PERFECTION IN SOFTWARE PROTECTION Quick Start Guide

Quick Start Guide | CodeMeter

Protection

Licensing

Delivery
Welcome to
Welcome to CodeMeter
CodeMeter ... the protection and licensing solution of Wibu-Systems for software and digital
content. This Quick Start Guide explains the CodeMeter concept and how
to apply CodeMeter within a few minutes. More detailed information about
CodeMeter you find in the CodeMeter Developer Guide.

CmDongle, CmActLicense, CmContainer

For storing the keys and licenses required for the protection CodeMeter
provides two variants. In the hardware-based variant CmDongle keys and
licenses are safely stored in the protection hardware connected to the PC.
In the software-based variant CmActLicense keys and licenses locate in a
unique, PC-bound license file which has to be created and activated. The
term CmContainer is used when the key and license carrier of both variants
is addressed.

The next pages take you step-by-step through the process of installing the
system, protecting your software, and preparing for distributing your protected
application.

CodeMeter
Installation
Installation Insert the DVD-ROM into your DVD-ROM drive. The CodeMeter DVD-ROM
menu automatically loads. If not, alternatively run start.exe from the root
directory of the DVD-ROM. Choose your language and click the button
CodeMeter SDK.

This installs the CodeMeter Development Kit including the tools, the sample
applications, and the Runtime Kit. Follow the instructions of the installation
wizard and in the further course use the default settings.

Note: All CmDongles included in the MediaKit are Firm Security Boxes (FSB)
for the evaluation Firm Code.

2
 Quick Start Guide

CodeMeter SDK
Installation

After the successful installation connect one of the CmDongles to the USB
port of the PC. Windows automatically detects and installs the new hardware.
CmDongles without flash memory can alternatively be detected either as Mass
Storage Device (MSD) including drive display or as Human Interface Device
(HID). A reconfiguration in both directions is possible any time. For details
see the help documentation.

Note: For additional operating systems, such as, Linux, Mac OS, and
Solaris, corresponding installation packages exist in the specified
subdirectories of the DVD.

VxWorks

3
 CodeMeter software protection bases on encryption and decryption processes
securely performed in the CmContainer depending on license entries you
program.

The following quick tutorial shows you how easy it is to protect a Windows
program using the CodeMeter variant CmDongle. The CmDongles included
in the Development Kit hold an evaluation license allowing you to program
license entries.

Later you will also learn how to protect and license software using the
software-based CodeMeter variant CmActLicense.

Protecting an
Protecting a Windows application using
application CmDongle
Starting point of the quick tutorial is the CodeMeter Start Center.

CodeMeter Start
Center

Start the tool AxProtector by clicking the respective button in CodeMeter

Start Center. The graphical user interface displays for quick, easy, and secure
protection.

4
 Quick Start Guide

Choose in the opening dialog the project type you want to protect. For
projects of the programming languages C# or VB.NET select .NET assembly
otherwise the project type Windows Application or DLL.

AxProtector
project type

Click the button OK to confirm the selection and then use the navigation
item File to protect to select the application to be protected.

AxProtector File
to protect

5
 In the tutorial you can use as applications simple text editors available for
several programming languages (First Sample - SampleNotePad). These
have been already typically installed with the SDK and locate in the public
documents directory (%PUBLIC%\Documents\WIBU-SYSTEMS\Software
Protection) also accessible by the button Samples of CodeMeter Start
Center. Copy the desired text editor to a directory you have write-access to,
e.g your personal folder.

But feel free to use also your own application for this first test.

The tutorial uses the project type Windows Application or DLL and
SampleNotePad programmed in C++.

Type in the file name directly or use the button to select the application.
The best way to save the destination file is to choose an alternative directory
different from the source directory. AxProtector automatically recommends
the subdirectory \ protected\.

Click the button Next > to confirm the selection.

Using the next tree item you select the licensing system to be used.

AxProtector
Selecting Licensing
systems CmDongle
and CmActLicense

6
 Quick Start Guide

Activate CmDongle and apply the evaluation license with Firm Code 10
and Product Code 13. The matching entry is already included in the CmDongle
shipped with your SDK.

Note: Here you may also select CmActLicense for the later use of
CmActLicense. If so, apply the CmActLicense evaluation license with Firm Code
5010 and Product Code 13. If you select both licensing systems an application
can start protected both by CmDongle and CmActLicense.

