JP2001195248A - Software service method and software service system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for allowing a user to easily execute the function-up of succeeding software components while reducing the initial investment costs of software development, and for allowing a service provider to properly collect the development costs of the software components. SOLUTION: A user interface means 13 of operation terminal equipment 1 outputs an arithmetic instruction input to an arithmetic means 14. The arithmetic means 14 decides unit processing corresponding to an arithmetic instruction input. Then, when it is judged that the decided unit processing is executed by a dedicated arithmetic unit 5, the arithmetic means 14 instructs the execution of the unit processing to a unit processing arithmetic means 51 of the dedicated arithmetic device 5, and when it is judged that the unit processing is executed by a shared arithmetic unit 3, the arithmetic means 14 outputs a request for the arithmetic operation of the unit processing to a shared unit processing calling means 21 of a managing device 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a software service method and a software service system which provide software components and the like to a service user and charge the service user as compensation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art There is a business in which software is made into components and software components (hereinafter, also simply referred to as components) are distributed to users for a fee. In this case, for example, the user develops original software using the purchased component. The user cannot use or sell the software until the software development is completed. Therefore, in the case of selling out a component, such as purchasing a component, it is not possible to recover investment costs for the component until development of software that uses the purchased component is completed.

[0003] Under such circumstances, users tend to hesitate to purchase software components. As a result, it is also difficult for the component supplier to recover the investment cost for the development of the component, and the market for selling out the component is currently limited to fields such as GUI and numerical calculation. In addition, since it is difficult to recover investment costs, it is difficult to develop excellent components, and it is difficult to improve components. As a result, there is a situation in which old components are distributed as they are.

[0004] As described above, the business form of selling out software components is poorly developed. As a means for solving such a problem, there is a method of distributing a trial version or a limited-use version of a component to users at no cost or at low cost. The user develops software using components of the trial version or the limited-time use version. Then, after the software development is completed and the software is put into actual operation, the user pays the component supplier for the component according to the software runtime or the like. Thus, the user does not need to spend much on components during software development.

[0005] However, even in such a business form, components are incorporated into software developed by a user. In that case, even if the user starts to develop software that uses a component and later knows that there is a better method than using that component, he has to continue using that component as it is Often. If components are removed during development and replaced with another method, extra costs will be incurred.

[0006] Even after the completion of software development, even if a component having a higher performance than a component incorporated in the software appears, it is difficult to switch to the component. This is because there is also a cost for replacing components built into the software. Further, even if the user determines that the component supplier should change the component due to circumstances such as canceling the maintenance, the user often does not actually make the change. Changes are still expensive. As mentioned above,
Components that are once embedded in software are often used as they are, and it is difficult to improve their functions thereafter.

[0007] As a component providing system for providing software components for a fee and easily upgrading the functions of the components, there is a system called an ASP (Application Service Provider). In the ASP system, a software component constituting a part of software developed by a user is executed in a hardware environment owned by a service provider each time a request from the user software is made. And the execution result is
For example, it is returned to the user online via a communication network. The service provider performs charging according to the component execution time of each user. According to such a use form, the user need not perform maintenance such as functional enhancement of the component. The maintenance is performed in the hardware environment of the service provider. The user can also make a planned expenditure.

[0008]

However, in the ASP method, since components are not incorporated in software developed by a user, it is difficult to customize components according to a user's request. Requesting customization from the service provider may require a cost equivalent to component development and a risk associated with component modification. Also,
Users must develop their own software according to the processing method and hardware environment assumed by the service provider. In addition, if a customer wants to enhance the hardware environment in which software components run to improve the overall functionality of the software,
Service providers may not accept such wishes, or may enhance the hardware environment late.

Further, there is a risk that the software component cannot be executed for a certain period of time due to the service provider's convenience, or the service provider may stop providing the service. In this case, the user may not be able to use the software using the component for a certain period, or may not be able to use the software at all.

