Controlling execution of a software application on an execution platform in a local network

Non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which comprises software code executable on a computer to cause the computer to carry out a method for controlling an execution of a software application on an execution platform in a first local network, comprising:

• a) determining a first environment fingerprint including a first network fingerprint of the first local network by using at least two devices relating to the first local network and predetermined rules, the first network fingerprint including a domain name relating to the first network or unique information stored in a directory or relating to the first network, wherein said first network fingerprint is characteristic for the first local network and is operative to distinguish the first local network from other local networks,
• b) generating a license including said first environment fingerprint, wherein said license defines terms of allowed execution of the software application on an execution platform in the first local network, the license being locked to the first local network;
• c) whenever the execution of the software application is attempted, controlling the execution by
• determining a second environment fingerprint including a second network fingerprint of a candidate local network by using said predetermined rules,
• comparing the second environment fingerprint with the first environment fingerprint of the license,
• allowing the execution of the software application according to the terms of the license where the second environment fingerprint complies with the first environment fingerprint, and
• preventing the execution of the software application where the second environment fingerprint does not comply with the first environment fingerprint;
• wherein in step c) the compliance of the two environment fingerprints is considered as being present if a predetermined partial compliance of the two environment fingerprints is present.

Control system for controlling an execution of a software application on an execution platform in a first local network, comprising a computer hardware control module comprising logic operative to:

• a) determine a first environment fingerprint including a first network fingerprint of the first local network by using at least two devices relating to the first local network and predetermined rules, the first network fingerprint including a domain name relating to the first network or user credentials or unique information stored in a directory relating to the first network, said first network fingerprint being characteristic for the first local network and being usable to distinguish the first local network from other local networks,
• b) generate a license including said first environment fingerprint, said license defining terms of allowed execution of the software application on an execution platform in the first local network, the license being locked to the first local network:
• and
• c) whenever the execution of the software application is attempted, control the execution by:
• determining a second environment fingerprint including a second network fingerprint of the local network by using said predetermined rules,
• comparing the second environment fingerprint with the first environment fingerprint of the license, and
• allowing the execution of the software application according to the terms of the license in case of the second environment fingerprint complies with the first environment fingerprint, and preventing the execution of the software application in case of the second environment fingerprint does not comply with the first environment fingerprint;
• wherein in step c) the compliance of the two environment fingerprints is considered as being present if a predetermined partial compliance of the two environment fingerprints is present.