Now, step-by-step, follow through all subsequent tree items, and use the
suggested defaults. Detailed information on the individual options you find
in the CodeMeter Developer Guide and the AxProtector help file.

In the tutorial we protect a simple editor so that the protected application

will only start, when a CmDongle with the matching entries is connected
to the local PC.

Activating the option Runtime check in the tree item Runtime settings
the application will check every 30 seconds for a connected valid CmDongle.

In the tree item Security options you specify the protection methods, and
whether, for example, the hardware is to be locked if a hacker attack is
detected. The available protection methods depend on the project type you
selected before.

AxProtector
Current security
status

7
 In the tree item Error messages you define error handling. When activating
User Message Dll, automatically all required files are copied to the
destination directory. Using an *.ini file you are able to customize error
message texts and the logo meeting your requests.

AxProtector
Summary of all
settings

In the tree item Advanced options activating the option Activate IxProtector
/ WUPI allows to configure using the Software Protection API. In the tutorial
with an application not using this API, a configuration is not required.

The final tree item shows a summary of all settings.

8
 Quick Start Guide

Please note that one of the shipped CmDongles must be connected to your
PC while executing the encryption process, because it holds the license to
use the evaluation license.

Start the encryption process by clicking the button Finish.

Now your application is protected. You can only start it with a connected
CmDongle holding the matching entry.

Note: There are many more features available not mentioned in this Quick
Start Guide. For detailed information about those features, please refer to the
included manual.

9
 Protecting an application using CmActLicense
When using CmActLicense the software-based variant of CodeMeter, license
entries and keys do not locate in the shipped CmDongle but rather in an
unique, PC-bound, encrypted, and signed license file.

If you have not already selected CmActLicense as licensing system in the

tutorial above (tree item Licensing systems and option CmActLicense)
please do so.

Activate CmActLicense and apply the evaluation license with Firm Code
5010 and Product Code 13. Now protect the program by clicking the button
Finish again.

AxProtector
Select Licensing
system
CmActLicense

Creating and activating the PC-bound CmActLicense for the tutorial is done
using the CodeMeter License Central.

10
 Quick Start Guide

As software vendor you create first a ticket (activation code) allowing

the customer to activate the license.
For our tutorial you create a demo ticket by following the link
https://lc.codemeter.com/demo/
A customer then is able to online activate the license, for example, via
a web page.
For our tutorial you exemplary activate the CmActLicense on the
collection page of the CodeMeter License Central by following the
ticket link created by the demo ticket before.

CodeMeter
WebDepot -
Activate Licenses

However, you have also an option to activate licenses from within your
software using an activation wizard. Contact Wibu-Systems support for
more details.

Now the license is activated on this PC and the software can be started -
even if a CmDongle is not connected with the PC. If you copy and start the
CmActLicense protected application on another PC, you will see that the
license can not be transferred. The software will run on this PC only if a
separate license for this PC has been activated.

11
The CodeMeter
The CodeMeter concept
concept License entries and encryption
When you program a license entry into a CmContainer, it consists of a Firm
Code and a Product Code. The Firm Code you receive by Wibu-Systems, the
Product Code you are free to choose.

A CodeMeter Firm Security Box (FSB) guarantees that only you can program
a CmContainer with your Firm Code. The CmDongles included in the SDK
are, at the same time, a FSB for the evaluation Firm Codes 10 (CmDongle)
and 5010 (CmActLicense).

Every license entry represents a set of secret keys that can be used to protect
your software. This means, your software can only be decrypted and executed,
when the CmContainer holds the matching Firm Code and Product Code.

Note: There are many more features available not mentioned in this Quick
Start Guide. For detailed information about those features, please refer to the
included manual.

Each license entry may have additional but combinable options:

License Quantity: number of concurrent instances (see station share

and terminal server detection in the manual); usually this represents
the number of licenses on the network.
Unit Counter: pay-per-use licenses, e.g. allows 5 times printing.
Feature Map: and/or licenses can be implemented, e.g. 7 licenses of
version 2 or 3, but never more than 7 in total
Expiration Time: time-limited licenses, internally checked in the
CmContainer using an internal clock (valid to).
Usage Period: valid license since the first start of the protected
application.
Maintenance Period: upgrades within a maintenance service
agreement.

12
 Quick Start Guide

Organization of license entries

In each CmDongle you are able to program more than 6,000 license entries,
also with different Firm Codes involved.

You can even program a CmDongle already in the possession of a user

saving hardware costs.

