CodeMeter

CodeMeter is the world's most secure platform for license management and anti-piracy. The patented CodeMeter technology provides ISVs a full suite of tools for creating and managing licenses for desktop, SaaS, and cloud-based applications. CodeMeter protects both software and websites against piracy, tampering, and reverse engineering with solutions implemented in both hardware and software. ISVs can use software protection for low-risk markets with a hardware solution for high-risk markets, all without any need to modify the source files.

Is it secure? CodeMeter is the only anti-piracy solution that has survived multiple hacker's contests. Our hardware device, the CmStick, uses an on-board smart card chip, can have up to 8GB flash memory, can hold 1000 licenses, and requires no device driver, eliminating much of the support problems with traditional security devices. CodeMeter uses AES and ECC encryption, blocks debuggers and disassembly tools, and prevents man-in-the-middle attacks. Hardware form factors for CodeMeter include a small USB device, PC Card, and other small standard memory card configurations like CF, SD, and µSD.

Unlike other hardware security devices (often called dongles), the CmStick contains a SmartCard chip including a secure memory with a minimum of 128 kByte including more than 60 kByte available for storing your licenses and license data. User-addressible memory configurations of 1, 4, and 8GB are available with larger configurations by special order.

Don't want a hardware solution? CodeMeter provides the same technologies in a software-only solution, where the license is bound the specific characteristics of a particular PC.

With CodeMeter's License Central license management component, ISVs can choose multiple ways to create trial versions of their product, as well as easily create innovative pricing schemes based on pay-per-function, pay-per-use, subscription, and more. And License Central works for SaaS websites, client applications, and cloud-based deployments as well.

Finally, CodeMeter is the only high-security solution that is available on all major platforms, including Windows (including Server, Win7, Windows Mobile, and WindowsPE), Mac, Linux, and Solaris.

Security

CodeMeter deploys state-of-the-art encryption technologies for the maximum protection against illegal copies. The encryption keys are stored securely in the CodeMeter hardware.

  • Symmetric encryption: AES (Advanced Encryption Algorithm) with 128 bit key.
  • Asymmetric encryption and signatures: ECC (Elliptic Curves Cryptography) with 224 bit key.

The encryption keys are stored securely in the CodeMeter hardware and for increasing the level of security you can additionally change these keys during runtime via an Encryption Code.

In addition, the hardware is protected against all known analysis methods (e.g. electron microscope, DPA, etc).

The keys can be generated via a random number generator within the hardware as well, so they never leave the security of the CodeMeter hardware.

You will receive a unique Master-Box (FSB - Firm Security Box) for the programming of licenses into the CodeMeter hardware. With your FSB only you can program and update your licenses.

License models

Every license model, even complex ones, can be built with WibuKey and CodeMeter.

  • Single user license
  • Concurrent Use / Floating Licenses within a network system
  • Evaluation licenses (number of starts)
  • Subscriptions, renting or leasing (time-limited use)
  • Pay-Per-Use (accounting per executed action)
  • Modular licenses (activation of additional functions)

Of course combinations of these options are also possible. Demo versions or Try-Before-You-Buy licenses can be modulated for example with limited functions, expiration dates, number of starts and the use of time.

Options in CodeMeter

A license entry in the CodeMeter hardware is characterized by a Firm Code and a Product Code. Your FSB specifically determines your unique Firm Code. And you can freely choose the Product Code (e.g. different for each product).

  • Each license entry has the following options that can be combined:
  • Text (description text of an entry)
  • Unit Counter (number of runs or time limit in units)
  • Activation Time (the license is valid from)
  • Expiration Time (the license is valid until)
  • Feature Map (up to 32 modules can be programmed in one Feature Map)
  • Network Counter (Concurrent Use / Floating Licenses within one network)
  • Protected Data (additional entry of 255 Byte, e.g. the name of the licensee)
  • Extended Protected Data (as Protected Data, but with 128 x 255 Byte)
  • Hidden Data (only readable with password; useful for encryption)
  • Secret Data (not readable; useful for encryption)
  • User Data (unsecured of 255 Byte, e.g. for configuration data)

What’s more, different license entries with the same Product Code can be combined.

Programming of the hardware

There are many attractive options for programming the CodeMeter hardware both within your company and at your customers’ location.

  • Automated via a command line tool
  • Integration with your sales database tools via Cm API
  • Secure file-based Remote Programming
  • Integration of an e-commerce solution via CmTalk

You can use any and all of these options, too. For example you can transfer a single user license to a network license without swapping the CodeMeter hardware by simply adding a Network Counter.

The special benefits of CodeMeter

The user can employ the CodeMeter hardware for both a license manager and for storing sensitive data in a very secure way. There are many add-ons included for free.

The following add-ons are included for free:

  • CM Password Manager: secure and mobile storage of passwords, TAN lists and online accounts including an auto-fill function.
  • Steganos Safe Lite: a secure encrypted virtual drive on your hard disk with a maximum of 128 MByte. The drive can be opened only with the suitable CodeMeter hardware.
  • SecuriKey Lite: 2-factor authentication for the Windows login on Windows 2000 and Windows XP and Windows Vista.

What’s more, there is also a CodeMeter stick with an integrated flash disk of 128 MByte up to 2 GByte, which works like a USB memory stick but with all the benefits of CodeMeter, too.

Do you want to test the e-commerce abilities of CodeMeter but don’t want the work of integrating it in your own online shop?

Then the CodeMeter Alliance Partner program is for you. It offers you a cost-effective and flexible option.

You protect your software with CodeMeter and we integrate your products in our e-commerce solution at http://www.codemeter.com (the CodeMeter shop).

The CodeMeter shop offers you the well-priced possibility to outsource the handling of the e-commerce transactions, but with maximum CodeMeter security.

CodeMeter uses the existing Mass Storage Device driver, your customer doesn’t need administration rights and he can start a protected software directly from CD without installation.