What is it?
Activation is a two-stage process for registering an application. In the first step (usually immediately after purchase), a user receives an activation code that typically looks like XXXX-YYYY-ZZZZ. In the second step, the customer enters the code into the application. The application connects to the developer’s server via the Internet, the server verifies the activation code, and returns a serial number tied to that activation code and usually locked to the user’s hardware.
This approach allows the developer to control license usage by customers, prevent license leakage, and provides additional possibilities, such as offering demo licenses or reliable trial periods.
Why do I need it?
The activation system gives a software developer many possibilities, for instance:
- Short serial numbers – long serial numbers are great, except they are long. A user may make a typo while entering them, email clients may break those keys or replace some symbols. At the same time, long serial numbers can contain a significant amount of additional information. Activation codes solve all issues related to long serial numbers while preserving their advantages.
- Installation control – all activations are available to the developer online in real time. Each activation can be monitored, analyzed, or blocked. The developer can also provide support to users, and so on.
- Trial periods – you can create time-limited serial numbers by using product “modes”.
- Subscriptions – subscriptions are similar to trial periods, but are offered for a fee. You can sell the right to use the program for a specified period, just like antivirus software does. Simply sell activation codes for each subscription year.
What do I need?
VMProtect Ultimate has several functions for relatively easy implementation of both online and offline activation. You will also need Web License Manager installed on your server. Finally, you should configure the protection project in VMProtect so that the activation module knows the URL of the WebLM server.