For a clearer structure, the license entries are managed in a separate directory,
the Firm Item (see Firm Item and Product Item in the manual).

CodeMeter Control Center

CodeMeter Control Center combines multiple features in one application.
Control Center is the front end for the CodeMeter runtime (CodeMeter License
Server), and provides information about the status and the configuration of
CmContainer.

CodeMeter
Control Center

Moreover, it serves for displaying the event logs and provides a wizard for
the remote update programming of licenses. License updates base on the
exchange of files used to program, modify or delete the complete content
and options of a license.

13
 CodeMeter Control Center starts automatically at Windows start, and is
available in the system tray. The status of the CodeMeter License Server
and the CmContainer is visible by color and shape of the system tray icon.

For configuring additional CodeMeter settings the CodeMeter WebAdmin can

be started using the context menu of the system tray icon or by clicking the
WebAdmin button in the CodeMeter Control Center window.

CodeMeter WebAdmin
CodeMeter
WebAdmin
License entries

14
 Quick Start Guide

The CodeMeter WebAdmin is used for both the information display about
the attached CmContainer, e.g. existing license entries, and the configuration
of the CodeMeter License Server. Next to status information, all CodeMeter
License Server parameters are configurable. To get an overview of the license
entries (Firm Items), select the Content menu tab, and then Licenses.
For more information on the licenses contained, click the desired Firm Codes
and Product Codes.

There are many more CodeMeter WebAdmin features to discover. Detailed

information about the individual options you find in the CodeMeter Developer
Guide and the CodeMeter WebAdmin help file.

CodeMeter
WebAdmin
License
information

15
 Programming of license entries
Now, we will have a brief look at the options for programming license entries:

CmBoxPgm
CmBoxPgm is a command line tool that can be used for programming, e.g.
using a batch file.

License Editor
The graphical user interface clearly displays Firm and Product Items of a
CmDongle and provides easy editing options.

License Central
The database solution allows creating, managing and delivering licenses by
integration into sales and business processes. A Desktop Edition provides
an easy start for in-house license management. An Internet version includes
the license activation via Internet providing the following interfaces: Internet
Gateway to the customer, connectors to ERP/CRM systems, and connectors
to online shops.

Programming API
An extension of the CodeMeter programming interface, which provides to
program the license management from within own applications. This API is
available for various programming languages.

16
 Quick Start Guide

CodeMeter
License Editor

Note: To program a license entry into a CmContainer, a special CmDongle, the

Firm Security Box (FSB), is required. The CmDongles included in your Developer
Kit are both-in-one, an FSB for the evaluation Firm Codes 10 or 5010 and
an end-user CmDongle.

17
 The alternative implementing into own projects
The automatic protection with AxProtector as described above presents
only one option to integrate CodeMeter as license management system.
Alternatively or best of all, you should use the CodeMeter application
programming interfaces for programmers.

Interfaces for Programmers

The ideal supplement to automatic encryption is provided with WIBU Universal
Protection Interface (WUPI). The Software Protection API allows you to
implement license operations, when your program procedures require it. For
example, you are able to assign additional licenses for modules, or query
further details, such as the status of a Unit Counter. In the case WUPI options
do not cover all of your requirements, you can simply fall back to the Core
API, and, for example, individually encrypt contents.

The connection to the CodeMeter APIs is cross-platform designed and

standardized, and available for many programming languages:

C, C++
all Microsoft .NET languages
Microsoft Visual Basic
Borland Delphi
Java

18
 Quick Start Guide

Benefits and application scenarios

The explicit implementation of the software protection or the Core API offers
a variety of options:

Implement modular protection by assigning a separate Product Code

or a flag in the Feature Map to each of your software modules or
subroutines.
Use an additional Unit Counter for your software modules you then
count down at runtime using different values. Implement a fine-grained
pricing model for your software functions.
Provide demo versions to prospective customers running with limited
functions. Or activate additional modules for existing customers as
time-limited demo versions.
In time-critical real-time applications simply implement CodeMeter in
parts of the software that are not time-critical.
When explicitly implementing the APIs, it is you who determines efficiency
and effectiveness of the license management!

19
CodeMeter API
Guide

Learning-by-Doing - The API Guide

The CodeMeter application programming interfaces provide various options.
Learn how to use the API with the CodeMeter API Guide.

The CodeMeter API Guide allows you to test single functions of the Software
Protection API and the Core API.

An interactive input area allows you to enter parameters and structures for
previously selected API functions. In some cases, additional windows and
dialogs open for more specific input. The input is transferred into a separate
source code area.

