Data key and method of using same

A data key system comprising:

• an electronic information storage device comprising data indicative of a bitting pattern for a master key, wherein the bitting pattern is downloadable to a key cutting device to cut a duplicate key in a key blank to create the same bitting pattern as the master key;
• security information stored on the electronic information storage device configured to prevent unauthorized duplication of said master key wherein said security information includes at least one of an authorization code and a customer identification;
• and
• wherein the data indicative of the bitting pattern and the security information are stored on a server such that the duplicate key may be made from the data without having the master key.