At the risk of starting a whole new discussion, let me propose a
possible mechanism that MIGHT be acceptable to most, if not all, vendors.
1. IBM provides a mechanism to fetch a single entry from IFAPRDxx, based
on a product identifier, E.G. "SYNCSORT VxRx.x". The entry would include
a USERDATA field of a length up to xx bytes; let's say 32 bytes. Allow
any character that can be entered from a 3270-type terminal or terminal
emulator.
2. Vendors provide the contents of that entry at time of product
installation or renewal. Encrypted dates, CPU serial numbers, etc. would
all be acceptable.
3. Vendor products allow for update of that field anytime between 30
days before renewal and some agreeable term after renewal date. Start
messaging hourly well in advance of the expiration and continue to do so
until the key is renewed or the product expires. After expiration, issue
a message at every invocation for the "grace period" until the key is
renewed or the software finally expires.
4. Vendor products allow for disparity in CPU serial numbers for some
agreeable, but reasonably short, period, to allow for a DR situation,
provided all other licensing terms are obeyed. This to allow for
REASONABLE DR testing (1-3 days), but not sharing a copy of the software
with unlicensed users.
5. Systems Programmers would be required to notify vendors and get new
key values in the event of a DR situation lasting longer than an
agreed-upon test period.
6. Vendors provide not less than 45 days written notice of renewal
requirements, to provide a "buffer" in the event of a "slow-pay"
Accounting Department.
I know that there's a lot of "blue sky" in this suggestion, but give it
some serious thought. It might help eliminate the variety, and sometimes
forgotten, update mechanisms and provide some assurance that keys MIGHT
be updated in a timely fashion.
I don't suggest that I have the only answer; just a possibility. <G>
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