Elteto.net

While service plans and extended warranties on consumer electronics are often money-sucking schemes, protecting your licenses for music production software is a good idea.

Allow me to use the example of East West Quantum Leap licenses, as I have some experiences managing those. Even though they are such an incredible value at the price, EWQL virtual instruments still cost a considerable amount of money, especially when owning multiple titles. These titles are activated on a computer by connecting to the web and downloading licenses to an iLok USB device that must stay plugged into the computer. I found the licensing method fairly painless and reliable, but I did have to install some drivers and utilities, and had to use two different log-ins, one for soundsonline.com, and one for the iLok. Once an EWQL title is activated on a computer, the license is stored on both the USB key and online on iLok's servers.

The computer with the licensed titles can crash, the installation DVDs may get lost or destroyed, and a damaged iLok can cut access off for the licensed owner. Re-purchasing an EWQL collection due to lost licenses would cost way too much to make sense. Even though I, as many others, view the idea of not actually owning a product with suspicion, licenses do have some advantages, as the EWQL example suggests.

In my opinion, the $30 annual Zero Down Time (ZDT) plan provides a peace of mind that is worth the low fee. In case something happens to the iLok, the user can receive temporary licenses (direct download to computer, no iLok required) for 14 days to run his software until his iLok is replaced. If the device is damaged, the user can send it back and get the same licenses on a replacement stick. iLok states that lost or stolen device claims are handled directly by the original software manufacturer, and the amount of hassle involved may vary from company to company. Furthermore, for a small fee, installation discs for the EWQL titles can be obtained, and the backed-up licenses can be used for the re-installed products. The big advantage of the licenses is that you are not paying hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars for the shiny discs alone.

Of course, there are always fears associated with licenses. Not really owning a product takes away a considerable amount of control from the consumer. As the EWQL titles need to be re-activated on each new computer, even if you move the iLok, you rely on web connections and on the companies involved staying in business. Yes, the licenses never expire, but eventually you may be stuck with your last installation on an eventually obsolete and expiring computer. In some cases companies going out of business open their licenses, but sometimes the products are left for hackers to "free".

As of right now, though, I am not too worried about East West going out of business, and I find that  they offer some generous offers for second, concurrent licenses for their products, and the option for buying replacement discs, along with the iLok ZDT plan, ensure musicians will have their tools at their disposal for years to come.