WO2008087495A1

WO2008087495A1 - Method of computer program dissemination

Info

Publication number: WO2008087495A1
Application number: PCT/IB2007/050135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rene Prillop
Original assignee: Playtech Software Limited
Priority date: 2007-01-16
Filing date: 2007-01-16
Publication date: 2008-07-24

Abstract

A method of program dissemination, including, signing up one or more distribution representatives to distribute the program, accepting personalized information from the distribution representatives, preparing a customized version of the program with the personalized information of the distribution representative, delivering the customized version to the distribution representative, distributing the program to clients by the distribution representative, and wherein the program is adapted to function independently in a local mode and in an client-server mode with a connection to a server provided by the program provider.

Description

METHOD OF COMPUTER PROGRAM DISSEMINATION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the dissemination of computer programs and specifically to a method of enhancing dissemination.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many software companies produce computer programs for sale to the general public. The programs handle a wide range of subjects and different companies provide competing programs for dealing with the same subjects. In many cases a specific problem is handled by multiple software packages. One of the biggest problems the software companies are faced with is to achieve acceptance for their programs in the market such that clients will select their programs over the programs of the competition. Typically, people will be willing to pay more for a program that is commonly used by the general public in contrast to a compatible program which provides a similar function but is less known.

One method of achieving acceptance in the marketplace is by publicizing the product. This method can be very expensive especially if seeking worldwide recognition.

A common method used by many software companies (especially new companies) to achieve market recognition is to provide a free version of the program over the Internet. Some companies offer beta versions for free or initially offer the program for free until they feel that they have enough market recognition to start charging for their product. In some cases the free version of the program is provided with a time limit, wherein after the allotted time the user is required to pay in order to continue using the program. In other cases the free version has other limitations, for example it does not support networks, it is limited to a single user or it is limited to a small file size, so that a user will have an incentive to purchase an advanced version which supports the missing features. Some programs are distributed freely and require a service from the software company for extended utility, for example an anti-virus program that needs updates, a movie viewing program that needs to download movies or a game which can be played for money against a server. Typically software companies provide a limited amount of service for free in order to promote the use of their product and then charge the client for further use. The above methods help to overcome user hesitation in trying out the companies programs; however these methods do not provide an active incentive to induce market penetration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of an embodiment of the invention relates to a method of program dissemination that provides a form of distribution of the program and an incentive for people to distribute the program. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, distribution representatives sign up with the program provider. The distribution representatives provide personal details related to their identity (e.g. name, address, telephone, email) so that the program provider may prepare a customized version which will identify the distribution representative. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distribution representative downloads a version of the program in a form, which is adapted to be burnt onto a CD. The distribution representative burns the downloaded version of the program to CD's and distributes them to his/her clients. In some embodiments of the invention, the program provider provides the distribution representative with a unique ID, for example in the form of a binary file, which the distribution representative adds to the downloaded content for burning on the CD. Alternatively, the distribution representative provides the unique ID when requesting to download the program and is provided with a customized version with the ID embedded in the program.

In some embodiments of the invention, the distribution program provides two modes of operation. The program can be used locally by the client, for example as a local game or local movie player, or the program can be used in client-server mode with interaction with a server, which provides additional services for a tee (e.g. provides movies). An example of such a program is a game (e.g. a casino game) which can be played locally on a personal computer or can be played for money with the server (e.g. over the Internet).

In some embodiments of the invention, the customized versions of the downloaded program serve as publicity for the distribution representative, for example by showing the name of the distributor during use. Alternatively or additionally, the programs distributed provide the distributor with a commission resulting from the fees paid for use of the program by the clients of the distribution representative. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the program is used in client-server mode with a server for a fee, the fee charged from clients of a specific distribution representative is set according to an agreement between the distribution representative and the program provider. Thus some distribution representatives may offer a version which is less costly than the version offered by other distribution representatives.

In some embodiments of the invention, the distribution representative receives a commission for every client that uses the program in the client-server mode for a fee, for example a percentage of the fees collected from the clients or a one time sum for every new client that connects to the server. Optionally, a distribution representative will not receive commissions unless at least a minimum number of clients referenced by the distribution representative connect and use the program for a fee. Alternatively or additionally, the distribution representative is provided with commissions only if the commissions due to the distribution representative exceed a minimal sum. In some embodiments of the invention, the distribution representative receives a commission for a client if the client deposited at least a minimum sum of money within a specific number of times using the program.

