StarForce ProActive for Business is recommended for protection of business applications that are designed to work in either a “thin client-server”/”fat client-server” configuration, or as a stand-alone application, running on a server or a workstation.
StarForce ProActive for Business provides protection against the following threats
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Illegal software copying and distribution |
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Breach of license (expiration time, number of user licenses, number of runs, etc.) |
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Analysis and reverse engineering to modify software |
StarForce licensing models
Demo |
Trial |
Try&Die |
Buy Only |
Rent / Subscription |
Provides the product with reduced functionality, but without time limitations |
Allows the end-user to use the product for a certain period of time for free. After the trial period ends, the end-user can only continue using the application in case of license purchasing |
Provides the end-user access to the product for a certain period of time, without a paid license. After this trial period expires, the application can no longer be run |
Provides full access to the product with a valid (paid) license |
Provides the end-user access to the product with time limitations. After the expiration date, a new period must be paid to continue work with the product |
How StarForce ProActive for Business works
When an application is being protected on StarForce Server, its code has some modification that prevents the software from running, unless two tests have been passed:
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A check that the license complies with its restrictions |
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Authentication of the license. This includes the verification of the binding object: an object that is hard to imitate. The license is bound to this object at activation |
The existence of a license is confirmed by a serial number. A serial number is a unique string of characters that identifies a specific license. License restrictions for each serial number can be edited by using StarForce License Management Server. The Server has a user friendly web interface that helps to manage licenses in one click, e.g. to renew or revoke licenses, to change functional limitations or the number of end-users. Additionally, StarForce License Management Server allows to collect statistics to have the latest info on usage of the application.
In case of USB drive binding a license is confirmed by the presence of a device with definite parameters. The way a license is authorized depends on the selected binding object.
StarForce ProActive for Business binding objects
Binding Object |
How It Works |
Use |
A computer (a server or a workstation)
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The protected application binds to the computer when you install or run the application for the first time. During the activation process, StarForce License Management Server collects the info on the computer parameters and associates it with the serial number to establish a binding. For subsequent runs the connection to StarForce License Management Server is not required. |
The easiest way of binding, ideally suits applications that are run on physical computers (not virtual machines). |
USB drive
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The protected application can be run only if a special USB flash drive is inserted in the PC. |
This is an ideal binding object for a closed enterprise network or for situations when a protected application is used on many different computers. |
Local server
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In order to be launched, the protected application requires a connection to the License Control Service that is installed on the local network. The Service is bound to the computer where it is installed. The Service monitors the number of connections and does not allow having more end users than allowed by the license (client-server model). |
This binding method is the best option in case it is necessary to install software on many computers within one local network (one company). It is used if the protected application is run on virtual machines, because a usual computer binding in this case is not reliable enough. |
Remote Server
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In order to be launched, the protected application requires a connection to StarForce License Control Service over the Internet. The Service verifies the serial number, controls the license restrictions and prevents the launching of illegal software copies. |
This method enables full control of the protected application in real time. You have an opportunity to prolong, revoke, add new users at any moment. It also supports running on virtual machines. |
Protection for “thin client–server” applications
The development of internet technologies stimulates the growth of the use of client-server software, where an end-user needs nothing except a browser and internet connection to access the service. In this case it is necessary to protect the server from replication and to control the number of end users.
Phasis
Phasis, a software developer, has a product, protected with StarForce ProActive for Business. This is a content management system that helps people to watch movies and TV shows over Internet. The price of the system is calculated on the basis of a core license with a number of end-user licenses. Therefore, it is very important for the developer to control the number of end-users and to protect the server against copying and transferring it, for example, to another region.
In this case, the developer can choose one of two objects to bind the application to: the computer on which the software is run or the Remote Server, in case a virtual machine is being used. Phasis uses both variants depending on their clients’ plans.
Protection for “fat client–server” applications
A fat client is an alternative to a browser-based client. Business software developers use fat client applications to be installed on workstations to improve performance and reliability. During the working process, users interact with, e.g., the database installed on the server.
Vetrix
Vetrix specializes in software development for contact-centers. The company uses binding to Local Server for copy protection and user license control. It helps to save time and resources for deployment. However, for remote workstations the customer can use binding to the user's computer or to Remote Server.
Protection of stand-alone application
You can use various binding objects to protect an application: a computer, Local Server, Remote Server. If the protected product is run on a virtual machine, it makes sense to opt for binding to Remote Server, as in this case hardware settings can’t be imitated and the developer is able to monitor the application in real time. If a product is run on a physical server or computer, it’s better to use this for binding.
StarForce C++ Obfuscator
StarForce created a program for C++ obfuscation and offers it to its customers for testing and purchasing. To prevent possible unauthorized actions such as the illegal software copying, StarForce has decided to protect the product using StarForce ProActive for Business. To achieve better control over the program, binding to Remote Server is chosen.
Protection via StarForce Cloud
1 |
Download and install StarForce Protection Studio (available for free). |
2 |
Using StarForce Protection Studio, select software functions that will be protected against analysis and reverse engineering. This action is not essential, but strongly recommended for a higher class protection. |
3 |
Set the parameters of protection and binding. |
4 |
Customize the elements of the GUI (if needed). |
5 |
Protect the application via StarForce Cloud (Internet connection is necessary). |
6 |
Generate test serial numbers. |
7 |
Test the protected application. |
8 |
Generate release serial numbers. |
9 |
Start selling. |
You can protect your software any time you like.
Protection by StarForce specialists
StarForce offers the following chargeable services
Protection is performed by StarForce employees and may include:
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Protection with functions selection. |
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Protection without functions selection. |
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Protection with functions to be selected by the customer. |
Analysis of the protection performed by the customer.
Supported technologies
StarForce ProActive for Business covers the protection of the following software modules
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Native Windows applications. Usually these applications are written in C++, less often in Delphi |
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.NET-applications, including server applications, based on ASP .NET technology. These applications are usually written in C#, less frequently in VB .NET, Managed C++ |
In some cases, StarForce ProActive for Business protects other types of applications. This becomes possible in case the application or the module that is responsible for its execution (e.g., an interpreter) can be fully or partially converted into a Native Windows or .NET application. This way it is possible to protect the applications developed in the following languages:
Please contact us if you need a consultation from our specialist.
Technical parameters
Protection features