Add a protection to a script

Michiel

Hi,

I recently build tree-structured forum, with a flat file backend. I'm planning to sell this script to my clients, including instalation and support.

The client doesn't realy buy the script, but he buys a license to use the script on his own website. In other words he is not allowed to pass the script on to others.

Now I'm looking for a technical way to make it unable/ more difficult/ not so easy for my clients to copy the php-page with the script a give it others. In one way or another I want to add something to the script, like a license-id, which makes the script useless for others than my client.

I don't wont to host the forums of my clients on my own sever, so I know that the client will always be able to view the source. I also know that there will always be true php-scripters who will be able to go around the protection. But that won't be a problem, since they propably won't be interested enough in my script. The protection is meant for the beginner/ moderate php-scripter.

Is there anyone who has experience with this issue and who could show me an example, give me a link to a tutorial or has any advice for me?

Thanks a lot in advance! Michiel

mystrymaster

zend encoder works well from what I here but that requires your clients to run that as well

Michiel

Yes,

I already read about Zend. But I guess that's not an option for me. I don't realy need to encode the source. I just want to add a function to the script, that makes it unable for any other to use the script. The protection simply has to make it harder for the 'moderate php-scripter' so he will be discouraged to try and strip the license chek out of the script.

Any ideas?

Thanx Michiel

jimson

maybe u should study this thread, perhaps can give u some insight about how to blur ur code... 🙂

http://www.phpbuilder.com/board/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10239570

this guys are great.... 🙂

laserlight

May I suggest a different approach?
Instead of trying to write proprietary code that is somehow secured from copying, it would be simpler and more beneficial to everyone, including yourself, that you license the code as Open Source.
This allows you to sell the code, to install it for a fee, to provide paid support or support at no cost, all up to you.
At the same time, the user is free to modify the code, which can help him, or which may require you to come back and correct it (for a fee?).

It is possible that the only ppl likely to actually modify your source code are your customers, since generally most ppl wouldnt have access to the serverside code, only to the clientside output.

For more information visit:
http://www.opensource.org

TheIceman5

Originally posted by mystrymaster
zend encoder works well from what I here but that requires your clients to run that as well

you havent looked into it too much then have you?? i suggest going to their website and reading it properly, youll be surprised at what it does. It does everything you want it to do perfectly plus more as an added bonus.

mystrymaster

Originally posted by TheIceman5
you havent looked into it too much then have you?? i suggest going to their website and reading it properly, youll be surprised at what it does. It does everything you want it to do perfectly plus more as an added bonus.

I have no desire to use it but thanks

phpaudit

I might have just what your looking for, please visit my site:

http://PHPAudit.us

Thanks!