Software Activation

    This guide shows how software activation works to protect applications, Trialware, software subscriptions, spreadsheets, plugins and multimedia content.

Configure a License

    The QuickLicense application on Windows or Macintosh is used to configure a Ticket file that defines how the license and activation process works. The Ticket file and royalty-free runtime file are distributed with the protected application.

    Software Activation Dialog Call the QuickLicense runtime from your program through a simple programming interface (API) or use AddLicense to wrap a protective license around a compiled application without programming.

    License configuration takes just minutes and gives the developer many options to choose from. The license can auto-activate on first launch or required a unique Activation Code for each computer.

    Alternatively, the Activation dialog can show a Name and Activation Code field. This approach is less secure, but gives the user the flexible to activate on several machines with the same Name/Code pair. It discourages users from distributing your software to unlicensed users since that would require giving out their uniquely identifiable Name and Activation Code.

How Software Activation Works

    On each launch, your application communicates with the runtime file. On the first launch, an Activation dialog is presented to accept an Activation Code. Each successive launch validates the license on that computer.

    A few lines of glue code are needed in your application to send a Request Message and receive a Response Message from the runtime file. Code examples are available for a variety of programming languages and application types.

    The glue code algorithm is simple:

        Send Request Message
  Get Response Message
  If ReturnCode < 0 then
    Show Error Message and Quit
  Else
    Run Normally
    The QuickLicense application generates an Activation Code from the Request Number based on an Activation Calculation you control. The end user provides the Request Number and the vendor returns an Activation Code that activates the software on that computer.

Deliver an Activation Code

    An Activation Code can be given over the phone, by email or on a web page. Notice the web link in the Activation dialog. The user clicks the link to present an Activation web page in their browser. A form collects the customer information and sends it to the vendor. The QuickLicense application includes a dialog to configure and generate a web form to collect user information for a semi-automated activation process.

    The only required information is the Request Number and possibly a Serial Number from the vendor's product CD. The vendor either emails the Activation Code to the user or provides it with an instant server side script.

    The Safe Activation Service 1 allows a vendor to present a customized page on their web site, instant Activation Codes and products controlled by Serial Numbers. The vendor's product and customer information is accessible through a secure, online account with no web site programming required. Safe Activation Service 2 adds advanced features like dynamic and floating licenses, automated software subscriptions, automated feature delivery, shopping cart access, notifications, plus license release, restore, suspend or reset.

    A protected application running on a computer connected to the Internet can be activated directly from a vendor configured dialog without a browser. Customer data is sent to Safe Activation and the retrieved Activation Code is automatically applied.

    Alternatively, use WebActivation for self-hosted, QuickLicense activation.