The switch to a USB key is not one of a trust matter but one of a convenience for the vast majority of our users. When we used the password method of locking our software, we also trusted our customers to use only 1 license at a time. The vast majority of our users did not break this trust, but many had many other problems, due to the passwords.
Passwords were locked to the computer hardware and operating system on that computer. Anytime something was replaced, upgrade, repaired, changed configuration, turned on/off, etc., it would trigger a problem that would require a new password. Passwords could only be issued by our head office during working hours, and only after determining what had happened to require the new password. So weekends, holidays, etc. would delay the issue of passwords.
Also taking a license home or to the field (take home or check out option), would mean a temporary transfer to that machine, disabling the office machine. Many times the transfer would not work well and both machines end up being disabled. Sometimes this was caused by the user doing something wrong or out of order, other times it may have been other changes that triggered the problem. Mismatched dates or times between the computers could also cause problems.
USB keys will alleviate all of these issues – but it does bring up a few new ones.
As you folks have mentioned, the USB key is quite small and could be easy to misplace. To get around this, we have attached a large key fob that makes it harder to lose or forget the USB key.
Laptops are their own challenge. They are very handy for field work or simply going from location to location or office to home. The USB key with key fob is small enough to fit in the laptop case, but large enough to be spotted if left sitting somewhere when packing up the laptop.
The USB key should work in any valid working USB port. It must remain attached during the entire session in MicroSurvey CAD 2008. Once removed, the MicroSurvey CAD 2008 program will shut down (unless it is still within it’s first 30 day demo period, in which the USB key is not required to run the program at all).
We suggest that you insure the USB key against loss or theft (just like you would your laptop), as it is the license and will not be replaced in these situations. The key is almost bullet proof so damage is unlikely, but if damaged, replacements may be made available (examined on a case by case basis to determine what has happened and why). Shipping delays for new key purchases or replacement keys would be similar to the delays required to obtain new passwords under the previous license model.
My USB key sticks out approximately 24 mm from the face of the computer, and the key fob hangs off of it. No problems at all for size or space concerns. It would be no different than having a mouse plugged in and the amount of space or special care requirements it needs.
Unfortunately we, like most software companies, can not be everything to everyone and have to select the best solution for the vast majority of our users. This includes what routines and commands are programmed into the software, as well as the method to license the software. We do listen to our customers and attempt to solve any issues as best as we are able. We did a huge amount of research on the USB topic prior to implementing it. The number of users that are very happy, and even excited by the change, does out-weight the few that may have concerns or reservations. This does not mean that we are not listening to those with concerns, but unfortunately we can not have multiple methods of licensing.
I hope this helps answer your concerns about the USB key licensing method that MicroSurvey CAD 2008 is using.
If you have further concerns, please feel free to send an email directly to the owner of MicroSurvey Software, Inc.,
darcy.detlor@microsurvey.com .
Glen W. Cameron, C.E.T.
City of North Bay, Ontario