Patent ID: 8135795

Claim:
A computer-implemented method for enabling resources on a computerized apparatus, comprising: receiving a resource-time value comprising: a resource-identifying component specifying a resource that is capable of being selectively enabled for use, wherein the resource includes at least one hardware resource of the computerized apparatus, the hardware resource being a hardware device selected from a memory, a processor and a storage device; a resource-quantity component specifying a first quantity of the resource, wherein the first quantity is a fraction of the resource; and a time component specifying a time period for which the resource is enabled; enabling the quantity of the resource, wherein the resource is included in one of two or more logical partitions of hardware devices in the computerized apparatus, wherein the enabling comprises determining, based on at least the first quantity, a second quantity, the second quantity representing one of a number of processor clock cycles, a quantity of memory capacity, and a quantity of storage of the at least one hardware device included in the resource; wherein the enabled quantity of the resource further comprises unlocking the quantity of the resource and making it available for use upon request; wherein placing the specified quantity of the enabled resource into service for the specified time period is done in response to a user request specifying the specified quantity and the specified time period; storing usage information associated with the enabled quantity of the resource during operation of the computerized apparatus; determining the expiration of the time period; disabling the enabled quantity of the resource upon determining the expiration of the time period; and generating an invoice based on the usage information, wherein the invoice includes a digital signature based on at least a portion of the usage information.