Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
#1
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.programming
|
|||
|
|||
Should I use Excel for this software project--or something else?
I designed, developed, and implemented a productivity software program
in BASIC over 20 years ago (pre-dates Excel and Lotus 123). The software was not written on an IBM PC-compatible computer, nor am I aware of it ever being transferred to a PC-compatible system. I did not write it in Visicalc because I preferred the control and error-checking available in BASIC that Visicalc did not offer. The program was very successful for the business, as they based their purchasing volume on that program. Costs dropped dramatically and the company survived while many competitors did not. However, that was 20+ years ago. I believe the company no longer exists, as they are no longer listed in telephone directories or anywhere on the Internet. I have searched on the Internet and have not found a comparable program--although simple textbook versions of this software have been available for some time (including one from Microsoft). The program is *not* business- or industry-specific and does not contain any proprietary information about any business. The only unique item in the program is the mathematical formula I created to generate the results. Mathematical formulae can not be patented, thus I can not protect it that way. Copyright/trademark would generally only apply to a specific work--which could be easily ripped off. I have created a 3-sheet Excel97 spreadsheet that incorporates my formula, and it behaves according to the same rules of the original BASIC program. I have also added easily-changable variables that were not readily available in the original BASIC program. I am considering licensing this productivity software on a per-seat basis, and would like to protect the mathematical formula I created in order to maximize revenue from it. I am guess-estimating a per-seat price of US $50, and perhaps 10k to 20k seats. Volume might go higher if there are significant international sales, which could be easily managed. On-line sales will be likely, as the program is quite small (largest version is 125k). Based upon what I have read, Excel is not a very secure program. I will be using sheet-protection on sheet 1 (management data) and sheet 3 (results page--data taken from sheets 1 and 2). No protection on sheet 2, as this is the variable data entered to make the calculations. Based on the above information, which software package would you recommend as a way to relatively securely distribute and run the software and keep it from being pirated? I am not required to use Excel, it is simply what I have available--so I use it. Regards, Jerry |
#2
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.programming
|
|||
|
|||
Should I use Excel for this software project--or something else?
You are correct, Excel is not very secure. Although password protection is
available for workbooks and macros, there are many utilities available on the net that can crack the passwords. For maximum security, I would suggest creating your application in a programming environment, such as Visual Basic or C or whatever you might be more comfortable with. I've never used either, but I'm sure whatever application developed using one of those, or something like them, can be made more secure than Excel. Mike. -- Michael J. Malinsky "Gerald Abrahamson" wrote in message ... I designed, developed, and implemented a productivity software program in BASIC over 20 years ago (pre-dates Excel and Lotus 123). The software was not written on an IBM PC-compatible computer, nor am I aware of it ever being transferred to a PC-compatible system. I did not write it in Visicalc because I preferred the control and error-checking available in BASIC that Visicalc did not offer. The program was very successful for the business, as they based their purchasing volume on that program. Costs dropped dramatically and the company survived while many competitors did not. However, that was 20+ years ago. I believe the company no longer exists, as they are no longer listed in telephone directories or anywhere on the Internet. I have searched on the Internet and have not found a comparable program--although simple textbook versions of this software have been available for some time (including one from Microsoft). The program is *not* business- or industry-specific and does not contain any proprietary information about any business. The only unique item in the program is the mathematical formula I created to generate the results. Mathematical formulae can not be patented, thus I can not protect it that way. Copyright/trademark would generally only apply to a specific work--which could be easily ripped off. I have created a 3-sheet Excel97 spreadsheet that incorporates my formula, and it behaves according to the same rules of the original BASIC program. I have also added easily-changable variables that were not readily available in the original BASIC program. I am considering licensing this productivity software on a per-seat basis, and would like to protect the mathematical formula I created in order to maximize revenue from it. I am guess-estimating a per-seat price of US $50, and perhaps 10k to 20k seats. Volume might go higher if there are significant international sales, which could be easily managed. On-line sales will be likely, as the program is quite small (largest version is 125k). Based upon what I have read, Excel is not a very secure program. I will be using sheet-protection on sheet 1 (management data) and sheet 3 (results page--data taken from sheets 1 and 2). No protection on sheet 2, as this is the variable data entered to make the calculations. Based on the above information, which software package would you recommend as a way to relatively securely distribute and run the software and keep it from being pirated? I am not required to use Excel, it is simply what I have available--so I use it. Regards, Jerry |
#3
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.programming
|
|||
|
|||
Should I use Excel for this software project--or something else?
Even though making an executable using a compiler like VB
or C or Delphi will make it more difficult to track the mathematical formula, there exist decompilation programs which probably make it relatively easy to find out how things are computed. I think that an important point that you should take account of, is the fact that many people around the world use Excel (whether we like that or not), and that it greatly improves the ease-of-use if you distribute Excel- compatible applications. Maybe you can combine the two by trying to hide your magic formula in a DLL or something which can then be used in combination with Excel. In this newsgroup however, you can see that problems with home- made DLL's are quite common, but I have never tried it myself. Maybe expert advice |
#4
Posted to microsoft.public.excel.programming
|
|||
|
|||
Should I use Excel for this software project--or something else?
"Gerald Abrahamson" wrote in message ... Based on the above information, which software package would you recommend as a way to relatively securely distribute and run the software and keep it from being pirated? I am not required to use Excel, it is simply what I have available--so I use it. Regards, Jerry I'd suggest VB.Net or if you are somewhat more adventurous C# which is much wasier for the beginner to pick up than C++ Be aware that a simple port of an old style basic program isnt the best way to go. Unlike the old basic implementations VB is an object orientated language. However you should know that there are some issues with security issues with vb.net. Essentially its raher easy to disassemble the cod and get access to VB source. There are a number of code obfuscation tools available to prevent this. Keith |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Excell error "Can't find Project or Library" Project VBAProject | Excel Worksheet Functions | |||
is there a software "Excel Project Manager" for construction? | Excel Discussion (Misc queries) | |||
How to convert MS Project to MS Excel. I don't have MS Project. | Excel Discussion (Misc queries) | |||
How can I get the excel software only? | Excel Discussion (Misc queries) | |||
how can i fix my excel software? | Excel Discussion (Misc queries) |