Copy protection - whoa!

[dulux1309]

Hi all,

I am currently working with a hasp developers kit sent me for evaluation by the guys at ealaddin.com. I would like to use hasp 'dongles' to protect my applications - they are cheap and extremely hard to crack if implemented properly...

The kit works in 2 ways, either by creating a protective 'envelope' around the executable or by actually embedding into the source code - or both. I have been able to protect my executable at a low level - it will not run without the demo key installed, but continues to function when the key is removed. As I have no access to the source code of the AMS application itself, I ask the following questions:

1. Has anyone else used this method of copy protection with AMS created products?

2. Is there any chance of a plugin that allows integrating hasp protection?

AMS is such a powerful development tool, enabling such a heavy duty, yet cheap and easy method of copy protection would really ice the cake...

[Bruce]

dulux1309-
I'm not up on hasp 'dongles' but this might help out...

Mac Password

[dulux1309]

I haven't looked at the app yet but it looks like it might be the ticket - I have the crypto plugin, just haven't used it yet...Thanks for posting that up. I'll get back to you if I have any questions...

I certainly looks like it might be an option to using the hasp keys...

I'd recommend checking them out anyway - go to ealaddindotcom.

[Bruce]

Just let me know if you need any help!

[dulux1309]

Sweet - thanks for the help.

[dulux1309]

Corey...any comments on this thread? I was kind of hoping that integrating an option for using hasp security to make AMS even more 'developer friendly' (if that's possible ) would be something you would like to comment on...

It'd be nice to have your opinion on the above, if you've got time...

[Corey]

Hi. Well OK in response to your original questions here are my personal opinions:

1. Not that I'm aware of. Certainly not I. My idea of effective security is an angry goat with a rusty pot for a helmet standing directly on top of your CD, i.e. I am by no means an expert on the field. Lorne is the one here with the most knowledge on this topic as far as I know...

2. Yes, there is a chance. I haven't heard any rumors of anyone working on such as thing but there's defnitely a chance based purely upon the fact that it is physically possible. My understanding is that a good programmer can make some very advanced seamless plug-ins if they want. I'm not a programmer though so my idea of what goes into creating a plug-in strangely enough also involves an angry goat with a rusty pot for a helmet.

The thing to bear in mind here is that I am basically a designer and a provider of creative solutions. On this topic I am bound by a lack of technical understanding. It's the Bretts and Lornes of the world who can really shed significant light on this, and to a lesser extent the Adams and Desmonds. (not lesser in knowledge, lesser in hours worked)

On a personal note I have noticed that in the past people who use no security seem to garner about equal profit, if not more, to those who have all sorts of state-of-the-art security. For example, as far as I know when Macromedia added product authorization to Flash, sales plummeted. Same for certain Adobe products. So my personal view is that, if your goal is to make money, it's probably a wash. I'm one of those people who, given two options with equal results, will then *always* choose the one which requires the least amount of time to implement. Anyhow I might be 100% wrong on the profit thing, these might just be the exception, so better to examine that issue further if it's a point of interest for you...

Now you know why I didn't post. My opinion on this isn't worth a soggy sock.

Corey Milner
Creative Director, Indigo Rose Software

[Brett]

It is entirely possible that such a plugin or DLL interface could be created for AMS50. However, I can't really say because I know nothing about the particular technology that you refer to or what kind of API it exposes. Either way, I don't see us developing a plugin that narrow in scope, but if you or someone you know is handy with C++, sign up for the AMS50 SDK and have a kick at the ole' cat...

[dulux1309]

Thanks for your innput guys - it's been a long old while since I touched any C, but the SDK might indeed be an option. Meantime - does anyone know where I can get a goat? :razz

[pjhiggins]

Meantime - does anyone know where I can get a goat? :razz

Goat...

Rusty pot is a DYI project.