To solve a problem that a risk of downloading by an unauthorized user or through an unauthorized apparatus arises when software is made to be downloaded through a network, and that possibility exists that the unauthorized user purchases an application under another user name.
An apparatus ID and type ID inherent in an apparatus and user ID are previously registered in a management station. In purchasing an additional application for the apparatus and downloading the purchased additional application, the management station authenticates the downloading of the additional application by means of registered user management information and permits the downloading of the additional application when the apparatus and the user are found authenticated. Furthermore, the additional application is deleted from the apparatus, and the deletion is informed to the management station. Then, upon informing the management station of the apparatus ID of another apparatus, the management station transfers the license registration of the additional application to another apparatus. The additional application is then downloaded to the apparatus which has the license registration.
MATSUMI CHIYOKO
IKETANI AKIRA
Tomoyasu Sakaguchi
Hiroki Naito
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