Method and apparatus for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product

A method executed by a computer system that includes a memory and processor for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, comprising, in the processor:

• sending from the computer system to a retailer an initial bill for the un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at the retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fully functional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product;
• wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version;
• receiving in the computer system a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product from a point of sale system in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product by the retailer;
• activating the un-activated version of the software product using the computer system;
• and
• sending from the computer system to the retailer an additional bill for activating the software product;
• wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, the method comprising:

• receiving in the computer an initial bill for an un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at a retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fUlly fUnctional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product;
• wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version;
• in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product, sending from the computer a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product at a point of sale system at the retailer;
• and
• receiving in the computer an additional bill for activating the software product;
• wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for using retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, the method comprising:

• sending from the computer to a retailer an initial bill for the un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at the retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fully functional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product;
• wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version;
• receiving in the computer a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product from a point of sale system in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product by the retailer;
• activating the un-activated version of the software product using the computer;
• and
• sending from the computer to the retailer an additional bill for activating the software product;
• wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.

A computer system that includes a processor that uses retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, comprising:

• a receiving mechanism programmed to receive an initial bill for an un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at a retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fully functional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product;
• wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version;
• a sending mechanism programmed to send a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product at a point of sale system at the retailer in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product;
• wherein the receiving mechanism is further programmed to receive an additional bill for activating the software product;
• and
• wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.

A computer system that includes a processor that uses retail authorization to reduce the initial value of a software product, comprising:

• a sending mechanism programmed to send a retailer an initial bill for the un-activated version of the software product, wherein a physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product is displayed for sale publicly at a retailer, wherein the un-activated version of the software product is not fully functional, and thereby has a lower value than a functional version of the software product;
• wherein the initial bill is for an initial cost associated with the lower value of the un-activated version;
• a receiving mechanism programmed to receive a request to activate the un-activated version of the software product from a point of sale system at the retailer in conjunction with the sale of the physical representation of the un-activated version of the software product;
• and
• an activation mechanism programmed to activate the un-activated version of the software product
• wherein the sending mechanism is further programmed to send the retailer an additional bill for activating the software product;
• and
• wherein displaying the un-activated, lower-value version of the software product facilitates publicly displaying the software product while reducing the risk of theft for the software product.