a system for enforcing license terms between the creators of software applications running on virtual machines in network - attached embedded systems , and the users of these software applications , allows trial and demo versions of the software applications , where the user can install and use the software application for a limited time or number of executions , or with a limited feature set . when the software applications are purchased , the restrictions are lifted by the issuing of a unique license key eliminating the need for user - specific builds and redistributing of the software application . the system includes an application manager client in the embedded system designating a software application license request to a predefined web server ; a webservice running on the web server that receives the request , validates the user - identifying data , issues a unique license key , and forwards this key to the application manager client ; and a license data base containing validated user information .