Moreover, complete function blocks representing standard implementation

of the most commonly used functions can be executed and copied via the
source code area into your own software project.

The preset function calls and blocks can be displayed and executed using the
syntax of established programming languages, allowing you to take the first
steps in the programming language you are most familiar with.

20
 Quick Start Guide

A good place to start - CodeMeter sample CodeMeter

applications samples
Your CodeMeter Development Kit was installed with various sample
applications with a different scope:

Wupi Samples
The First, Second and Third Samples show you how to use the Software
Protection API based on an editor application with separate functions and
the integration of a protected DLL.

CmCalculator
CmCalculator shows the protection of separate functions of a simple
calculator using the Core API.

CmDemo
CmDemo is a complex sample application separated in different functional
groups demonstrating the implementation of most of the Core API functions.
A prepared section allows the implementation and testing of own function
calls, without having to set up a new project from scratch.

You find many answers in the manual included. In the case of more questions,
we or your distributor are gladly at your hand. A list of contact persons is
available at www.wibu.com

Note: You look for a tailored license strategy meeting your needs using
CodeMeter? Give us a challenge!

21
State-of-the-Art
State-of-the-Art Digital Rights Management
Digital Rights With CodeMeter, you can protect an unlimited number of single user licenses,
Management network licenses, and time-limited renting and leasing versions. Also pay-per-
use models can be implemented.

CodeMeter is characterized by transparent protection using strong encryption.

State-of-the-art encryption using 128-bit AES/224-bit ECC.

Built-in network support with various license models.
Unique serial number.
Compatibility with Windows 2003 / Vista / 2008 / 7 / 2012 / 8 / CE
/ Embedded, Linux, Mac OS X, Sun Solaris (SPARC + Intel), Cross-
Platform API.
Protection of multiple applications or modules with a single
CmContainer.
Sharing of a single CmDongle among multiple ISVs.
Internal real-time clock to secure Activation and Expiration Times.
ISO 9001:2008 certification of Wibu-Systems.

22
 Quick Start Guide

WIBU-SYSTEMS AG
Rueppurrer Strasse. 52-54,
76137 Karlsruhe, Germany
Fon +49 721 93172-0
Fax :+49 721 93172-22
sales@wibu.com | www.wibu.com

WIBU-SYSTEMS Branch Offices

WIBU-SYSTEMS (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. WIBU-SYSTEMS USA, Inc.
Shanghai: +86 21 556 617 90 USA: +1 800 6 Go Wibu
Beijing: +86 10 829 615 60 +1 425 775 69 00
info@wibu.com.cn sales@wibu.us

WIBU-SYSTEMS NV/SA WIBU-SYSTEMS BV

Belgium | Luxembourg: +32 3 400 03 14 The Netherlands +31 74 750 14 95
sales@wibu.be sales@wibu-systems.nl

WIBU-SYSTEMS IBERIA WIBU-SYSTEMS LTD

Spain | Portugal: +34 91 414 8768 United Kingdom | Ireland: +44 20 314 747 27
sales@wibu.es sales@wibu.co.uk

WIBU-SYSTEMS SARL
France: +33 1 73 03 04 91
info@wibu.fr

23
 Quick Start Guide
Copyright 2014 by Wi-
bu-Systems. WIBU, CodeMeter
SmartShelter and SmartBind software-powered businesses, whether in the consumer, corporate or embedded system realm,
are Wibu-Systems trademarks.
All other companies and product
names are registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
WEEE Reg-No.
DE90465365
WIBU-SYSTEMS AG (WIBU ) was founded in 1989 by Oliver Winzenried and Marcellus Buchheit.
Since its debut Wibu-Systems has been revolutionizing the international scene with security tech-
nological innovations. The product portfolio offers digital asset, intellectual property and integrity
protection against piracy, reverse engineering and code tampering. The broad and award-winning
range of Wibu-Systems solutions is unique and covers application fields from computers to mobile,
from embedded automation to cloud computing, from SaaS to virtualized models.
Through its motto Perfection in Protection, Wibu-Systems has enabled new business models;
can monetize their investments through license orchestration schemes.
Headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, Wibu-Systems holds subsidiaries in Seattle, USA, as well
as in Shanghai and Beijing, China; the company has also sales offices in Belgium, France , the
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and a capillary world distribution network.
5040-008-02/20150211 WIBU-SYSTEMS AG 2015