Patent ID: 7386486

Claim:
A software obtaining system for obtaining software via a network, that comprises a multifunction image forming apparatus that includes at least one function of a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile, wherein the multifunction image forming apparatus comprises: an input operation unit wherein a software is designated, the input operation unit including a display to display a list of software, and an input for accepting a user's selection of software from the list of software; a physical information storing unit which stores physical information of a person who has the authority to order the designated software; a physical information reading unit which reads the physical information of an order applicant; an authentication control unit which matches the physical information of the order applicant read by the physical information reading unit, against the physical information of the person who has the authority to order the designated software, stored in the physical information storing unit, and checks whether the order applicant is a person who has the authority to order the designated software; a sending unit which sends order data including the name of said software via said network based on the user's selection from the list of software, in a case where it is determined by the authentication control unit that said order applicant is a person who has the authority to order the designated software; and a storing unit which receives and stores data of the software that said order data indicates, via said network, wherein said multifunction image forming apparatus further comprises an order information storing unit which stores the information concerning the ordered software, wherein said order information storing unit stores software discount calculating information used for requesting discount of software, and wherein said multifunction image forming apparatus comprises an order information management unit which creates discount information for requesting discount of software, based on information concerning the installed software and said discount calculating information.