[0010] In addition to the component providing method described above, there is also a business form in which a service provider distributes components free of charge and aims to increase profits by supporting development of software using components by users. In such a business form, the initial investment in the software component of the user is zero. However, since the components are free, the service provider often does not perform operation guarantee or maintenance. Also, since the component development costs cannot be recovered immediately for the service providers, only a small number of service providers with ample funds can adopt such a business form.

[0011] The present invention is an invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, and allows a user to easily upgrade the functions and customize the software components and the like while keeping the initial investment amount of software development low. It is an object of the present invention to provide a software service method and a software service system that can appropriately collect development costs of software components and the like for a service provider.

[0012]

A software service method according to the present invention provides a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific subscriber, and a shared system for executing software used by a large number of subscribers. It is characterized in that the function enhancement of the dedicated system and the function enhancement of the shared system are opened to persons other than the service provider.

[0013] The software service method provides a contractor or a third party with a dedicated system or a shared system,
Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the addition of software is permitted for both the dedicated system and the shared system. In such a configuration, even if the service provider does not have the ability to add software, the software function of the system can be upgraded according to the request of the usage contractor.

[0014] The software service method provides a dedicated system or a shared system to a user or a third party.
Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the addition of hardware is permitted for both the dedicated system and the shared system. If so, even if the service provider does not have the resources to augment the hardware,
The function of the hardware can be enhanced according to the request of the user. That is, it is possible to easily realize a request for a hardware function enhancement of a usage contractor.

[0015] The software service method may be configured to allow software in the shared system to be migrated into the dedicated system. In such a configuration, the subscriber can continue to enjoy the software service even when the service provider cannot continue to supply the service.

[0016] The system may be configured so as to permit a user or a third party to customize software for a dedicated system or a shared system, or for both a dedicated system and a shared system. With such a configuration, software customization of the system can be performed even when the service provider cannot afford to change the software. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize the software customization request of the usage contractor.

A software service system according to the present invention includes a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific use contractor, a shared system for executing software used by a large number of use contractors, and a request from a use contractor. And a management device for selecting software in the shared system and causing the computing means in the shared system to execute the software.

The management device may be provided with additional means for adding software to a dedicated system or a shared system. In the case of such a configuration, an environment is realized in which it is easy for the licensee or a third party to add software, and the licensee or a third party can easily add software.

The management device may be provided with an exchange means for exchanging software in the dedicated system or the shared system. In such a configuration, an environment is realized in which the software can be easily exchanged by the licensee or a third party, and the licensee or the third party can easily customize the software. .

[0020] The management device may be provided with additional management means for adding an arithmetic unit in the shared system. In such a configuration, the hardware can be easily added even if the contractor or a third party can easily add hardware and the service provider does not have the resources to increase the hardware. Can be achieved. In other words, an environment is realized in which a contractor's request for hardware function enhancement can be easily realized.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a software service system to which a software service method according to the present invention is applied. In the system shown in FIG. 1, the operation terminal device 1 is a user (user).
Enter the request and display the screen. Operation terminal device 1
Are input means 11 for receiving a user's operation instruction input such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a voice input device; display means 12 such as a CRT display for displaying and redisplaying operation results of unit processing; A user interface means 13 for receiving an input from the means 11 and instructing the calculation means 14 to perform a calculation instruction corresponding to the input, and receiving a calculation result from the calculation means 14 and instructing the display means 12 to display the calculation result; And operation means 14.

The processing unit is one component for executing software, that is, performing an operation, and is, for example, a software component. As a processing unit, for example, EJB (Enterprise Java Beans), CO
There are an RBA component, a DCOM component, and the like. Hereinafter, processing realized by execution of a processing unit may be referred to as unit processing.

The calculation means 14 receives a calculation instruction of the unit processing from the user interface means 13 and determines whether the calculation corresponding to the calculation instruction is performed by the dedicated calculation device 5 or the shared calculation device 3 described later. Dedicated arithmetic unit 5
If it is determined that the calculation is to be performed by the
To execute the operation. In addition, the shared computing device 3
When it is determined that the calculation is to be performed, the execution of the calculation is requested to the shared calculation device 3 via the management device 2 described later. Then, it receives the operation result from the dedicated operation device 5 or the shared operation device 3 and
To output the calculation result. The calculation means 14 converts the calculation result into a format that can be displayed by the display means 12 and outputs the result to the user interface means 13.

