line item. When there is no next line item, the mapping agent  124  saves the transaction record in the licensing database and terminates operation with respect to that transaction.  
         [0074]    Operation of the Feature Extraction Tool  
         [0075]    The operation of the feature extraction tool  146  will now be discussed with reference to FIG. 2.  
         [0076]    In step  200 , the feature extraction tool  146  contacts the switch/server  140  by any suitable technique. In step  204 , the feature extractor  144  reads the PID, platform type, software version, serial number(s), and duplication information off from the translation files  168  stored in the memory of the switch/server  140 . In step  208 , the feature extractor  144  next reads the application information and in step  212  the first feature entry for the application in the files  168 .  
         [0077]    The information acquired from the feature entry depends upon the type of feature, namely whether the feature is a Type I, II, or III feature. For a Type I feature, the feature extractor  144  first determines in step  216  if the platform type of the telecommunication switch/server  140  is marked with an “N” in the Platform Applicability column  420  of the Type I feature mapping table (FIG. 4A). If so, the setting state for the feature keyword is set in step  216  to “OFF”. If not, the setting state for the feature keyword is set in step  224  in accordance with the feature setting column  416  of the configuration mapping table for Type I features (FIG. 4A). For a Type II feature (which are capacity/value features), the feature extractor  144  in step  228  sets the value in the configuration file  136  for the corresponding feature keyword in accordance with the feature value column  440  in the Type II configuration mapping table (FIG. 4B). As noted, when the feature extractor  144  has no data for a Type I or II feature keyword the keyword is included in the file  136  with the data as set forth in the corresponding mapping table. For a Type III feature (which are registration features), the feature extractor  144  in step  232  reads the PID, version, and capacity information for the corresponding feature keyword. When the feature extractor  144  does not have data related to a given Type III feature keyword, the keyword is omitted from the switch configuration file  136 . When the feature extractor  144  does not have any information for the application PID or software release keyword within an application section, the keyword is included without any data. The information read for the pertinent type of feature is used to populate the corresponding fields in the configuration file  136 .  
         [0078]    In step  236 , the feature extractor  144  determines if there is a next (unprocessed) feature in the translation files  168  for the subject application. If so, the feature extractor  144  repeats steps  212  and the pertinent of steps  228 ,  232 , and steps  216 ,  220 , and  224 . If not, the feature extractor  144  next determines in step  240  if there is a next (unprocessed) application in the translation files  168 . When there is a next application, the feature extractor  144  returns to step  208  and repeats the ensuing steps as appropriate. When there is no next application, the feature extractor  144  encrypts the file  136  in step  244 . The user then uploads the file  136  into the RFA system  116 .  
         [0079]    For security reasons, the tool  144  both saves the files  136  and transmits the files in an encrypted form. As will be appreciated, when the file is saved in a plain text or unencrypted form the customer can alter the file to provide unpaid for features/capacities. These unpaid for features/capacities will in certain situations be carried over into the license for the upgraded system.  
         [0080]    Operation of the Configuration File Decryptor  
         [0081]    The encrypted file is received and downloaded by the configuration file decryptor  132  in step  300  (FIG. 3). The agent  132  decrypts the file in step  304  to form a plain text file. Finally, in step  316 , the resulting unencrypted switch configuration file  148  is saved.  
         [0082]    Operation of the Configuration File Processing Agent  
         [0083]    The operation of the configuration file processing agent  156  will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B.  
         [0084]    In step  600 , the agent  156  opens, for a selected switch/server, the corresponding switch configuration file  148  and transaction record previously generated by the material code mapping agent  124 .  
         [0085]    In step  604 , the agent  156  determines whether or not to reject the switch configuration file before proceeding to later steps. When the switch configuration file fails to meet predetermined format requirements, has an application PID value that is not a default value or blank and that was in a previously imported switch configuration file  148 , includes a correlation ID (which is unique for a given switch/server) that is in another switch configuration file  148  that was successfully imported, and/or has a correlation ID that does not match the transaction ID of the corresponding transaction record, the switch configuration file is rejected in step  608  and not used to alter the corresponding transaction record. In step  612  an error message is returned to the user with a brief description of the error and information on whom to contact to resolve the issue. In step  616 , the rejected switch configuration file, the error that caused the file to be rejected, the user name of the person who tried to import the file, the date and time, and the associated transaction record ID are archived in the licensing database as part of the system record history. When the foregoing conditions are not found to exist, the agent  156  proceeds to step  620 .  
         [0086]    In step  620 , the agent  156  determines if the serial number in the configuration file  148  is contained in another successfully uploaded configuration file  148 . When the same serial number appears in two separate configuration files  148 , it is an indication of attempted fraud. When the same serial number appears in another successfully uploaded configuration file  148 , the agent  156  proceeds to step  608 . When the same serial number does not appear in another successfully uploaded configuration file, the agent proceeds to step  624 .  
         [0087]    In step  624 , the agent  156  checks the serial number strings in the configuration file against the entries in the serial number database  108  to ensure that the serial number(s) is valid for licensing (i.e. the state is VALID INACTIVE). When all of the serial numbers pass the serial number database check, the agent  156  proceeds to step  628  and uses the serial number(s) to populate the serial number field(s) in the transaction record (when the field(s) are not already populated). When one or more of the serial number(s) fail the serial number database check, the agent  156  proceeds to step  608 .  
         [0088]    In step  632 , the agent  156  determines if the platform type of the switch/server in the transaction record matches the platform type string in the switch configuration file. If not, the agent  156  proceeds to step  608 . If so, the agent  156  proceeds to step  640 .  
         [0089]    In step  652 , the agent  156  uses the PID value to populate the PID in the transaction record, regardless of whether the value is a default or not and that field is already populated.  
         [0090]    In step  656 , the agent  156  reads the next (first) application information in the configuration file  148  and in step  660  the next (first) feature entry for that application.  
         [0091]    The ensuing steps depend on whether the feature corresponding to the feature keyword is a Type I, II, or III feature.  
         [0092]    For a Type I feature, the agent  156  proceeds to step  664  and determines whether the setting state is ON. If so, the feature keyword and associated information is added in step  668  to the Type I right to use list (or field  756 ) in the transaction record (FIG. 7), if the feature keyword is not already present from the SAP order. These are features for which the customer has already paid. Next, in step  681 , the processing agent  156  sets the corresponding feature activation setting field  760  (FIG. 7) to ON in accordance with the setting in the configuration file. If the setting is OFF in step  664 , the agent  156  does not add the feature to the right to use list, instead it proceeds to step  671  in which the agent  156  determines if the feature keyword is already in the transaction&#39;s Type I feature right to use list from the material code mapping. If so, then the processing agent  156  proceeds to step  681  and sets the feature activation setting field  760  (FIG. 7) to OFF to match the configuration file. If not, the processing agent proceeds to  687 . Features that are OFF have not previously been paid for by the customer and are therefore not added to the right to use list. However, if the feature is in the right to use list as a result of the action material code mapping but was previously OFF on the switch/server it is left OFF in the transaction record, in case it is a feature that the customer does not want activated (the feature can be activated later if desired since it is in the right to use list). As will be appreciated, importing a switch configuration file has no impact on the Type I feature right-to-use field previously populated by the material code mapping agent  156  during material code mapping.  
         [0093]    In any event, the agent  156  next proceeds to step  687  in which the agent  156  determines if there are any remaining features for the application requiring processing. If so, the agent  156  returns to step  660  with respect to that feature. If not, the agent  156  next determines in step  688  if there is any application the features of which have not yet been processed. If so, the agent  156  returns to step  656  with respect to that application. If not, the agent  156  terminates.  
         [0094]    Returning again to step  660  for a Type II feature in the configuration file  148 , the agent  156 , in step  684 , processes the Type II feature.  
         [0095]    A more detailed flowchart of this process is depicted in FIG. 14. Referring to FIG. 14, the agent  156 , in step  1400 , determines, for the selected Type II feature keyword from the switch configuration file  148  whether the feature is also listed in the corresponding entry in the transaction record.  
         [0096]    When the feature is not listed in the transaction record, the agent  156  proceeds to step  1404 . In step  1404 , the selected Type II feature keyword is added to the right-to-use list  768 .  
         [0097]    In step  1408 , the agent  156  determines whether the feature type for the keyword is “Range” in column  1304  (FIG. 13) of the mapping table  158 . If so, the licensed range values  1308  and  1312  in the mapping table  158  are used in step  1412  to populate the V1 and V2 values in the value feature range  772  (FIG. 7) in the transaction record. In step  1416 , the agent  156  determines whether or not the feature setting in the switch configuration file  148  is in the value feature range in the mapping table  158 . When the feature setting is in the value feature range, the feature setting field  776  (FIG. 7) in the transaction record in step  1420  is set to the feature setting value in the configuration file  148 . When the feature setting in the configuration file  148  is not in the value feature range, the feature setting field  776  in step  1424  is set equal to the value for V1. Returning again to step  1408 , when the feature keyword does not have a feature type of “Range” in the mapping table  158 , the agent  156  in step  1428  sets the values for V1 and V2 in the value feature range  772  (FIG. 7) in the corresponding transaction record to the respective value in the switch configuration file  148 .  
