licensing and multiple installations

Robert -- N5IKD

Once licensing is implemented, how will the licensing work if I want to use my radio from multiple computers? (not at the same time)

Richard G7EIX

I have a feeling and also hope it's linked to the serial number of the radio. So no limitations other than it needing to be a licenced serial. And it would probably need to call home to validate - as opposed to trusting the individual to enter a valid licensed serial.

Dudley-WA5QPZ

Robert, As of now, it is a single user access from any one computer, SmartSDR can be loaded on as many computers as you like..

Tim - W4TME

Robert, Dudley is correct. This is covered in the license agreement that you agree to before installing SmartSDR for Windows and a copy of the license agreement is in the release notes too.

Richard G7EIX

So when the updates start flowing, and new versions are made available with new features and doodahs that we pay for in our update subscriptions - how is the proliferation of those updates, among those whose subscriptions eventually lapse and have not paid for them, restricted? My initial reply was assuming that a validation process will be created to validate that the radio has an active subscription. Otherwise updates can easily be shared.

W5XZ - dan

'doodahs' ?? is that a software engineering term, Richard?

Richard G7EIX

Aye, it goes along side doodjamaflotsies and thingamajigs.

Tim - W4TME

As I understand it, software will be licensed to the radio, not to the client

Steve-N5AC

We have not yet spent a lot of time discussing these topics. Our main goal in licensing is this: provide a revenue stream from existing customers that goes into software enhancements for those customer's radios for as long as the customers are interested in continuing to pay us to do this. In other words, if you are continuing to enjoy new value from each release we make and you want to continue paying for it, then you will fund us to continue the development. In a sense, you get to leverage all of your friends and fellow amateurs to get us to do new useful and cool features that you want. We see this as a win for everybody and as a customer you are in control of how long this goes on. If the customer base doesn't like what we're doing and can't convince us to change, you just stop buying upgrades. I think this is good for us -- it compels us do what you want. I trust that however we do it, you guys will keep us honest by voting with your wallet. As far as specific features or how they might be used across client devices and radios, none of that has been decided. We will undoubtedly have a conversation about what seems "fair" and we will discuss what we think with a number of customers before implementing anything.