The operation terminal device 1 is provided for each user. Further, the user interface unit 13 is realized by software such as a browser (browsing software), and the calculation unit 14 is realized by an input / output device and software.

The special purpose computing device 5 is provided for a specific use contractor, and has a unit processing operation means 51 for executing a software component for the use contractor. One or more software components for the usage contractor are stored in the processing unit holding means 61 in the dedicated storage device 6. Unit processing operation means 51
Is an arithmetic unit specialized for a general-purpose CPU or software component. The processing unit holding unit 61 stores the processing unit received from the processing unit addition unit 24 or the processing unit exchange unit 25 of the management device 2 described later.

Further, the special purpose computing device 5 may be installed on the software service provider side or on the service user side. When the dedicated arithmetic unit 5 is installed on the side of the software service provider, the arithmetic unit 14 of the operation terminal device 1 and the dedicated arithmetic unit 5
Are connected by a communication line.

The dedicated storage device 6 may be provided for each user, or one dedicated storage device may be provided for a plurality of users.

The management device 2 includes, for example, a common unit processing calling unit 21, a common operation unit adding unit 22, a dedicated operation storage unit adding unit 23, a processing unit adding unit 24, and a processing unit exchange unit 25.

When an operation request is input from the operation unit 14 of the operation terminal device 1, the sharing unit process calling unit 21 reads the shared device usage information from the shared device usage information holding unit 44 in the shared storage device 4. The shared device usage information includes, for example, information on the performance of each shared operation device 3, the frequency of operation processing, the number of operations, the capacity of the storage area, and the reliability. When there are a plurality of shared operation devices 3 that can execute the requested operation, the shared unit processing call means 21 selects the shared operation device 3 that performs the operation in response to the operation request based on the shared device usage information. I do. Then, the operation request is transmitted to the unit processing operation means 31 in the selected shared operation device 3.

One shared operation device 3 is configured to execute a plurality of software components. For example, 20 software components are stored in the shared storage device 4 and 5 shared operation devices 3
However, it is configured so that any software component can be executed. The sharing unit process calling means 21
From among the non-operational shared computing devices 3 that are not currently in operation, the most suitable shared computing device 3 for executing the requested computation is selected.

The shared computing device adding means 22 performs management for adding a new shared computing device 3. For example, when a new shared computing device 3 is inserted into the system, the shared computing device adding means 22 uses the shared device user information area corresponding to the entered shared computing device 3 as a shared area in the shared storage device 4. A process for generating the device usage information holding unit 44 is performed.

The dedicated operation storage means adding means 23 performs management for adding a new dedicated operation device 5 or dedicated storage device 6. For example, when a new dedicated arithmetic device 5 is inserted into the system, user information (user ID occupying the dedicated arithmetic device 5) corresponding to the newly inserted dedicated arithmetic device 5
Etc.) are stored. When a new processing unit is added to the dedicated storage device 6, the processing unit is added to the dedicated storage device 6.
Is downloaded to the processing unit holding means 61.

The processing unit adding means 24 performs processing for adding a new processing unit (software component) to the existing shared storage device 4 and dedicated storage device 6. For example, a new processing unit is downloaded to the shared storage device 4 or the dedicated storage device 6.

The processing unit exchange means 25 performs processing for updating an existing processing unit for the existing shared storage device 4 and dedicated storage device 6. For example, an updated processing unit compatible with the existing processing unit is downloaded to the shared storage device 4 or the dedicated storage device 6 and replaced with the existing processing unit.

The common unit processing calling unit 21, the common processing unit adding unit 22, the dedicated processing unit adding unit 23, the processing unit adding unit 24, and the processing unit exchanging unit 25 are input / output units for inputting / outputting software and data. It is realized with the device.

