Should I build my own license server or use a licensing service?
Question
We’re thinking about writing our own license server. Is it worth it, or should we use a service?
Answer
A simple license key check is quick to write. What takes time is everything around it: trials, renewals, upgrades, device or user limits, refunds, a checkout with payment and tax handling, a page where customers see their licenses, reports, an API that never goes down, and protection against forged responses. And all of it needs looking after for as long as you sell the product.
If your licensing is simple and won’t change, or it’s part of what makes your product special, building it yourself can make sense. If you need several licensing models, expect your pricing to change, or would rather spend your time on your product, a service like NetLicensing is usually the better deal.
We’ve written up the details and a checklist in Build vs Buy: Developing Your Own Software Licensing Service.