I'm assuming most people roll their own system (like me). If that assumption is true, I'm wondering if software developers would rather pay for a service that generates and manages license keys, emails users to renew subscriptions, accepts payments, etc.
Any thoughts?
The downside of any common license system is that it becomes a big target for crackers, since cracking the one system unlocks lots of software. Some developers are happy to deal with that, others not.
If you're rolling your own, make sure you've checked out Brandon Staggs' article on Partial Key Verification (PKV): http://www.brandonstaggs.com/2007/07/26/implementing-a-parti...
Some of them have SDKs and can manage license keys.
I was thinking of a system that generates license keys, allows software to check in to verify those license keys, notify customers when license keys are expiring, etc. It doesn't seem like those companies offer services like that.
Perhaps I am trying to solve a problem that does not exist.