Problems with the Protection Device > Protection Device Replacement

About the Software Protection

The software protection devices (also known as dongles or electronic keys) have been used for many years for the security of the software products. The protection devices are identified with a serial number, which is also the serial number of the software license. Today, many of our software products require the protection devices to work.

For some years now, starting with version 20, we have been able to sell both software products with and without protection devices (key-less). Statistics show that almost all customers of new software products decide to buy key-less software products, to avoid risks with the devices and also because key-less software products include 2 licenses (to use the software on 2 computers).

•Customers of updated versions of software products with protection devices, whose products are working properly, can convert them to key-less software products voluntarily, for a relatively low cost (USD 150.00).

•Customers of updated versions of software products with protection devices, whose protection device is broken, damaged, lost or stolen, can replace the protection device and assume the same risk, but a new and better option is probably to convert their products to key-less software products for a lower cost than replacement and shipment (USD 300.00).

•Customers of non-updated versions of software products with protection devices can also convert their products to key-less software products, but the update to the newest software version is also required (at the same time)

You are probably reading this article because your dongle is broken, damaged, lost or stolen. You have then the 2 mentioned options to fix this problem:

1.Replace the protection device.

2.Change your software product with a key-less software product

You can choose the option you prefer. Costs and benefits are different. Here is some information you must know.

Option 1: Replace the protection device (not recommended)

First, you must ask to your local software distributor if they can provide a new protection device for replacement (shipping from the local distributor is cheaper than shipping from the software manufacturer). Otherwise, you must get the protection device from the software manufacturer.

As distributors have been selling key-less software products for a long time, and the key-less product is a more definitive solution for problems with protection devices (option 2: switch to key-less products); most of the distributors no longer have protection devices for replacement in stock.

Second, ask the shipping price from your source (software distributor or manufacturer.

If shipping from the software manufacturer is required, ask your international courier company (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc) the cost to transport the protection device from Buenos Aires (Argentina) to your location. You must hire the courier company and specify the instructions for transportation from origin to your location. Note that freight costs have increased significantly in recent years.

The cost to replace the protection device will be the sum of:

+ Protection device:	USD 100.00
+ Shipping Cost:	(ask your courier company)
+ Re-license Fee:	USD 200 (or users of version 20)
	USD 250 (or users of version 17)
	USD 300 (or users of version 15)
	USD 350 (or users of version 11-)

Option 2. Switch your software product to a key-less software product (recommended)

We recommend this option because:

•This is the final solution to protection devices problems

•You can get it by yourself through the User Area

•No delays at all. In less than 1 hour you can have a new software up and running

•You will get an additional license to run the software (in 2 workstations)

As this option is available only for the newest software version,

•Only users of the last available software version must purchase only the Switch to key-less feature.

•Users of old software versions must purchase the Update to the newest version + Switch to key-less feature.

Switch to keyless price (for users of the newest software version)

+ Switch to key-less:	USD 150.00 (if the protection device is working properly)
	USD 300.00 (if the protection device is broken, lost, stolen)

Update to version 20 + Switch to key-less price (for users of old software versions)

+ Update:

Price depends on the old software version and product level

Prices are available in the User Area

+ Switch to Key-less:

USD 150.00 (if the protection device is working properly)

USD 300.00 (if the protection device is broken, lost, stolen)

How to get the price and purchase the option 2?

Just login into the User area of www.sierra-software.com, and you will find this option.