BlackBerry Limited
Token-based control of software installation and operation

Abstract:

Described are a method and system of authorizing software execution on a computing device having a processor, the device storing a production key associated with software authorized for end-user release and storing a pre-release key associated with software not authorized for end-user release. The method includes determining that a signed software image is not signed with the production key; determining that the device has stored in memory thereon a pre-release token, the pre-release token containing data uniquely identifying the device and identifying the pre-release key; validating the pre-release token; and authenticating the signed software image using the pre-release key and, in response, permitting execution of the software image.