Trial Versions

  • Thread starter Thread starter DanK
  • Start date Start date
D

DanK

You have to cripple it!
1) Limit the files to say 100 records.
2) Prevent the actual printing of any report. Make the
command Print Preview so they can see ON THE SCREEN what
they COULD print out wiht the full version.
3) Set a time bomb. If date() = 1/1/2004 then delete
tables, files; really destroy the database. Let them know
ahead of time that it's going to die.
4) Create a crippled version that they can activate with a
phone call. For example, they pay you and get a phone
number to call. You tell them where in the code to go and
activate it. For example, when the database opens up it
sets a global variable X to say 100. Then, you add code
all over the place that checks the value of X. If it's
100, then they can't print, they can only print preview.
There's code that checks for the date 1/1/04 and if X =
100, self destruct. But when they call, you tell them
where to go to remove or modify the code that sets X to
100.
 
You can limit trial versions to numbers of records, but unless you don't
mind getting sued, you cannot delete a customer's data, even if the
structure isn't paid for. Not only can you not delete it, but in most states
you are required to let them get continued access to their data. You are not
usually required to let them get it through your program.
--
Arvin Meyer, MCP, MVP
Microsoft Access
Free Access downloads:
http://www.datastrat.com
http://www.mvps.org/access
 
Back
Top