1. A method for synchronous encryption between a client and a licensing agent comprising: establishing a connection between a licensing agent/client pair over an IP-compliant network; passing a data structure unencrypted in an initial communication between the licensing agent/client pair, the licensing agent passing a first key to said client responsive to the initial communication; resending, by said client, said data structure having designated fields of said data structure encrypted according to said first key; and sending, by said license agent, a second key to said client for use in subsequent communications.