Patent ID: 8474051

Claim:
An information processing system including a plurality of apparatuses configured to execute one or more applications and an information processor connected to the apparatuses through a first network, the information processing system comprising: a license status information processing unit configured to obtain license status information of the applications installed in each of the apparatuses from the corresponding apparatuses through the first network; a license data request unit configured to make a request, based on the obtained license status information, to a computer connected through a second network for issuance of license data authorizing usage of the applications; a license data generation unit, at the computer, configured to generate the license data in response to the request made by the license data request unit, the license data including information on one of the apparatuses and limitations on a use of one or more functions of one of the applications, the limitations being determined on a function basis; a license data obtaining unit configured to obtain the generated license data from the computer; a license data delivery unit configured to deliver the license data to each of the apparatuses; and a license status information retention unit configured to retain the license status information in correlation with each of the apparatuses and to update the license status information upon receipt of the generated license data from the computer, wherein the information processor displays a screen based on the license status information, displays a dialog box for inputting identification information of a license to be purchased on the screen, and requests generation of the license data for the license based on the input identification information of the license and identification information of one of the apparatuses corresponding to an application selected on the screen, and wherein the license status information processing unit is implemented as hardware or as a hardware/software combination.