License / Registration key enabled software

[Mike Playle]

On Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:21:08 -0500, Robert Kern wrote:

> Mike Playle wrote:
>> For instance a customer might want to buy a license to
>> use your software on up to 5 machines at once, but still
>> have the software installed on every machine in the
>> company. License systems like FlexLM can work here, to
>> make it easier for them to ensure that they comply with
>> the terms of the license.
> 
> But then you must weigh that against the inconvenience that you impose upon your 
> customers. Although you may make it easier for them to comply with your license, 
> you are also making it harder for them to *use* your software.

This is certainly true.

As with any other software feature it's vital to weigh up the
advantages against the disadvantages, and not blindly add
features which don't provide a clear overall benefit.

> I do not know a single person who has used FlexLM-licensed software and does not 
> hate FlexLM with a burning passion.

Yup, I can agree with that. From the POV of the guy who just
wants to get some work done, it's usually a real pain.

His boss may have a different view of the matter, though.
I've met people who've _bought_ FlexLM-licensed software
who think it's the best thing since sliced bread.

Mike