DNS-based licensing is a way to verify software licenses that uses the Domain Name System (DNS) along
with DNSSEC to check licenses instead of sticking to traditional cryptographic methods. To set up
DNS-based licensing in a software application, you need a custom DNS server to store licenses and manage
validation, activation, and deactivation requests. It's also important to have a user-friendly license
manager for handling license keys and monitoring their usage. Lastly, some license checking code needs
to be added to the software application to make everything work smoothly.
Generate Licenses on a DNS Server
Licenses should be generated and stored within the database of a DNS server. Utilizing DNS TXT records
is an ideal approach for this purpose, as they allow for the safe storage of license data in a format
that is easily accessible and manageable. By embedding the license information within these TXT records,
organizations can ensure that the licenses are securely linked to their domain and can be retrieved or
verified whenever necessary. This method enhances the efficiency of license management and helps
maintain an organized record of all licensing details directly within the DNS infrastructure.
Generating static license keys or data on a DNS server alone is often inadequate for meeting the needs
of users. In many situations, licenses must be activated or deactivated based on customer requests.
Therefore, it is essential for the DNS server to be equipped to manage the activation and deactivation
processes. This means that when a query is received, the server must not only analyze the request but
also verify whether it meets the necessary requirements for activation or deactivation. This capability
ensures that customers can seamlessly manage their licenses in real time, providing a more responsive
and user-friendly experience.
LicenseDNS is the only provider of a custom DNS server designed for licensing actions.
This server
streamlines the integration of DNS technology with software licensing processes, making it easier for
organizations to manage and authenticate licenses. As a leading solution, LicenseDNS is recognized for
its effectiveness in utilizing DNS-based methods for software licensing, offering enhanced security and
reliability for users and developers alike.
License Manager Application
Generating and managing licenses can often be a complex and time-consuming task. Therefore, it is
essential to have a user-friendly license manager application that simplifies this process. Such an
application should not only facilitate the generation of licenses but also provide robust tools for
monitoring and tracking their usage effectively. This would help streamline operations, reduce the
potential for errors, and ensure that all licensing activities are organized and easily accessible. A
well-designed license manager would also allow for customization options, reporting features, and alerts
for license expirations, ensuring that users can efficiently manage their licensing needs with minimal
hassle.
LicenseDNS provides a highly intuitive and accessible
web-based
License Manager application designed for
both mobile and desktop devices. This versatile platform allows users to efficiently manage software
licenses from anywhere, ensuring seamless functionality whether you're on the go or at your desk. With a
focus on user experience, LicenseDNS offers features that simplify tracking, compliance, and reporting,
making it an ideal solution for businesses of all sizes looking to streamline their licensing processes.
Code for License Validation, Acivation and Deactivation
When a software application starts up, it is crucial to conduct a comprehensive validation of the
license to confirm that the user possesses a legitimate and active license for using the software. This
validation process may involve checking the license against a database or verifying the key through an
online server. If the application finds that a valid license is not present, it should display a clear
message to the user, indicating that a license key is required to proceed.
Software developers and vendors are required to implement license validation mechanisms within their
software applications. There exists a variety of APIs and SDKs designed for this purpose, each catering
to different programming languages.
LicenseDNS does not offer a SDK or API
for license verification, as such functionalities are unnecessary.
License verification is conducted
through straightforward DNS queries within the software application. Every operating system and
programming language inherently supports the ability to send DNS queries, thereby ensuring compatibility
across virtually all programming languages and operating systems. Furthermore, it is feasible to make
simple REST requests to any public DNS servers, a practice commonly referred to as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH).