MANAGING SOFTWARE KEYS FOR NETWORK ELEMENTS

Methods and systems for managing software keys include distributing software keys from a vendor to a customer key manager at a secure customer network that includes network elements comprising a transport network operated by a customer. Responsive to a provisioning event involving a network element, the network element may request a software key from the customer key manager for a network service associated with the provisioning event. The customer key manager may manage the software keys issued to network elements within the secure customer network. The software key may be provided as a key file that may be encrypted.