Information processing apparatus, authentication method, and computer program

An authentication method comprising:

• recognizing, when a storage having stored therein first authentication information for enabling a function of software stored in a software storing unit is connected to an information processing apparatus via an interface unit, that the storage is connected and transmitting second authentication information uniquely corresponding to the function of the software to be enabled to the storage;
• and
• enabling, when the first authentication information and the second authentication information compared by the storage coincide with each other, the function of the software on the basis of a notification informing that the first authentication information and the second authentication information coincide with each other issued by the storage, the storage deleting the first authentication information.

A computer program for causing a computer to execute:

• a procedure for recognizing, when a storage having stored therein first authentication information for enabling function of software stored in a software storing unit is connected to an information processing apparatus via an interface unit, that the storage is connected and transmitting second authentication information uniquely corresponding to the function of the software to be enabled to the storage;
• and
• a procedure for enabling, when the first authentication information and the second authentication information compared by the storage coincide with each other, the function of the software on the basis of a notification informing that the first authentication information and the second authentication information coincide with each other issued by the storage, the storage deleting the first authentication information.