Definitions of Features, Products, Memory, and License Models
This section describes some of them most often-used terms in Sentinel LDK-EMS:
Features
A feature is a functional component in your software application that can be licensed. A feature can range from specific functionality, such as Print or Export, to a module, or even to an entire application.
After you define at least one feature, you can add that feature to Product. This enables you to sell a product with one or more licensed features.
Products
A product is a collection of one or more licensed features. Each product can be sold independently and is often associated with a part number (P/N or SKU). Products can differ from each other, both in the features that they contain, and in the license terms specified for each feature. Each batch code can contain a common pool of features.
You can control the specific products you define, the features they include, and the license terms assigned to each feature in each product. Products are typically defined by the product manager and implemented by the software engineer. The implementation scenario can be one of the following:
>You create a common product containing a bundle of related features. To maximize flexibility, you can enable the exclusion of one, several, or all features. This lets the order taker include or exclude features while producing an order. You can also control feature access using the various license models.
>You can define multiple products with combination of different features by understanding the market requirements and keep the products ready for orders.
Memory
Memory is a functional component that you can use to add data to a product. For example, you might include memory data to migrate existing license data or store homegrown license data. You define data in memory segments that can be color-coded for easy identification. Sentinel LDK-EMS provides two types of memory data: default memory and dynamic memory.
For details, see Managing Default and Dynamic Memory Data.
License Models
A license model is the logic behind a business transaction relating to licensing. For example, a rental license model enables you to charge for the use of software for a specific period of time. License models constitute various parameters (attributes) that define how a Product can be used by the end user.
An important step in the development of a licensing strategy is the preparation of a licensing plan. Business decision makers in an organization, such as product or marketing managers, define protection and business rules, and specify the license models required to meet the company’s software distribution needs.
You can configure usage terms to meet your company’s individual requirements. Sentinel LDK-EMS enables you to choose from a variety of built-in license models.