Patent ID: 7331034

Claim:
A method of using a computer network to facilitate distributed software development, using a pool of software modules maintained with a module manager, comprising the steps of: a) establishing a connection via said network between a user computer and a module manager (“connect” step); b) accepting at the module manager an indication from the user computer specifying a submission or a download (“mode” step); c) if the indication specifies a submission, then (collectively “submission” step): i) accepting at the module manager from the user computer access conditions (“SAC”) related to a submit software module (“SSM”) for submission to said pool (“submit conditions” step); ii) accepting at the module manager from the user computer access information (“SAI”) related to the SSM (“submit access” step); iii) storing at the module manager the SAC and SAI as part of said pool (“pool addition” step); d) If the indication indicates a download, then (collectively “download” step): i) accepting at the module manager information from the user computer identifying a download software module (“DSM”) to be downloaded from said pool (“identify download” step); ii) accessing from the pool the access conditions (“DAC”) associated with the DSM, and accepting at the module manager information from the user computer indicating that the DSM are accepted (“download conditions” step); iii) accessing from the pool the access information (“DAI”) corresponding to the DSM, and communicating the DAI from the module manager to the user computer (“transmit download” step); e) wherein said SAC include at least one of: i) subsequent distribution limited to object code; ii) subsequent distribution only allowed on payment of a fee; iii) subsequent distribution to downloaders for research use is allowed on payment of a fee lower than distribution to downloaders for commercial use; iv) distribution from the module pool is allowed, but further distribution by downloaders from the module pool is prohibited; v) distribution from the module pool is allowed, but further distribution by downloaders is allowed only after payment of a fee.