Patent ID: 7225330

Claim:
A computer system comprising: a processor; a memory operatively coupled to the processor; and a processing authorization module (i) which executes in the processor from the memory and (ii) which, when executed by the processor, causes the computer to authorize requested processing by an adjunct program module by: receiving a request from a requesting module, wherein the requesting module received, the request from at least one prior requestor module, the request originating from an originating prior requestor module; requesting authorization from the requesting module, wherein authorization is then required from the at least one prior requestor module, including the originating prior requesting module; receiving authorization data in response to the requesting authorization; determining whether the authorization data authorizes processing in response to the request; and processing according to programming of the adjunct program module in response to the request upon a condition in which a certificate authorizes processing in response to the request, wherein an authorization provider of the requesting module includes multiple certificates, each having different permissions, and provides the certificate based upon authorization responses received from the at least one prior requestor module, including an originating prior requesting module.