There is thus provided according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of program dissemination, comprising, signing up one or more distribution representatives to distribute the program, accepting personalized information from the distribution representatives, providing the distribution representatives with a unique identifier, preparing a customized version of the program for the distribution representatives, in a form that is adapted to be written to a CD, downloading the customized version by the distribution representative, burning copies of the customized version on writable CDs, and distributing the writable CDs to clients by the distribution representatives. Optionally, the program is adapted to function in a local independent mode and in a client-server mode with a connection to a server provided by the program provider. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the customized version comprises the logo of the distribution representative. Optionally, the customized version comprises contact information of the distribution representative. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the customized version comprises the unique ID of the distribution representative.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the customized version displays the personalized information of the distribution representative when activating the program. Optionally, the customized version displays the personalized information of the distribution representative during use of the program. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, distribution to clients is performed by providing a hardcopy on CD to the clients. Optionally, in the client- server mode the server collects a fee from clients connected to the server. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the amount of said fee is affected by the identity of the distribution representative. Optionally, the distribution representative receives a preset sum for every client that connects to the server using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative. Optionally, the distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients if the sum collected exceeds a minimal sum. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients if the number of clients that connect to the server using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative exceed a pre-selected number. Optionally, the distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from each client if the client deposited at least a minimum sum of money within a specific number of times using the program. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of dissemination of a program, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram of a method of program dissemination, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a distribution CD, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration 100 illustrating dissemination of a program, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a program provider 110 prepares a computer program 105, for example a game or utility program, which can be executed locally on a personal computer by a client 130 or interactively, while online with a server. Optionally, when playing with the server, the server can record the user's points, provide prizes or allow competition against the server or other users.

Fig. 2 is a flow diagram 200 of a method of program dissemination, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, program provider 110 allows commercial organizations or representatives of the organizations to sign up (210) as distribution representatives 120 for disseminating program 105. Optionally, distribution representative 120 provides (220) details regarding their business, wherein the details include items such as field of endeavor of the business, names of contact people, address, telephone numbers, logo and other details.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, program provider 110 prepares (230) a customized version of program 105. Optionally, the customized version incorporates the provided details to form a version of the program which incorporates the name and other details of the business, which served as distribution representative 120 of program 105. In some embodiments of the invention, program provider 110 provides distribution representative 120 with a unique ID for incorporating into the program. In some embodiments of the invention, the details are incorporated into the program and used during use of program 105, for example by appearing in a corner of the display or popping up intermittently. Alternatively or additionally, the details are displayed when entering or exiting program 105. Further alternatively, the details of distribution representative 120 may be used to notify the server of the identity of the distributor when the user signs up with the server and may or may not be displayed during the actual execution of the program. In some embodiments of the invention, the executable program code is amended to include the details of distribution representative 120. Alternatively, the executable code may remain untouched and the details of distribution representative 120 are saved in a separate file.

In some embodiments of the invention, the customized version of program 105 is provided as an image for burning a CD with a standard CD burning program (e.g. "Nero"), or as a collection of files for burning as a group on the CD. Alternatively, program 105 is provided as an executable program which burns a CD with a specific content using a standard CD burner. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, distribution representative 120 downloads (240) a copy of the customized version of program 105. Optionally, distribution representative 120 then burns CDs (245) for distribution to clients. In some embodiments of the invention, distribution representative 120 provides the unique ID when requesting to download the program and is provided with the customized version. Alternatively, the unique ID is provided to distribution representative 120 as a file (e.g. a binary file) and distribution representative 120 adds the file to the downloaded content for burning on the CD.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, distribution representative 120 distributes (250) the CDs to his/her clients and business associates as a promotional item, for example distribution representative 120 may mail a CD with a copy of program 105 to his/her clients or hand it out at business meetings. In some embodiments of the invention, whenever a client uses program 105 he/she will be reminded of distribution representative 120 by the program as explained above. Alternatively, the identity of distribution representative 120 may remain un-noticeable during normal use of program 105 and is used when registering the user of the program with program provider 110 to identify distribution representative 120. In some embodiments of the invention, a client 130 that receives a CD with program 105 may further copy it to another CD and distribute it other people, thus providing publicity for distribution representative 120 while further enhancing dissemination of program 105.

Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a distribution CD 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the content for creating distribution CD 300 includes the following parts, wherein each part may be provided by one or more files. One part 310 provides the ability of the resulting CD to "auto run" (i.e. automatically start execution of a main program when the CD is inserted into the CD drive of a computer). A Second part 320 constitutes an installation program which automatically installs the main program, which may be for example a game for playing alone or against the server. Optionally, part 320 is identical for any distribution representative 120. A third part 330 provides the identity of distribution representative 120 so that if the person who receives the CD uses it to sign up with the server, the identity of the distributor can be recorded and credited.

In some embodiments of the invention, program 105 allows client 130 to use program 105 in local mode, which does not require any interaction with the program provider, for example as a local game for playing on the computer. Alternatively, client 130 may use program 105 in client-server mode by forming an online connection to the service provider (e.g. over the Internet) to provide further features in addition to those provided in local mode. Optionally, the features provided in online mode may require payment of a fee by client 130 in order to participate in the features. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the rate of the fee charged for the customized version of the program provided to a specific distribution representative 120 may be higher or lower than the fee generally charged for the online features provided to someone who signs up on their own. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, distribution representative 120 may receive (260) a percentage of the fees collected from clients using the version distributed by distribution representative 120. Optionally, the reception of a percentage of the fees collected from clients using the version of program 105 that was customized for distribution representative 120 provides a further incentive to distribute program 105. In some embodiments of the invention, distribution representative 120 receives a percentage of the collected fees only if they exceed a minimal sum. Alternatively or additionally, distribution representative 120 receives a percentage of the collected fees only if the number of clients connecting to the server with the customized version provided by distribution representative 120 is greater than a pre-selected number.

In some embodiments of the invention, distribution representative 120 receives a preset sum for every client that signs up to receive service from the program provider.

One example of a program conforming to the requirements of the above description is a movie viewing program, which is optionally provided with one or more free movies. Optionally, additional movies may require payment per movie or a subscription for a specific number of movies or during a specific time interval.

Another example is a game program, which allows playing locally on a personal computer or connecting to a server and playing against the server or with other people for a fee. Alternatively, the game may include betting, for example a game of poker and the client pays or receives payment according to the outcome of the game.

A further example is an antivirus program, which can run locally protecting the client's computer from viruses known at the time the customized version was created. Alternatively, the antivirus program may provide a single update (e.g. when installed in a computer) or updates for a limited time (e.g. for a month or 3 months).

In some embodiments of the invention, distribution representative 120 may register a sub code and download multiple versions of program 105 for preparing multiple versions of a distribution CD. Optionally, distribution representative 120 may distribute CDs with a different sub code to different groups of clients. In some embodiments of the invention, program provider 110 may provide different pricing for the different sub groups and/or feedback to distribution representative 120, for example regarding usage of the distribution CD by the different sub groups.

It should be appreciated that the above described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above features are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments of the invention.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. A method of program dissemination, comprising: signing up one or more distribution representatives to distribute the program; accepting personalized information from the distribution representatives; providing the distribution representatives with a unique identifier; preparing a customized version of the program for the distribution representatives, in a form that is adapted to be written to a CD; downloading the customized version by the distribution representative; burning copies of the customized version on writable CDs; and distributing the writable CDs to clients by the distribution representatives.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said program is adapted to function in a local independent mode and in a client-server mode with a connection to a server provided by the program provider.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said customized version comprises the logo of the distribution representative.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said customized version comprises contact information of the distribution representative.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said customized version comprises the unique ID of the distribution representative.

6. A method according to claim 1. wherein said customized version displays the personalized information of the distribution representative when activating the program.

7. A method according to claim I₅ wherein said customized version displays the personalized information of the distribution representative during use of the program.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said distributing to clients is performed by providing a hardcopy on CD to the clients.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein in said client-server mode said server collects a fee from clients connected to the server.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the amount of said fee is affected by the identity of the distribution representative.

11. A method according to claim 9, wherein said distribution representative receives a preset sum for every client that connects to the server using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative.

12. A method according to claim 9, wherein said distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative.

13. A method according to claim 12, wherein said distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients if the sum collected exceeds a minimal sum.

14. A method according to claim 12, wherein said distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from the clients if the number of clients that connect to the server using the customized version of the program provided by the distribution representative exceed a pre-selected number.

15. A method according to claim 12, wherein said distribution representative receives a percentage of the fees collected from each client if the client deposited at least a minimum sum of money within a specific number of times using the program.