🚀 go-pugleaf

[I apologize in advance if this reply is long, but I do think it is relevant
to your query.]

In article <AcR13qAAOz41Ewdv@scot.demon.co.uk>,
Craig Cockburn  <craig@scot.demon.co.uk> wrote:
...
>I'm looking for info on tools to assist with the installation and licensing
>of some software. The software is written in Visual C++ 5.0 and is designed
>for Windows 95 and NT 4. In terms of the licensing software, I'm looking for
>something which will make life difficult for anyone attempting to copy the
>software, will allow me to distribute 30 day evaluation copies of the software
...

Just make sure you don't use a mechanism which may cause potential customers
grief, or make your licensing terms too restrictive.

I was interested recently in purchasing a program called MicroSurfer (see
http://www.magicbaby.com) but the technology they use to license the product
(VBox, see http://www.previewsoft.com) made it far too difficult for me as a
potential customer to want to buy it.  The product was good, but the licensing
terms and protection mechanism instantly treated me like a criminal.

Why was I upset with the product?  First of all, the VBox software that
MicroSurfer used to authorize the 30-day eval was set up to contact their web
site over the net to authorize the install, and send them my email address,
etc.  It can also use this connectivity to do an online secure purchase and
unlock the eval.  The first attempt at installing the eval didn't work,
because the PC I tried with was behind a firewall, and evidently VBox wasn't
prepared for that.  After email to Magic Baby, I was able to get a version
that could install behind a firewall.

I ended up using the product during the eval period, and liked it very much
to the point that I wanted to buy it.  I contacted Magic Baby and asked them
if I could purchase a single license for my personal use, but on more than
one PC.  (One at work, one at home, and a notebook for travel.)  I told them
I would be the only person using the product, and no more than one copy would
ever be used at once.  Most licenses allow this -- but I always double check.
They said such usage would require a license for each PC.
 
Now, VBox is this software that hides stuff on a user's system and prevents
copying a licensed application to another PC.  This raised another problem.
Even if you _uninstall_ the licensed application from a PC, that PC remembers
the state of the licensed product.  Say I have a PC at work on which I use a
VBox licensed product.  Then, I leave that company.  (I do contract work, so
this is common.)  I want to remove my _personal_ license from the PC, so the
next person using the PC won't be able to use my license.  Not possible!  If
the user reinstalls the eval version, it is unlocked and fully licensed as it
detects the hidden info still stored on the PC.  I contacted VBox and asked
how fix this, but their whole product is 'security through obscurity', so they
wouldn't tell me how to totally remove a licensed application from a PC.  This
is probably why Magic Baby wants to sell me three licenses where one will do.
(I tested this with the sample application available for download from VBox,
not with MicroSurfer, which I never ended up buying.  Rather, I deleted it.)

I wasn't prepared to pay 3 times US$30 to get MagicSurfer.  So, I've decided
to code a knock-off.  It'll be shareware, to recoup the development costs;
i.e. my time.  A key point of my product will be a NO-NONSENSE license and
protection strategy.  I will treat my potential customers with respect.  I
think there's an important balance to be struck between protecting your
software sales and treating your customers properly.

Incidentally, I've since found out that making a MicroSurfer knock-off is
probably trivial, since everything needed is included as part of Internet
Explorer 4's ActiveX API.  All I need is a user interface and some C++ or VB
glue and I'm set.  I can also add those one or two features I thought
MicroSurfer was lacking.

Anyways, hope this helps!

Regards,

Chris W. Rea
cwrea@interlog.com