CodeMeterAct Binding Schemes
Licenses in a CodeMeterAct license file are bound to a PC. Specific properties of the PC or the installed OS are used to build up information used as a "Host-ID". This Host-ID becomes part of the activation code. The activated license can only be used on the PC if the Host-ID has not changed significantly since its activation date.
CodeMeterAct's Host-ID scheme makes use of both Hardware Binding Schemes (real hardware properties) and Configuration Binding Schemes (configurable system properties).
Hardware-Binding Schemes
Four basic hardware properties are available; which can be combined, without restriction, to create the Hardware Binding Scheme:
| Hardware Property |
Description |
| Network-Adapter (N) | Information on the network card (MAC Address), virtual adapters are not considered |
| Disk (D) | Information found on the hard disk (real serial number) |
| CPU (C) | Information found on the main processor (processor type) |
| Bios (B) | Information found in the PC BIOS |
By altering the combination of properties and by changing how many properties need to remain unchanged, the developer can control how restrictive to make this binding scheme. More restrictive schemes increase security, but also increase the number of support calls from customers who might have simply changed a hard drive (for example). The less restrictive, the fewer support calls, but security becomes weaker. For example, a scheme combining all four properties, where only one element is allowed to change, is possible. As long as three elements remain unchanged, an activated license remains valid.
The following table shows some recommended schemes:
| Scheme |
Description |
Use |
| N:1 |
Binding to a network adapter. |
Big enterprises, SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) |
| DCBN:4 |
Binding to network adapter, CPU, hard disk and BIOS. Zero tolerance towards hardware changes. |
Small Office / Home Office, Games |
| DCBN:3 |
Binding to a network adapter, CPU, hard disk and BIOS. Three properties have to remain unchanged, one is allowed to change. |
Big enterprises, SMEs, Small Office / Home Office |
| DCN:3 |
Binding to BIOS, CPU and hard disk. Zero tolerance towards hardware changes. |
Big enterprises, SMEs, Small Office / Home Office |
| DCB:2 |
Binding to BIOS, CPU and hard disk. Two properties have to remain unchanged, one is allowed to change. |
Big enterprises, SMEs, Small Office / Home Office |
| D:1 |
Binding to hard drive |
Small Office / Home Office |
Configuration Binding Schemes
Compared to hardware properties, binding to configurable properties is considerably weaker. In addition, the properties cannot be combined.
| Scheme |
Description |
Use |
| IP-Address (IP) |
The IP-Address of the PC is part of the Host-ID calculation. The IP-Address is used to which the CodeMeter License Server is linked. |
This scheme offers limited security, and is designed for the use in big companies as central license server. Big enterprises |
| Machine-SID (MID) |
The Machine-SID and the Domain-SID in the Windows network are part of the Host-ID calculation. |
This scheme is suitable for binding to a machine in the company network. Big enterprises |
| None (Non) |
The license file is not bound to a PC, and able to be activated with a fixed, pre-calculated code on any number of PC. For license-related reasons, this mode works with time-restricted licenses only. |
This scheme is suitable for demo versions without online activation (specification of product serial number and activation code on the package only). The activation code is the same for all installs. After the license has expired, it cannot be used again on the same PC. Small Office / Home Office (Demos) |
| Serial (Ser) |
The product serial number is part of the Host-ID calculation, i.e. the Host-ID is different for each separate user. However, the Host-ID does not change with the change of computer hardware. |
This scheme is designed as a simple license protection. Additionally, the developer is able to write the name of the user into the license file; read it; display it on screen; or print it. That increases the perceived individuality of the license, and raises the mental barrier to pass on the license illegally. In this scheme, activation codes can be precalculated, i.e. the user gets a product serial number and an activation code, enters both, and the software runs without online activation. Big enterprises |
The binding scheme is defined independently from the software, and is subsequently editable for software already encrypted with CodeMeterAct.
The end-user receives a license information file holding information on the scheme used. This license information file may be shipped together with the software, e.g. as part of the installation, or sent separately to the end-user. This way, the developer is able to individually define the scheme for each installation.
For example, the developer can produce a CD which is the same for all customers but contains a license information file with the scheme DCBN:3. This file is sent to all medium and large customers. In the event where a large wants customer wants to renegotiate his license terms. For example, covering the companywide use of 100 licenses excluding online activation, then he simply receives a new license information file with the license bound to the IP-Address or Product Serial Number, and a list with 100 product serial numbers and activation codes.
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