Software activation system, sewing machine, and server

A sewing machine capable of being connected to at least one server via a network, the sewing machine comprising:

• a first storage device configured to store distinguishing information unique to the sewing machine;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform processes comprising:
• acquiring an authentication code corresponding to an activation target software that is at least one of a program and data not activated on the sewing machine;
• transmitting, to an authentication server included in the at least one server, an authentication request including the acquired authentication code, the authentication request including individual identification information unique to the sewing machine, the individual identification information being generated on the basis of the distinguishing information acquired from the first storage device;
• receiving an authentication key from the authentication server the authentication key having been acquired by the authentication server on the basis of the individual identification information included in the authentication request;
• determining whether the received authentication key satisfies a predetermined authentication condition by determining whether the authentication key satisfies the authentication condition on the basis of the distinguishing information stored in the first storage device;
• and
• activating the activation target software on the sewing machine when it is determined that the authentication key satisfies the predetermined authentication condition.

A server capable of being connected to a sewing machine via a network, the server comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive an authentication request, the authentication request including an authentication code corresponding to not yet installed software that is at least one of a program and data not yet installed in the sewing machine, and a current status by which software installed in the sewing machine is identifiable;
• a storage device configured to store a most recent status by which software to be installed in the sewing machine is identifiable;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform processes comprising:
• acquiring an authentication key on the basis of the authentication request, when the authentication request is received by the receiver;
• transmitting the acquired authentication key to the sewing machine;
• when the authentication request is received by the receiver, on the basis of the current status included in the authentication request, and the most recent status stored in the storage device, identifying the not yet installed software to be installed in the sewing machine and acquiring identification information specifying the identified not yet installed software;
• and
• transmitting, to the sewing machine, a confirmation response including the acquired identification information.