Software Licensing - Buyer's Checklist.

Choose these features when creating a supplier shortlist:

Reliability
Buy a reliable SDK-based solution that will not fail when the end user upgrades the PC or uses Norton Ghost and Utilities. Make sure it survives Windows updates, reformats and registry changes.

End-user experience
Internet activation should be complemented by web-based forms for use behind firewalls. Phone and email license key generation tools should also be provided.

Ease of deployment
Your copy protection software should be fast to implement (it should take no more than a few hours), and should offer easy outsourced 'service' based activation and/or your own in-house server options. No extra programming or setting up complex scripts on ISPs or painful coding to make API calls to components.

Portability
It should be easy for the end user to move between PCs using USB drives or web-based license storage. Move licenses using a LAN Server and your Intranet Mapped Drives. Move licenses using Portable Hard Drives and Zip type Drives. Move and return licenses to the hosted activation server. Allows End Users to move PCs without using any media, with a single click.

Controllable
Easy for you to control end user installations and to offer refunds using 'Proof of Removal' tools.

Concurrency
The product should make it easy for corporations to use software with floating network licenses, and it should facilitate work on PCs that have been locked down by the administrator.

Granularity
Feature controls should allow you to manipulate individual code modules, allowing you to switch features on and off. It should be possible to 'weigh' these modules in terms of value when you sell them.

Comprehensive platform support
Copy protection software should support all Windows versions, and a wide range of development platform support.

Flexible licensing
The copy protection software should be licensable to you in a way that suits your business goals. Royalty-free licensing enables you to maintain the same copy protection tools as your software becomes more successful without incurring financial penalties.

Money-back guarantee
Don't be caught out by software that doesn't deliver on its promises. Get a money-back guarantee to show you how confident your vendor is in its software, and to reduce your financial risk.

For more useful information, See "Getting your business ready for using Anti-piracy measures".