I built a POS system in B4J and I am planning to release a desktop windows version very soon.
I have modified the application (protection flow) a lot recently.
Previously I created a Beta version but not many are interested to test and give me feedback, except some good friends I know. I want to say thank you.
I (wasted some time) created a demo version activation server. Beta user need to register with email to activate my beta application. The license actually generated offline. This look bad so now, I scrapped it.
Now, I want to allow potential customer to "evaluate" my software before buying. So they need to go to my product page, register as new user and click "Request Trial".
Once downloaded my software, they need to input their email and password to continue. This will make an API call to my new version of activation server. The server check if this user have registered and requested for trial and then send back the response to activate the trial which will last for 63days.
For the product license, the user need to make an order. I made it maximum 3 orders per user right now. I will get a notification through email and I can click on a link to activate an API to approve/activate the license. Once approved, a serial number will be issue to the customer by email.
I understand I can use the Release (obfuscated) compilation to make the code harder to read by certain level of hackers. I also can hide some String values if I put the variables in Process Globals sub.
I have read some threads in this forum discussed about software protection (especially for B4J apps).
Since I am a small company (indie developer), I wish I can use free tools to accomplish the protection.
or I should take Erel's advice not to worry so much?
For now, my app can work standalone without connecting to a server. I make an optional package which is a cloud reporting server. It has a dashboard similar to the backend but can be accessed through web browser. This will be useful for business owner checking their business progress anytime, anywhere even after business hours. It also act as a backup service. A B4A version can also be build in the future if there is a demand.
In 2023, what advice would you give to me, who is going to release my very first commercial B4J software to the world (I mean in my own country first)?
Should I use Proguard or any other tools?
How about selling the software very cheap but focus on the sales of the cloud reporting services (SaaS)?
I have modified the application (protection flow) a lot recently.
Previously I created a Beta version but not many are interested to test and give me feedback, except some good friends I know. I want to say thank you.
I (wasted some time) created a demo version activation server. Beta user need to register with email to activate my beta application. The license actually generated offline. This look bad so now, I scrapped it.
Now, I want to allow potential customer to "evaluate" my software before buying. So they need to go to my product page, register as new user and click "Request Trial".
Once downloaded my software, they need to input their email and password to continue. This will make an API call to my new version of activation server. The server check if this user have registered and requested for trial and then send back the response to activate the trial which will last for 63days.
For the product license, the user need to make an order. I made it maximum 3 orders per user right now. I will get a notification through email and I can click on a link to activate an API to approve/activate the license. Once approved, a serial number will be issue to the customer by email.
I understand I can use the Release (obfuscated) compilation to make the code harder to read by certain level of hackers. I also can hide some String values if I put the variables in Process Globals sub.
I have read some threads in this forum discussed about software protection (especially for B4J apps).
Since I am a small company (indie developer), I wish I can use free tools to accomplish the protection.
or I should take Erel's advice not to worry so much?
For now, my app can work standalone without connecting to a server. I make an optional package which is a cloud reporting server. It has a dashboard similar to the backend but can be accessed through web browser. This will be useful for business owner checking their business progress anytime, anywhere even after business hours. It also act as a backup service. A B4A version can also be build in the future if there is a demand.
In 2023, what advice would you give to me, who is going to release my very first commercial B4J software to the world (I mean in my own country first)?
Should I use Proguard or any other tools?
How about selling the software very cheap but focus on the sales of the cloud reporting services (SaaS)?