Activation Codes

[DonC]

Hi,

 

This is my first post at this forum.

 

I am a supplier of comprehensive CAD tutorials that I sell on-line from my Web store. From here I sell downloaded versions via password protected directory or CD versions (which are snail mailed). This is not an automated system but it has worked fine so far (all payments are via PayPal).

 

I have an organization that currently wants to sell my products in Europe in the form of a CD in a DVD box. I am supplying the tutorial files and the package artwork to them electronically and they will take that and package it and retail it at their end through two e-business sites and at trade shows. What they want me to do is set up a system where the purchaser must activate the product on line. Through this process I am supposed to see how many units are activated and then I can bill them on a monthly basis for the number of activations made.

 

I contacted my web host and he suggested I install osCommerce. He felt that I should be able to set up some module(s) that would allow a customer to come to my osCommerce page to activate their purchase. Does this sound like it is something that can be done with osCommerce and if so how would I proceed to set it up? If it is not and you have an idea of what I should be looking for, please feel free to make suggestions.

 

Thanks,

Don

[NodsDorf]

I have not seen oscommerce used in this manner. That certainly don't mean its not possible.

 

Oscommerce is a e-commerce suit, not exactly designed for what you want it to do. There is a download option in oscommerce which is great for what you do where a customer can buy a product, oscommerce gives them a unique download link which will expire after a set period of time. Of course this don't prevent somebody from just sharing the file once they download it.

 

What you need is more in lines with software protection.. something every software publisher has wrestled with in the past. The only software I know of that is completely protected is software that is used online. Online games often come with a cd key, since the software is designed to be used online it allows them the protection of knowing who is connecting and accessing the game and if they are allowed. Other software which uses product keys is prone to getting hacked since the software is designed to be used offline.

 

Maybe somebody else here has more thoughts. I would look more at something like http://www.sofpro.com/ and their online activation center.

 

Good luck

[DonC]

Thanks for your reply Don. It is very welcome, as is gives me a good direction to travel and research.

 

Best regards,

Don

 

 

I have not seen oscommerce used in this manner. That certainly don't mean its not possible.

 

Oscommerce is a e-commerce suit, not exactly designed for what you want it to do. There is a download option in oscommerce which is great for what you do where a customer can buy a product, oscommerce gives them a unique download link which will expire after a set period of time. Of course this don't prevent somebody from just sharing the file once they download it.

 

What you need is more in lines with software protection.. something every software publisher has wrestled with in the past. The only software I know of that is completely protected is software that is used online. Online games often come with a cd key, since the software is designed to be used online it allows them the protection of knowing who is connecting and accessing the game and if they are allowed. Other software which uses product keys is prone to getting hacked since the software is designed to be used offline.

 

Maybe somebody else here has more thoughts. I would look more at something like http://www.sofpro.com/ and their online activation center.

 

Good luck