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Copy Protection System


GUI for software protection component

In 2000 we developed a software copy protection system to prevent licensed software from being used on more than one machine at the same time.

Introduction

The mechanism for this was to generate a random code - the ID - when the software was installed and to store this on the customer's machine in several (confidential) locations. The software would run for an evaluation period of 30 days, after which it would require an unlock code to be entered for it to continue running. In addition, it was possible to restrict the functionality of the software while in the evaluation period if required.

The project was included in three main products that the company manufactures. It was designed as a component that can be re-used quickly and

easily. Until late 2003 the company were able to generate unlock codes from the customer's ID manually using another program. The customer needed to complete a form

(which included the program ID) and fax this to the customer care department. This generated a lot of work for the department, checking the customer had paid, entering

the details into a database and so on so it was decided to provide an online service to issue the unlock codes to the customers.

We undertook this project and were able to complete the system in less than a month, including testing time.


GUI for online registration

The online system consisted of multiple machines running Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and Microsoft IIS Web Server.

The manufacturing process was to build software on demand, so once an order was placed it would join the queue in the production system. The order is handled by the

SAP system, which provides the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. When the order is processed, the SAP system enters a code into the SQL Server database and the product is shipped to the customer.

When the customer receives the product, he can use the company web site to issue the unlock code for the software immediately rather than waiting for a fax back from

the customer care department.

The customer completes the registration form online and obtains the unlock code.

The system has been "live" for about two months at the time of writing and we have had good feedback from customers and the customer care department.

Technology

  • Visual C++ 6.
  • ATL/COM. Copy protection component
  • SQL Server 2000. Database Design
  • SAP. (Integration to manufacturing systems)
  • ASP
  • IIS

Benefits

  • Reduction in software copying/piracy.
  • Gathers end-customer contact details.
  • Integrated into manufacturing system.
  • Component based design allowed it to be used in other products