Software distribution processes

I've just downloaded a white-paper from KnowledgeStorm that identifies some best practices in the prevention of software piracy. Key issues discussed include the use of dongles, counter-measure systems, statistical piracy monitoring systems, embedding security into the software development process integrating licensing systems into an ERP or CRM, and even having a licensing strategy that is corporate-wide.

Some statistics are provided regarding the increase in software piracy over the last few years, as well as the most popularly copied programs.

Overall there is an encouragement for software companies to look at licencing and piracy prevention as corporate, strategic issues, which makes a lot of sense. Without this viewpoint, there can be a proliferation in costs as different business units try to come up with their own particular solutions for the problem.