Each shared operation device 3 includes, for example, a unit processing operation means 31, a shared operation device use charging means 32, and a common operation device use information notifying means 33. The unit processing calculating means 31 is a shared unit processing calling means 2 of the management device 2.
In response to an operation request from the storage unit 1, the processing unit is read from the shared storage device 4 and executed. Then, the number of executions, the number of data, and the like are output to the common operation device usage accounting unit 32, and the operation result is output to the common unit processing calling unit 21 of the management device 2. The sharing unit process calling means 21 returns the operation result to the operation terminal device 1 which issued the operation request.

The shared computing device utilization billing means 32 creates billing information serving as a basis for billing processing based on the number of executions and the number of data notified from the unit processing computing means 31, and stores the billing information in the shared storage device 4. Is transferred to the charging information holding means 42 of FIG. Further, the shared computing device usage information notifying means 33
Information about the performance of the shared operation device 3, the frequency of operation processing, the number of operations, the capacity of the storage area, and the reliability is reported to the shared device use information holding means 44 in the shared storage device 4 as needed.
The shared device use information holding means 44 stores such information.

The unit processing operation means 31, the shared operation device use charging means 32, and the common operation device use information notifying means 33 are each realized by software and an input / output device for inputting and outputting data.

The shared storage device 4 includes, for example, a processing unit holding unit 41 for storing each processing unit, a billing information holding unit 4
2, a processing unit usage charging unit 43 and a shared device usage information holding unit 44 are included. The processing unit holding unit 41 stores the processing unit received from the processing unit addition unit 24 or the processing unit exchange unit 25 of the management device 2. The processing unit usage charging unit 43 reads out the charging information from the charging information holding unit 42, and periodically calculates and outputs the processing unit usage fee for each user. The output data relating to the usage fee is sent to each user.

In the system shown in FIG. 1, a dedicated system including the dedicated arithmetic unit 5 and the dedicated storage unit 6 can be owned by the user. That is, the software component executed by the special purpose computing device 5 is an object to be sold out. In this case, the hardware as well as the software components are the property of the user. Then, even if the service provider cannot continue providing the service for some reason, the usage contractor can use the software component executed by the dedicated arithmetic device 5. In addition, if the software components and the necessary information in the shared storage device 4 are moved to the dedicated storage device 6, the software components can be executed by the dedicated arithmetic device 5.

Therefore, the user can continue to use the software which has been conventionally used, with only a small additional investment. In this case, since the management device 2 cannot be used, the calculation means 14 of the operation terminal device 1 always makes a calculation request to the dedicated calculation device 5.

As shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, in addition to the service provider holding system 30a, a third party holding system 30b and a service user holding system 30c can be added to the shared system 30. Shared system 3
0 corresponds to the shared operation device 3 and the shared storage device 4 in FIG. The service provider possessed system 30a, the third party possessed system 30b, and the service user possessed system 30c are not independent systems but are a part of the shared computing device 3 and the shared storage device 4. Specifically, it is a part related to execution of one or a plurality of processing units. FIG. 2 illustrates three operation terminal devices 1a, 1b, and 1c.

In other words, the third party (Third Party)
You can add your own software components to the system shown in In that case, the software component developed by the third party is downloaded to the processing unit holding unit 41 in the shared storage device 4 via the processing unit adding unit 24 in the management device 2.

Further, the service user can add a software component developed by the service user to the system shown in FIG. In this case as well, the software component developed by the service user is downloaded to the processing unit holding unit 41 in the shared storage device 4 via the processing unit adding unit 24 in the management device 2, for example.

Further, a third party or a service user can add the shared computing device 3. In this case, a new shared operation device 3 is input to the system, and the shared operation device addition unit 22 in the management device 2 executes a process (for example, generation of shared use information) accompanying the input of the shared operation device 3. I do.

The addition of a software component or a shared computing device 3 by a third party or a service user
It can be considered a contribution or loan in kind to the service provider. In the case of in-kind contribution, the third party or the service user can receive the profit obtained by the service provider according to the investment ratio. Also, if it is considered a loan, the usage fee according to the service operation period will be
It is paid by the service provider to the third party or the service user who lent the software component or the shared computing device 3.

