TurnKey Activation - Alternative Implementations

There are many ways that software_DNA can be implemented using the "TurnKey Activation" approach that gives you flexibility on the sequence of events in the Activation process.

Below are some examples of implementations frequently used by software developpers.

One API Call Implementation

This is the simplest implementation, and follows the steps described in this guide:

• License is checked immediately on start-up using the DNA_ProtectionOK () API Call

• If there is no valid license, DNA_ProtectionOK will run through the Activation or Re-activation Process as required

• Software is run if success, or stopped if failure

Disadvantage of this flow is that if there is no valid License, the first screen the user sees is the built-in "Activation Code" screen instead of a screen from the application itself.

Options:

• DNA_ProtectionOK can implement Evaluation Codes in two different modes:

  • "Request" mode where an email is captured and the Evaluation Code is sent to this email
  • "Evaluate Now" mode where a random Eval Code is assigned and "Success" is returned

Intro Screen with "Activate" button

With this approach, if no License file exists, the User is presented with an "Intro Screen" from the Application, instead of immediately seeing the built-in Activation Screen.

You can design the "Intro Screen" as you want. For example, it could include:

• Welcome Message
• Instructions about the Activation Process
• Instructions on Evaluation Licenses (the option is offered by the DNA_ProtectionOK API call during the activation process

The sequence seen by the User:

• License is checked immediately on start-up using the DNA_Validate() API Call.

• If a valid license exists, the software is run

• If there is no valid license, the software displays an "Intro Screen" including information on the application, an Activate button, and explanations about the Activation process, etc.

• When the Activate button is clicked, then the DNA_ProtectionOK API Call is made which will run through the Activation or Re-activation process as required.

• Software is run if success, or stopped if failure

Silent Evaluation on Initial Start-Up

When the User initially installs and starts the Application, you may want him to immediately start with an Evaluation License, with the option of upgrading to a full license via a button or menu item. You can then present the User with an "Intro Screen".

You can design the "Intro Screen" as you want. For example, it could include:

• Welcome Message
• Instructions about the Activation Process
• Details on his Evaluation License (ex: "There are 30 days left in your Evaluation").

The sequence seen by the User:

• License is checked immediately on start-up using the DNA_Validate API Call.

• If a valid license exists, the software is run

• If there is no valid license, a call to DNA_EvaluateNow is made which assigns a random Evaluation Code with the expiration period configured for this product, and activates it.

• The software can now run in "Evaluation / Trial Mode", typically full-featured mode, until the Evaluation License Code expires.

• The software also displays an Activate button or menu item for when the user is ready to activate with a purchased License Activation Code.

• When the Activate button is pressed, then the DNA_ProtectionOK API Call is made which will run through the Activation or Re-activation process as required.

• Software is run if success, or stopped if failure.