FAQ: Software Protection

It is customary to protect the intellectual property invested in the products by software protection. ELAN GMK has implemented two different ways to satisfy the various needs of end-users.

Hardware Protection Device (Hardware Key).

Also called a "software dongle", the hardware key is a physical device attached to the workstation/computer where the software is run.  There are two variants of the hardware key: a parallel port key (older style) and a USB key that provides the same level of functionality. If you have purchased hardware key protected software, the following rules apply:

• The hardware key must be attached to the computer while the software is running. It must be delivered to you by ELAN GMK.
  
• It is possible to install the software on a different computer and move the key to that computer. This provides flexibility.
• One hardware key can unlock more then one software titles and can be updated by the end-user, if needed.
  
• The hardware key has a built-in clock and may be limited by time.
  
• You can attach more then one hardware key to one computer.
  
•  The software program can be installed on a different computer (server), but if it is executed from a local machine, the software will look for the protection device on the local machine.
• The hardware key needs a "driver" to be installed, which will be automatically done by the software installation. If, some reason, you need to reinstall the driver separately, you will find it in your support area. You will need administrator's privileges to install the driver.
• Please visit the support page of our hardware keylock vendor (Aladdin Knowledge Systems) for the latest drivers.
  
• Parallel keylocks: look for the HASP4 drivers
• USB keylocks: look lor the HASP HL drivers
  

Software-based Key Protection ("Softkey").

This method allows the software to generate a unique "Machine ID" for your computer. The number depends on various hardware configurations; it is a proprietary algorithm resulting in 8-digit alphanumerical code.  The code does not contain any humanly readable information about your computer's configuration and does not transmit any other user date. Once we know the machine ID, we can generate an unlock code for you which can unlock your installation. These steps are usually performed by exchanging a pair of emails, but it can also be performed over the phone.

• The software must be unlocked only once; updates are automatically unlocked.
• If you install the software on a different machine, it must be unlocked again.
  
• It is possible to limit the unlock code by an expiration date.