PC Guard: REMOTE Protection: Overview

Описание: REMOTE protection system is a software licensing and copy protection solution designed to securely lock an application to a specific remote computer, thereby preventing unauthorized distribution and use. The core of the system relies on generating a unique computer identifier, composed of Site and MID codes, which is derived from a combination of seven distinct hardware and software parameters, known as "locks."

Activation is a mandatory process where the end-user provides their unique Site/MID codes to the software vendor in exchange for a valid activation code. The system is designed for flexibility, supporting offline activation methods (phone, fax, email) as well as fully automated online activation through the "Activation center" (ACEN).

The platform offers a comprehensive suite of licensing models to accommodate various business needs. These include a pre-activation "Demo Mode" for trial periods, "Limited Licenses" for software rental or leasing, and the ability to convert these to permanent licenses. Post-activation, the system allows for secure license management, including "License Removal," "License Transfer" to another machine, and "License Extension" to update features or limitations on an already activated application. This functionality can be managed by the end-user through an activation dialog or integrated directly into the protected application via an advanced protection interface.

Flexible Licensing and Lock Management

The system provides a high degree of control over how changes to the host machine's configuration affect the license status.

• Default Behavior: By default, any change in one of the selected locking parameters will cause the license to be reset. The application erases the current license, generates new Site/MID codes, and requires a new activation.

• Changeable Flag: A "Changeable" flag can be selected for individual locking parameters. If this flag is enabled, the protection code will tolerate changes to that specific parameter without invalidating the license.

• Hardware Change Tolerance: When multiple hardware locks are marked as "changeable," the protection code will not reset the license as long as the cumulative number of hardware changes remains below a defined maximum threshold.

• Vendor Verification: A "Machine ID decoding" feature is available in the activation panel. This allows the software vendor to obtain the individual lock values from the remote computer, enabling them to compare old and new parameters to prevent fraudulent requests for new activation codes.

The Activation Process

Software activation is the required process of exchanging keys between the vendor and the end-user to validate the license.

• Flow: The end-user runs the application, obtains the unique Site/MID codes, and submits them to the vendor. The vendor uses these codes to generate a corresponding valid activation code, which is then sent back to the user to unlock the software.

• Activation Methods:
◦ Offline: Internet connection is not required. Activation can be securely completed via phone, fax, or email.
◦ Automated: The process can be fully automated using the Activation center (ACEN).

Pre-Activation: Demo Mode

A trial period, or "demo mode," can be offered to the user before they are required to activate the software.

• Functionality: If enabled, the application provides a trial period during which the user can evaluate the software. The application can be activated at any point during or after this evaluation period expires.

• Extension: The trial period can be extended. This is achieved by issuing an activation code with the "Extend evaluation period" special flag enabled. By default, this grants the user an additional trial period identical to the original demo limitations (e.g., an extra 30 days and 100 runs).

Post-Activation License Management

The system includes several features for managing a license after the initial activation has been completed. For license management tasks, the activation dialog can be configured to appear on each run, or more conveniently, it can be invoked only when the user holds down a special key before launching the application.

Limited License

This feature is designed for non-permanent licensing models, such as software rentals or subscriptions.

License Extension

This feature allows for updating an already active license without requiring a full reactivation.

License Removal

A license can be securely removed from a computer, freeing it up to be used elsewhere.

More info:

https://www.sofpro.com/pc-guard
https://www.sofpro.com/docs/pc-guard/...