If such a method is allowed, the service user can independently increase the hardware capacity even when the service provider rejects the request for increasing the hardware capacity from the service user. In other words, it is easy to add the dedicated arithmetic device 5, but the dedicated arithmetic device 5
By adding the shared computing device 3 without adding the above, it is also possible to increase the hardware capacity for executing the shared software component.

If the service user does not have the ability to increase the hardware capacity, the service user can request a third party to increase the hardware capacity. When a third party requests hardware capacity enhancement and the third party adds the shared computing device 3 in response to the request, the third party is not limited to the service user who requested the hardware capacity enhancement, but also to other users. Since the usage fee from the service user can be received, it is easy for a third party to add the shared arithmetic device 3.

In addition, when the service user adds the shared computing device 3, the service user can enjoy the advantage that the hardware environment for executing the shared software component is improved.
You can also receive usage fees from other service users,
The service user can easily add the shared computing device 3.

Further, the third party or the service user:
Existing software components can be customized and set in the processing unit holding unit 41 in the shared storage device 4 or the processing unit holding unit 61 in the dedicated storage device 6 while maintaining compatibility. In this case, the customized software component is downloaded to the processing unit holding unit 41 in the shared storage device 4 or the processing unit holding unit 61 in the dedicated storage device 6 via the processing unit exchange unit 25 in the management device 2. .

Processing unit holding means 41 in shared storage device 4
When a customized software component is set, not only the service user who has made the customization can use it, but also the use of other service users can obtain considerable compensation. . That is, the customized software component can be viewed as an in-kind contribution or loan to the service provider. Therefore, the third party or the service user can benefit from the customization, so that the investment for a kind of development called customization can be efficiently recovered.

In addition, it can be said that it is easy for a third party to enhance the function of a software component that is frequently used. When upgrading software components while maintaining upward compatibility, the enhanced version can be expected to be used to some extent because a certain number of users are already attached. Therefore, there is a prospect that development costs related to function enhancement can be recovered early, and third parties can easily start development related to function enhancement.

When the customized software component is set in the dedicated storage device 6 and is used only for self-use, no benefit can be obtained from the use of others, but the secret regarding the function of the customized software component cannot be obtained. There is an advantage that the cost for maintaining and maintaining compatibility is not required.

In this embodiment, addition and exchange of software components in the dedicated system and the shared system are permitted to the service user and the third party. Addition and replacement of software components may be permitted for either one. Further, addition of hardware in a dedicated system and a shared system by a service user or a third party may be permitted to one of the dedicated system and the shared system.

When a service user purchases a software component, the operation is always performed by a dedicated system. Conversely, in a system that does not allow the purchase of software components, the operation is always performed in the shared system.

Hereinafter, the operation of the software service system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 to 5 are flowcharts showing the schematic operation of the software service system. FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a schematic operation when the service user uses only the shared computing device 3.

When the service user uses only the shared computing device 3 and the user interface means 13 of the operation terminal device 1 receives an operation instruction input from the input means 11 (step S31), the user interface means 13
Outputs an operation instruction input to the operation means 14 (step S32). The calculating means 14 determines a unit process according to the input of the calculation instruction (step S33), and outputs a calculation request of the unit process to the sharing unit process calling means 21 of the management device 2 (step S34).

Upon receiving the operation request for the unit processing, the sharing unit processing calling means 21 receives the shared device use information holding means 4.
4, the shared device usage information is read out, and in consideration of the shared device usage information and the requested unit processing, the most suitable shared operation device 3 for executing the unit processing is selected. Then, the unit processing operation unit 31 of the selected shared operation device 3 is notified of the unit processing to be executed (step S35). The unit processing calculating means 31 executes the unit processing as shown in FIG. 5 (step S36).

