phpweb-applicationspiracy

How does one protect a web application sold on a per license basis from piracy?


So yea, i'm planning on selling a web application i've made. I know i could never stop people from copying files and sharing them, but how would i go about placing pieces of code that could alert me of usage?

I know someone motivated enough will eventually crack it.. i'm just interested in the possible solutions(using php, especially).

Thanks guys!


Solution

  • What are you talking about is analogous of a trojan into commercial software. Why would anybody pay for software that sends monitoring beacons out to the web?

    Instead you could simply sell the software with a licensing scheme and provide services that require valid licenses. That way people who steal your software cannot obtain security patches, support, or upgrades, and other goodies. If you do not have a business ready to support the software you are about to sell then you may not be ready to sell your software at this time.