New password is needed after 1 year.

[gary2942]

I'm selling a 1-year licence for people to use an application that I developed. After that year, I need them to repurchase the licence to continue to use that application. I'm looking for some way to place a message on the screen after they have had the application for one year and must now send me some $$. Or better yet, they must call me for a new access code to use the application. Any ideas?

[Kundinger]

Hello Gary;

I've had similiar situations with a solution I developed for schools. How do I prevent unwanted utiliization of my solution by people who have NOT paid for it?

Some ideas:

- use an 'Initialization' start-up sequence that walks new customers through setting up thier name, address, logo, users, etc.

- use a 'system prefs' file to maintain these settings

- use a 'hidden' calc that generates a 'Use Code' with an 'Initialization' date and a 'DEAD' date

- give 'authorized' customers an 'Access Code' that uses some of thier settings info for 'authentication' -- this can be done using ASCII codes for certain characters in thier name, address, zip, etc.

- create a fully functioning 'demo' solution that generates a 30 day 'Use Code' -- distribute on the web or CD's

- have 'warning' messages explaining the time limit and how to purchase an 'Access Code'

- have 'hidden' merge fields on all layouts that print 'Demonstration Copy -- Call XXX-XXX-XXXX for an Access Code'

Hope this helps...

Bob Kundinger