FIG. 4 shows that the service user uses the shared computing device 3.
6 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation when both the dedicated computing device 5 and the dedicated computing device 5 are used. When the service user uses both the shared computing device 3 and the dedicated computing device 5, the user interface means 13 of the operation terminal device 1 uses the input means 1.
When an operation instruction input is received from step 1 (step S4)
1), the user interface unit 13 outputs a calculation instruction input to the calculation unit 14 (Step S42). The calculation means 14 determines a unit process according to the calculation instruction input (step S43). Then, it is determined whether the determined unit processing is executed by the shared operation device 3 or the dedicated operation device 5 (step S44).

If it is determined that the processing is to be executed by the special purpose arithmetic unit 5 (step S45), the arithmetic means 14 instructs the unit processing arithmetic means 51 of the special purpose arithmetic unit 5 to execute the unit processing (step S46). ). Unit processing operation means 51
Performs the unit process as shown in FIG. 5 (step S47).

If it is determined that the processing is to be executed by the shared operation device 3 (step S45), the operation means 14 outputs an operation request for unit processing to the shared unit processing calling means 21 of the management device 2 (step S48). .

Upon receiving the operation request for the unit process, the shared unit process calling unit 21 receives the shared device use information holding unit 4.
4, the shared device usage information is read out, and in consideration of the shared device usage information and the requested unit processing, the most suitable shared operation device 3 for executing the unit processing is selected. Then, the processing unit to be executed is notified to the unit processing operation means 31 of the selected shared operation device 3 (step S49). The unit processing calculating means 31 executes the processing unit as shown in FIG. 5 (step S50).

It is also possible to start the operation in a state where there is no dedicated processing unit 5 in the system, and then to newly install the dedicated processing unit 5. When all the calculations are performed by the special-purpose processing device 5, it can be considered that the processing unit is completely sold out. For such a service user, the sharing unit process calling means 21 and the shared computing device adding means 22 of the management device 2 become unnecessary.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the schematic operation of the unit processing operation means 31 and the unit processing operation means 51. Unit processing operation means 31 or unit processing operation means 51
First, the processing unit required for the unit processing is assigned to the shared storage device 4.
Is read from the processing unit holding means 41 or the processing unit holding means 61 of the dedicated storage device 6 (step S51). Then, the necessary information is given to the processing unit to execute the calculation (step S52). When the calculation is completed, the calculation result is returned to the operation terminal device 1 (step S53). If the calculation has been performed by the unit processing calculation unit 31, the shared calculation unit utilization charging unit 32 creates charging information and sets the charging information. Holding means 42
The accounting information is output (step S54).

Hereinafter, the arithmetic means 14 of the operation terminal device 1, the common unit processing calling means 21 of the management device 2, and the common arithmetic device 3
The operation of the unit processing operation means 31 and the unit processing operation means 51 of the special purpose arithmetic unit 5 will be described in more detail.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the calculating means 14 of the operation terminal device 1. When the operation request is input from the user interface unit 13, the operation unit 14 determines whether the operation is performed by the shared operation device 3 or the dedicated operation device 5 (step S61). Shared arithmetic unit 3
If it is determined that the calculation is to be performed (step S62), the calculation request is passed to the sharing unit process calling means 21 of the management device 2 to request the calculation (step S63). When the operation result is received from the sharing unit processing calling means 21 (step S
64), and delivers it to the user interface means 13 (step S65).

If it is determined that the calculation is to be performed by the special-purpose processing unit 5 (step S62), a calculation request is output to the unit processing calculation unit 51 of the special-purpose processing unit 5 to perform the unit processing (step S66). Then, when the calculation result is received from the unit processing calculation means 51 (step S67), it is transferred to the user interface means 13 (step S67).
65).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sharing unit process calling means 21 of the management device 2. Upon receiving the calculation request from the calculating means 14 of the operation terminal device 1 (step S71), the sharing unit process calling means 21 reads the shared device usage information from the shared device usage information holding means 44 of the shared storage device 4 (step S72). . The calculation request is accompanied by calculation information (data, etc.). Then, based on the shared device usage information, one optimal shared operation device 3 for executing the requested unit process is selected (step S73).

