Method and system for protected transmission of files

A system for managing programmable electronic devices, comprising:

• a plurality of programmable electronic devices, each device identified by at least one unique identification parameter and containing at least one encryption key;
• at least one protected site comprising
• a protected electronic database, the database comprising stored data that includes the unique identification parameters and respective encryption keys for each of the plurality of electronic devices, such that each unique identification parameter for each electronic device is combined with the respective encryption key associated with the electronic device, and
• a software/firmware archive;
• and
• a server comprising program code and a processor effective to
• receive from one of the electronic devices a request for transmission of software stored in the software/firmware archive,
• retrieve from the protected database the encryption key associated with the unique identification parameter of the electronic device from which the request was received,
• retrieve the requested software from the archive,
• generate an encrypted version of the retrieved software, using the encryption key combined in the database with the unique identification parameter of the electronic device that has requested the transmission of the software, and
• send the encrypted software to the electronic device.

A method for installing software on a plurality of electronic device, comprising the steps of:

• storing in each electronic device at least one unique identification parameter and at least one encryption key;
• in a protected database provided in a protected site, storing for each device the respective unique identification parameter and the respective encryption key in a combined manner, such that each unique identification parameter of each the electronic devices is combined with the respective encryption key associated with the respective electronic device;
• providing a software/firmware archive in the protected site;
• providing a server in the protected site;
• receiving at the server a request for software from one of the electronic devices;
• retrieving from the protected database the encryption key associated with the unique identification parameter for the device from which the request was received;
• retrieving the requested software from the archive;
• encrypting the retrieved software to be installed on the electronic device requesting the software, with the encryption key corresponding to the unique identification parameter of the electronic device requesting the software;
• transferring the encrypted software to the electronic device requesting the software;
• and
• installing the software in the electronic device requesting the software.