Flash Projector Project - How store data & copy protect?

[Adam]

I've have to create a Flash Projector Project that will be downloaded as an .exe file and run on the user's computer. I have 2 basic questions:

1. What's the best way to store "record" type data for a projector application? I'm familiar with shared objects but I haven't used them beyond basic variable storage. Can shared objects handle something like 1000 records (about 6 fields each)? What other options are there?

2. My client wants this application set up so people have to come to his site and download it. He does not want people to be able to share it without his involvement. So what's the best way to secure and copy protect flash projector application?

Thanks all,
Adam

 

[Jorge Solis]

1. You can use XML files, txt or just embed the data inside your movie
2. Microsoft wants the same ... but I think they didn't find yet the answer

Jorge

[Musicman]

Hi,

this looks like a product or somewhat database application to me. Is it a software catalog, or how come your client believes it may only be interesting to windows users?

Musicman

[Adam]

Jorge & Musicman, Thanks for the replies.

Musicman, yes, this would normally be database application. The data is simple enough to get away with a flat file so I don't think a database is necessary. Besides, I'm afraid if I use a database like MS access I'll make it more difficult to run across different platforms. I need to be able to write, retrieve, store, delete and edit each record - but I can't use middleware to do it. It has to be a stand alone application - just place it in a folder and run. I am storing small records, each with about 8 fields of text and numbers - about 70 bytes per record. The system should be able to handle about 500 records, so I didn't think shared objects would be the best choice. (Am I wrong about that?)

My client isn't just interested in windows. We will also make a MAC projector file too.

Jorge & Musicman, the application can also be used for other purposes so the client may want to sell it. They want a copy protection system and though I know that no security system is perfect, I'd like to know what more experienced guys like you do to protect an offline flash projector application. Obviously, some kind of registration number system is what most developers turn to, but I don't know how do this with offline flash, particularly - how do you write data to a drive without going through middleware (except for cookies or shared objects).  Or is there some other alternative I should know about?

Thanks again,
Adam

[Musicman]

Hi,

the default size of shared object is 100kB, once it gets more user will be asked for permission
Everything other than shared object will require some middleware. It is possible to create platform independent middleware in perl, but that would require windows users to install perl - mac and linux users normally have it installed with the OS.
How about a linux projector?

Musicman

[Adam]

Yeah, that's what I thought. I know the shared object will ask for permission after the 100k. Not great, but compared to the other alternatives I think it's the best. I don't know enough about Linux to go that route. Thanks!

[Adam]

Zinc. It's a way to get Flash to communicate with the local file system. Anybody ever try this?

http://www.communitymx.com/content/article.cfm?cid=107B6&print=true

[Jorge Solis]

Or Screamweaver (Windows only) http://osflash.org/screenweaver

Jorge

[..:: Mazhar Hasan ::..]

For your Question #2,It is a bit complex process that i am trying to implement on my products. it is only possible if you generate a runtime key against eash user. Say a user registers for your software, then you will generate a strong encypted key for that user, store that encrypted version of that key in an XML file , bundle that file with your product, then use a command line AS compiler like MTASC that will create a simple empty movie that loads that unique key and decrypt that and match that loclly, since this swf file was uniquely  created for that particular user, if the key in XML file matches with the original one, then proceed, other wise,kick him off.

[Musicman]

Hi,

unless this player interacts with a server (and could possibly notice duplicate activity), copying the player and all related files would still allow to pass the application to a friend.
I recall one company had an explicit warning on their website that the credit card used to purchase the software could be retrieved from the license file, and thereby sharing the license would also be sharing the card number. Maybe it was just social engineering....

Musicman