After that, the unit processing operation means 31 of the selected shared operation device 3 is instructed to execute a processing unit corresponding to the unit processing (step S74). When the unit processing operation unit 31 of the shared operation device 3 performs an operation on the processing unit and outputs the operation result, the operation result is output to the operation unit 14 of the operation terminal device 1.
(Step S75).

The common use unit use information notifying unit 33 of the common use unit 3 transfers the common use unit information to the common use unit holding unit 44 at any time during the calculation. The usage information may be transferred to the shared device usage information holding unit 44. For example, the shared device usage information may be transferred to the shared device usage information holding unit 44 when the unit processing calculation unit 31 starts and ends the calculation.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unit processing operation means 31 of the shared operation device 3. The unit processing operation means 31 is a shared unit processing calling means 21 of the management device 2.
When a calculation request is received from (step S81), a processing unit corresponding to the requested calculation is read from the processing unit holding means 41 of the shared storage device 4 (step S82). Then, necessary calculation information is given to the processing unit to execute the calculation (step S83). When the operation is completed, the operation result is returned to the sharing unit process calling means 21 (step S84),
The process history information for generating the billing information is output to the shared computing device utilization billing means 32 (step S8).
5). The common operation device usage accounting unit 32 creates accounting information.

When the shared computing device utilization billing means 32 creates billing information, information indicating which shared computing device 3 was used may be included in the billing information. In this case, the processing unit usage charging unit 43 can also perform charging for hardware usage. Also, at the time of the billing process, billing may be performed according to the use period or the use time instead of the number of uses (the number of calculations).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unit processing operation means 51 of the special purpose arithmetic unit 5. Upon receiving the operation request from the operation unit 14 of the operation terminal device 1 (step S91), the unit processing operation unit 51 reads out the processing unit required for the unit processing from the processing unit holding unit 61 of the dedicated storage device 6 (step S92). . Then, the operation is executed by giving necessary operation information to the processing unit (step S9).
3). When the calculation is completed, the calculation result is returned to the calculation means 14 of the operation terminal device 1 (step S94).

As described above, the request for the execution of the software component from the service user is first determined by the arithmetic means 14 of the operation terminal device 1 whether it should be processed by the dedicated system or the shared system. . Then, the software component is executed in the dedicated system or the shared system according to the determination result, and the operation result is returned to the service user.

In this embodiment, the function enhancement of the dedicated system and the function enhancement of the shared system are open not only to the service provider but also to persons other than the service provider. The processing capability can be easily improved by adding hardware. For example, the service provider can add a dedicated arithmetic device 5 or add a processing unit by using the dedicated arithmetic storage means adding means 23 in the management device 2 according to the request of the service user. Further, the service provider can add the shared computing device 3 using the shared computing device adding means 22 in the management device 2 in order to improve the service quality.

If the service provider cannot respond to the request of the service user, the service user or a third party can use the dedicated operation storage means addition means 23 or the common operation means addition means 22 to execute the operation means. Can be added. That is, in this embodiment, it is always possible to improve the processing capacity as required by the user.

Further, the use contractor can cope with service termination by the service provider by using the dedicated system. That is, it is possible to use the software component without worrying about the business contents of the service provider. For example, when the service provider decides to terminate the service, the usage contractor transfers the processing unit and information in the shared system to the dedicated system using the dedicated operation storage means adding means 23. Services can be received using a dedicated system.

Even if the software components in the shared system are upgraded and the software of the subscriber who uses the software components cannot be supported by the new version, the old version is dedicated by using the dedicated arithmetic storage means adding means 23. What is necessary is just to have it transferred to the system side. In this way, it is easy to add / update the processing units used only by the user, and even if the service provider completely discontinues the service, the service user can continue using the software component.

On the other hand, the usage contractor can use only the shared system without using the dedicated system. In that case, the usage cost of the software component can be leveled and the planned payment can be made. In this way, the service user can also eliminate the initial cost when using the software component and select the leveled cost generation.

