Not really a suggestion on a particular way of locking software but at least
a list of things to consider before going with any one in particular. Most
people seem to think that licensing is just a "payment = key" type of thing
when in reality it is not. There are a lot of things to consider when going
the route of license keys (hardware or software).
- Do you want to manually generate keys or have something automatic?
- What about web site integration for key generation?
- How quick do you need to get the keys to your customers?
- Is the software for the "general" public? Will they know what a dongle
(hardware key) even is?
- How will you handle lost/forgotten software keys?
- How will you handle lost hardware keys?
- What about the customer that needs a new key at 3AM on Saturday or on XMas
day? How will that work?
- Will you need to offer temp or time limited keys? Full function but time
limited.
- Will you need to offer trial or demo keys? Partial function and time
limited.
- Will the key need to be locked to a specific computer (MAC address or
other unique identifier)?
- Will the software be reinstalled on different machines all the time? If so
then maybe some sort of license-server should be used?
- Will you need to license different options in your software? Maybe a
multi-level license is needed then.
- How will you get the information from your client in order to generate a
key?
This is by no means an exaustive list but it should give you an idea of some
things to consider.
Hope it helps!
"John" <Jo*****@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:dq**********@ss405.t-com.hr...
Hi,
I would like to protect my software from copying. What are best tools for
it (hardware protection is not an option), do you have some reccomendation
for protection or third party software that works?
Thanks very much
John