Stephen W Flaherty, 681621 Dr E, Point Pleasant Boro, NJ 08742

5553144, Sep 3, 1996

Mar 7, 1995

8/439934

Frank A. Almquist - Kingston NY
David F. Anderson - LaGrangeville NY
John E. Campbell - Hurley NY
Michael J. Chan - Kingston NY
Stephen W. Flaherty - Fishkill NY
Steven F. Hajek - West Hurley NY
John F. Larsen - Kingston NY
Charles H. Milligan - Hopewell Junction NY
Cyril A. Price - Stone Ridge NY
Andrew M. Simon - Hopewell Junction NY
William F. Washburn - Hyde Park NY
George A. Williams - Lake Katrine NY
Roy A. Wood - Saugerties NY

International Business Machines Corporation - Armonk NY

H04L 900
H04L 932

380 25

A method and system are disclosed for selectively altering the functional characteristics of a data processing system without physical or mechanical manipulation. A data processing system is first manufactured having a predetermined set of functional characteristics. A multibit alterable code which includes a functional characteristic definition is then initially loaded into physically secure, nonvolatile memory within the data processing system, utilizing an existing bus, or a fusible link which may be opened after loading is complete. The functional characteristic definition is loaded from nonvolatile memory into a nonscannable register within a secure portion of a control logic circuit each time power is applied to the data processing system and the definition is then utilized to enable only selected functional characteristics. Alternate functional characteristics may thereafter be selectively enabled by entering a security code which matches one of a number of preloaded codes and an encoded alternate functional characteristic definition. The alternate functional characteristic definition may be enabled on a one-time, metered, or regularly scheduled basis and variable capability data processing systems may be implemented in this manner utilizing a single manufactured system, without the necessity of manufacturing and storing multiple data processing system models.