Further, a third party can use the function-enhanced version to a certain extent when enhancing the functions of software components already having a certain number of users while maintaining upward compatibility. Therefore, there is a prospect that the development cost related to the function enhancement can be recovered early, and the third party can reduce the development risk.

In the above embodiment, the service provider provided the software component, but what the service provider provides is not limited to the software component. For example, when providing application software for performing a specific process, the software service method according to the present invention can be used.

In the above embodiment, the shared operation device 3 and the shared storage device 4 are separate devices, but they may be realized by the same device. Similarly, the dedicated arithmetic device 5 and the dedicated storage device 6 may be realized by the same device. Further, the operation terminal device 1, the dedicated arithmetic device 5, and the dedicated storage device 6 may be realized by the same device. Further, a configuration in which the management device 2 is included in the shared arithmetic device 3 can be adopted.

In the above embodiment, the operation request is output through the user interface means 13.
Instead of outputting an operation request via the user interface means 13, the service user's software may output the operation request as needed. Then, some of the unit processes are processed by specific units other than the units in the operation terminal device 1, the management unit 2, the dedicated arithmetic unit 5, and the dedicated storage device 6, which are provided as standard. You may comprise. In such a configuration, the management method, the user interface, the billing method, and the like can be appropriately customized or made unique to the user.

[0084]

As described above, according to the present invention, a software service method is provided for a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific subscriber and a shared system for executing software used by a large number of subscribers. The system is designed so that the enhancement of the dedicated system and the enhancement of the shared system are open to anyone other than the service provider, so that the service provider can appropriately collect software development costs and Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to easily perform functional enhancement or customization of software and hardware thereafter while keeping the initial investment amount of software development low.

Further, according to the present invention, a software service system includes a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific subscriber, a shared system for executing software used by a large number of subscribers, And a management device that selects software in the shared system in response to a request from the management system and causes the computing means in the shared system to execute the software. In addition, an environment is realized in which it is easy to add or change hardware, and it is easy for service providers, usage contractors, and third parties to add and change software and hardware.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a software service system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram schematically showing a shared system in the software service system.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic operation when a service user uses only a shared computing device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation in a case where a service user uses both a shared computing device and a dedicated computing device.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a schematic operation of the unit processing operation means and the unit processing operation means.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a calculation unit of the operation terminal device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation of a sharing unit process calling means of the management device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unit processing operation means of the shared operation device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the unit processing operation means of the special purpose operation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 operation terminal device 2 management device 3 shared operation device 4 shared storage device 5 dedicated operation device 6 dedicated storage device

Claims (9)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A software service method for providing software to a subscriber, comprising: a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific subscriber, and a shared system for executing software used by a number of subscribers. A software service method, wherein the function enhancement of the dedicated system and the function enhancement of the shared system are opened to persons other than service providers. 2. The software service method according to claim 1, wherein a licensee or a third party is allowed to add software to a dedicated system or a shared system, or both the dedicated system and the shared system. 3. The software service method according to claim 1, wherein a licensee or a third party is allowed to add hardware for a dedicated system or a shared system, or for both the dedicated system and the shared system. 4. The software service method according to claim 1, wherein the software in the shared system is permitted to be migrated to the dedicated system. 5. The software service method according to claim 1, wherein a licensee or a third party is permitted to customize software for a dedicated system or a shared system, or for both the dedicated system and the shared system. 6. A software service system for providing software to a subscriber, comprising: a dedicated system for executing software dedicated to a specific subscriber; a shared system for executing software used by a large number of subscribers; A software service system comprising: a management device that selects software in the shared system in response to a request from a contractor and causes a computing unit in the shared system to execute the software. 7. The software service system according to claim 6, wherein the management device is provided with additional means for adding software to the dedicated system or the shared system. 8. The software service system according to claim 6, wherein the management device is provided with an exchange unit for exchanging software in the dedicated system or the shared system. 9. The software service system according to claim 6, wherein the management device is provided with an additional management unit for adding an arithmetic unit in the shared system.