[thelist] download complete verification

[Jeff Wilhelm]

Phil,

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. We've been distributing
the software over the internet for quite awhile now, and by forcing the user
to give us the generated code it lets us not only track the user, but the
unlock code we give as a result can be tailored to only unlock specific
components, for specific durations, etc...

I don't think we're doing anything particularly new or innovative, and I
don't think there are any real legal issues. As long as there is an EULA
they click through somewhere (whether before the download or during install)
I think you're fine.

We offer multiple distribution methods (FTP / Web Link / CD-ROM...) but all
end up with the exact same software product being installed, and a unique
code being generated. I think the code is based off a couple of things (MAC
address, date time, maybe a few other things) but I'd have to ask the
developers to be sure. 

When we give them the unlock license code it is in XML format but there is a
long fingerprint of sorts that is a checksum of all the XML data so it would
fail if the XML was modified (i.e.: someone tried to alter the code to
extend the license etc...). Also, our software does NOT automatically call
home at all, so there is no privacy concerns from the user. In fact it can
be run on a system not connected to the internet, as long as the serial
number that is generated is somehow transmitted to us (via some other
computer's web browser is fine) and the license we generate is copied to
that computer.

Jeff



----Original Message----
From: thelist-bounces at lists.evolt.org
[mailto:thelist-bounces at lists.evolt.org] On Behalf Of Sales
@ Lycosa Sent: Wednesday, September 21, 2005 6:30 PM To:
thelist at lists.evolt.org Subject: RE: [thelist] download
complete verification 

> > The way we prove that the software download was
> > successful is that in 
> order to launch the program they must enter a license
> code... the download was complete, or else the software
> wouldn't have run and generated a serial number.  
> 
> Something very similar is already built into our system,
> so I have some confidence that this issue is more legal
> than technical - not my field ;-) 
> 
> As you are already distributing software via the
> internet, could you offer any ideas/tips on the
> legalities associated with this? What problems have you
> come across?   
> 
> 
> Phil
> 
> [definition: 'farmer' - a man outstanding in his field]