Background
Three decades ago, long before USB dongles existed, our software products relied on a protection device connected to the LPT parallel port. As computers no longer feature parallel ports, we transitioned to USB dongles.
Similarly, program installer storage media shifted from floppy disks to CDs, DVDs, and now internet downloads. Computers today lack floppy, CD, and DVD drives.
Since 2020, we have been shipping keyless (no dongle) software products, eliminating the need for physical protection devices. At this time products can be delivered 100% electronically.
Comparison between products with USB dongles & keyless products
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Products without protection devices (keyless)
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Products with protection devices (dongle)
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The product is delivered electronically, which is virtually instantaneous and incurs no shipping costs.
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The product requires physical shipping, resulting in costs and delays.
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If the product installation is compromised, the user can perform a new installation independently on the same or another computer.
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The device can break or get lost, leading to a loss of production time and additional costs.
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The product can only be used on two computers simultaneously (2 licenses included). Additional licenses can be acquired at special prices.
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The product can only be used on the computer where the protection device is attached (a single license).
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The product requires internet activation. If the computer is not connected to the internet, the offline activation procedure can be used.
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The product needs internet activation. If the computer is not connected to the internet, the offline activation procedure can be used.
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The product does not require a permanent internet connection.
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The product does not require a permanent internet connection.
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The product requires occasional validations via the internet (or offline validation). It is recommended to have a connection (even if occasional) for automatic validations and to receive notifications about updates or other important information.
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The product does not require validations via the internet. It is recommended to have a connection (even if occasional) to receive notifications about updates or other important information.
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Reasons to convert products with dongles into keyless products
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No physical shipment of the USB device
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No risk of breakage, loss, or theft of the USB device
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No replacement cost or downtime waiting for a replacement
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Each product includes 2 software licenses by default
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Additional licenses available at a fraction of the product price
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Optional features will apply to all included licenses
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Users can transfer licenses when replacing computer
Lifecycle of the protection device (dongle)
Due to the insignificant number of software products with protection devices sold since 2020 and the existence of a mechanism allowing users of such products to convert them into keyless products, we have suspended the distribution of products with dongles and dongles as spare parts for replacements to avoid unnecessary costs. Exceptions can be requested directly to the software manufacturer.
In essence, this marks the end of the lifecycle of protection devices. We suggest users who are still using software products with dongles to convert them into keyless products.
Case of a Broken or Lost Protection Devices
The procedure for converting a product with a protection device into a keyless product requires the protection device to be correctly functioning in order to disable it.
However, we have also prepared an alternative procedure for cases where dongles are broken, lost, or stolen, and the protection devices cannot be disabled. In such instances, the "replacement" cost may be higher than the cost of converting the product.
FAQ about the licenses of keyless software products
Number of licenses
When you purchase a keyless product (or convert your product with a dongle into a keyless product), you receive a new product that includes 2 software licenses. The 2 software licenses are identified with the same serial number and have exactly the same functionality (clones).
Purchase of additional features
When you purchase additional features for your keyless product, whether modules, functions, or components, these features will be available for all licenses of the product.
Moving the license to another computer
If you want to move any of the licenses to a new computer (for example, when you want to transfer the license to another workstation or when you buy a more modern computer), you will be able to move the license yourself, without assistance from your distributor or technical support.
What happens when the computer with the license breaks?
When the original computer dies, you do not lose any licenses. Licenses are not lost due to accidents. Even if you cannot uninstall the license from the original computer, you will be able to move it to another computer.
What software version can a keyless product have?
Products with protection devices and updated software versions can be converted to keyless products.
Products with old software versions can be updated and converted to keyless products in a single step. It is not possible to convert to keyless products and keep the old software version.