         [0098]    Returning again to step  1400 , when the selected Type II feature keyword in the switch configuration file  148  is not listed in the corresponding transaction record, the ensuing actions of the agent  156  depend on whether the keyword is a capacity keyword, a set value keyword, or a range keyword, as defined in the mapping table  158 . A capacity keyword provides a capacity value for a switch/server function. Examples of capacity keywords include maximum ports, maximum concurrently registered IP stations, maximum administered IP trunks, and maximum number of logged in ACD agents. A set value keyword is a feature that has non-numeric settings. Examples of set value features include offer category (e.g., allowed settings of A or B), G3 version (e.g., allowed settings of V1-V11) and call center release (e.g., allowed settings of pre-8.1, 8.1, 8.3, 9.1, and 11.1). A range keyword is a feature that customers are allowed to set within an allowed range. An example of a range feature is location (allowed values are 1 for domestic and 2 for international).  
         [0099]    When the feature keyword is a capacity keyword, the agent  156  in step  1432  sets the values for V1 and V2 in the corresponding transaction record to the current value plus the single value from the switch configuration file  148 . Thus, when the current value in the transaction record for telephony ports is 25 for both V1 and V2 and the port value in the configuration file  148  is 100, the value for both V1 and V2 is set to 125 (as the values for V1 and V2 are the same).  
         [0100]    When the feature keyword is a set value keyword, the agent  156  in step  1436  ignores the set value keyword for purposes of populating the value feature setting field  776  transaction record.  
         [0101]    When the feature keyword is a range keyword, the agent  156  in step  1440  determines whether or not the feature setting in the switch configuration file  148  is in the range of V1 to V2 (inclusive) in the corresponding feature range field  772  of the transaction record. If so, the feature setting value in step  1420  is set equal to the feature setting value in the configuration file  148 . If not, in step  1444  no change is made to the field  772  in the transaction record.  
         [0102]    After completing any of steps  1420 ,  1424 ,  1432 ,  1436 , and  1444 , the agent  156  proceeds to step  687  of FIG. 6B.  
         [0103]    Returning again to FIG. 6B, the agent  156 , in step  687  determines whether there is a next (unprocessed) feature in the current application. If so, the agent  156  proceeds to step  660 . If not, the agent  156  next determines in step  688  whether there is a next (unprocessed) application. If so, the agent  156  returns to step  656 . If not, the agent terminates.  
         [0104]    Returning again to step  660  for a Type III feature in the configuration file, the agent  156  proceeds to step  689  and determines whether or not the Type III feature product ID and release combination listed in the configuration file is also in the transaction record. When the Type III feature product ID and release combination are listed in the transaction record, the agent  156  sets the range (V1 and V2) field  792  in the transaction record to the current values plus the single value from the switch configuration file. Since the range value V1 equals V2, the feature setting field  796  is also set to this single value V1=V2. When the Type III feature product ID and release combination are not listed in the transaction record, the agent  156  adds the product ID and release to the corresponding fields  736  and  788  of the transaction record, and sets the range (V1 and V2) field  792  in the transaction record to the value from the switch configuration file. Since the range value V1 equals V2, the feature setting field  796  is also set to the single value from the switch configuration file. The agent  156  next proceeds to step  687  and determines whether there is a next (unprocessed) feature in the current application. If so, the agent  156  proceeds to step  660 . If not, the agent  156  next determines in step  688  whether there is a next (unprocessed) application. If so, the agent  156  returns to step  656 . If not, the agent terminates the Type III feature population subroutine.  
         [0105]    When the fields of the transaction record are fully populated and the transaction record satisfies other selected database rules and policies, the agent  156  submits the transaction record to the activator  164 . The activator  164  converts the transaction record to a system record to be used for generation of a license file.  
         [0106]    A number of variations and modifications of the invention can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the invention without providing others.  
         [0107]    For example in one alternative embodiment, RFA system  116  (and/or some or all of its various components), ERM  104 , BAPI  120 , and/or tool  144  are implemented, in whole or part, as software and/or an application specific integrated circuit.  
         [0108]    In another alternative embodiment, the division of the various functions performed by the system  116  (and/or some or all of its various components), ERM  104 , BAPI  120 , and/or tool  144  modules are different.  
         [0109]    The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g. for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.  
         [0110]    The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. Although the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, other variations and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.