according to computerized methods of distributing software and data , software components may be distributed electronically for execution in controlled environments . such a controlled environment may , for example , restrict the components &# 39 ; ability to communicate through a network to one or more specified hosts . when a component requests data , such as a stream of financial data , the request may specify a source of the data , and the request may be granted or denied by the distributor based on whether the specified source is an authorized source of the data and / or whether the requested data is available from an authorized source .